The weather outside is frightful — a skier's paradise.
"We're the only ones who get excited about it getting cold, about the snow falling," said human biology junior and Spartan Ski Club member Ashley Delzer. "I'm anxious, ready to go."
But the slopes only open when the weather's right.
"Because of the nature of the business, we're at the mercy of Mother Nature," said Robert Bruhn, who works at Mt. Brighton in Brighton.
Many slopes in Michigan opened in the last two weeks but are only open on the weekends because of above-freezing temperatures and little snow.
"The industry usually shoots for the Thanksgiving Day weekend," said Julie Ard, spokeswoman for Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands resorts. "The opening as well as closing are all dependent on the temperatures — for snowmaking purposes, 28 degrees or below to make the snow."
In 2000-2001, skiing brought in $150 million and affected 4,000 jobs, said Dave Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan, the state's tourism promotion agency.
"It's certainly extremely important for the winter industries in Michigan; such high-profile industries really set the tone for people getting outdoors and active," Lorenz said. "A lot of the better-known ski magazines will point to Michigan and resorts around Michigan as best in what they do."
Start planning now with this handy-dandy guide:
Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls
Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs
Open: Friday. Will be open weekends until it opens for the season. Season opening TBA.
Hours: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Night skiing starts Dec. 26, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
Rates: Early season price is $25 for students. In peak season it is $41 for a 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekend day ticket, or $44 for a 9 a.m.-9 p.m. weekend all-day ticket. Dec. 16 is a "six for one" day, where six tickets cost the price of one.
Contact: (800) 462-6963, www.boyne.com
Caberfae Peaks in Cadillac
Open: Will be open weekends until further notice.
Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. weekends, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. weekdays. Dec. 26-31 open 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Rates: Monday, Wednesday and Friday with a college ID, lift ticket is $9 after 6 p.m., $18 at 9 a.m. and the rate drops $1 per hour until 6 p.m.
Contact: (231) 862-3000, www.caberfaepeaks.com
Crystal Mountain in Benzie County
Open: Will reopen Friday. Regular season begins Dec. 16.
Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Rates: Regular season rates are mid-week $40, weekend $45. Students receive $5 discount.
Contact: (800) 968-7686, www.crystalmountain.com
Mt. Brighton in Brighton
Open: Friday or Saturday. Season starts as weather permits.
Hours: Monday through Thursday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. -11 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.-2 a.m., Sundays 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Rates: $5 student discount Monday through Friday with ID. Rates vary per hours and days.
Contact: (810) 229-9581, www.mtbrighton.com
Nub's Nob in Harbor Springs
Open: This weekend. Might close down one more week after that to make snow. Season should begin Dec. 9.
Hours: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays. Night skiing 6 p.m.- 10 p.m. every night but Sunday and Tuesday
Rates: Lift tickets midweek $41, weekend $49. For those 19 and younger, the cost is $36 during the week, $42 on weekends
Contact: (800) 754-6827, www.nubsnob.com
Shanty Creek's Schuss and Summit mountains in Bellaire
Open: For the season
Hours: Schuss Mountain is open Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday, Saturday and holidays: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. Summit Mountain is open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and holidays
Rates: $43 weekends. Night only $20. $29 weekdays. Night-only: $18
Contact: (800) 678-4111, www.shantycreek.com
