On Saturday, snow sport aficionados descended upon the slopes in southeast Michigan following an unanticipated yet appreciated cold snap that accelerated the season’s commencement. The drop in temperatures enabled snowmaking teams to spring into action within a week of Thanksgiving, according to Pine Knob Ski School Director Jeff King in a statement to The News. […]
On Saturday, snow sport aficionados descended upon the slopes in southeast Michigan following an unanticipated yet appreciated cold snap that accelerated the season’s commencement.
The drop in temperatures enabled snowmaking teams to spring into action within a week of Thanksgiving, according to Pine Knob Ski School Director Jeff King in a statement to The News.
Skiers and snowboarders as young as 2 have been visiting the Clarkston resort since its opening day on Dec. 1, he noted. Six days into the season, residents of southeast Michigan continue to arrive in droves to take advantage of the lifts, he added.
“I would say almost everyone I’ve spoken to claims this has been the finest opening week of skiing they’ve had,” King remarked.
Snowmaking crews have been tirelessly working on the Pine Knob courses around the clock recently to ensure the resort’s over 150 installed snow guns are functioning optimally, stated Sean Kennedy, the general manager of the resort.
Numerous experts are employed at the resort year-round to upkeep the terrain for visitors and prepare the snow machines even prior to the initial frost, he added.
Last winter was difficult for ski resorts and other establishments dependent on winter weather, which suffered significant financial setbacks during Michigan’s warmest recorded winter, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Operators of ski resorts in the state faced a loss of $41 million in forecasted revenue throughout the winter, according to the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association.
Meteorologists from the National Weather Service attributed this to an El Niño year, a warming trend in the central Pacific that influences global weather patterns, combined with a warming climate.
On Saturday, one hour southwest of Pine Knob at Mount Brighton, snowmaking teams were also diligently preparing ahead of the resort’s opening day on Friday, according to senior administrator Sydney Ryan.
It appears that resorts benefited this year from a cooler end to November and appropriate humidity levels, she remarked.
“I don’t think anyone fully appreciates the extensive effort behind the scenes and what it takes to create the experience,” Kennedy commented. “You genuinely have to adore the conditions and temperatures to accomplish all of this.”
Chase Marcum, an 11-year-old from Waterford Township, shared with The News that he was among the first snow enthusiasts to tackle the slopes at Pine Knob.
By Saturday, he had already frequented the resort four times—and he planned to continue skiing throughout the season, he mentioned.
“I’ve just been at it for a long time,” Marcum said of his skiing skills. “I suppose it’s simply my favorite sport.”
Katie Abraham, 42, from West Bloomfield Township, was also pleased to enjoy a snowy day with her family at Pine Knob, she noted.
She and her husband, Erik, introduced their 2-year-old daughter, Ivy, to skiing for the first time on Saturday, and their other daughter, 5-year-old Celia, also experienced a milestone with her first run down the hill, she mentioned.
“We enjoy it; it’s a fantastic way to get through the winter,” Abraham said. “It keeps us outdoors even in the cold and dreary weather.”
Only months after undergoing knee replacement surgery, Marwan Abouljoud, 64, was back on the slopes for the first time this season on Saturday.
The Grosse Pointe resident usually uses Michigan resorts as a precursor before heading out west with his family to Utah and Colorado for more snow, he stated.
“I believe they have done an exceptional job,” he said regarding the conditions of Pine Knob’s slopes on Saturday afternoon. “I think some snowfall occurred, but they effectively utilized the cold weather to generate their own snow, resulting in an almost perfect experience. Everyone is outdoors, and it’s wonderful. It’s impressive they accomplished this in just a week.”
Samantha Delfoss, 29, made the trip to Mount Brighton from her home in Royal Oak to hone her skiing skills with her fiancé, who enjoys the sport.
By 2:30 p.m., the couple had already spent five hours racing down the slopes before taking a break for snacks, she recounted.
A former high school band member, Delfoss mentioned that she was still gaining confidence in her athletic abilities but was delighted to dedicate time to mastering her fiancé’s favorite pastime.
What does she love most about skiing? “The thrill,” she said.
Seasoned snowboarder Joseph Fife, 22, from Howell, expressed his joy at spending the day with friends at Mount Brighton.
“When I began snowboarding in 2012, it felt like we truly experienced real winters, as we were always on fresh snow,” Fife reflected. “But this isn’t too different compared to those days.”
Brother and sister duo Natalie and Harry Bae from South Lyon shared their excitement about seeing snow on the ground.
Eight-year-old Natalie was eager to hit the slopes after a year spent away, she stated.
Harry, 10, was equally pleased to ski in front of his parents at one of his favorite locations, he said.
“I learned to ski here, so that’s what makes this place special for me,” he added.
