Head Over the Hills to Boyne to Try a New Winter Sport

Jan. 1, 2016

Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs and Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls are teaming up with the Great Lakes Winter Trails Council for Winter Trail Days, Jan. 9–10. The program promotes the silent winter sports: Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, hiking and fat-tire snow biking.

It’s an event that’s been happening for the past eight years, always in early January to coincide with Learn a Snow Sport Month (LSSM).

It’s Boyne’s chance to offer the opportunity to try a new winter experience with the start of a new year at an affortable price.

Dashing Through the Snow"¦

"With so much different terrain at the two Boyne resorts, there’s a huge variety to choose from and lots of nice wintery scenes throughout," Boyne’s Erin Ernst said. "We have everything from completely flat trails, for cross-country skiing, to all of our ski lifts, runs and the upper vistas."

At Boyne Highlands, you’ll be treated to views of Little Traverse Bay from the top of the hill; from Boyne Mountain, you can see Deer Lake. Woods and open fields abound at both locations and Boyne’s ski professionals can advise you as to the best trails and runs for your experience level.

On Skis or Boards That Go"¦

During Learn a Snow Sport Month, visitors to Boyne can learn to downhill ski or snowboard for only $35.

"This includes equipment rental, a group lesson from Boyne Snowsports Academy professionals and a day lift ticket for the beginner run at either the Highlands or the Mountain," Ernst said.

Reservations are required and space is limited for these programs, with lessons happening daily; your equipment and lift ticket are good for the entire day, though, so you can practice your new skills in the beginner area.

Four Great Different Ways"¦

If you’re leaning more toward the silent sports part of this promotion, you’ll want to focus specifically on Winter Trail Days. On Jan. 9 and 10, you’ll be able to check out all the cross-country (XC) trails at either Boyne properties, compliments of Boyne.

"There are 35 kilometers of XC trails at each resort," Ernst said, "and during the two Winter Trail Days, you can get a crosscountry trail pass, equipment rental and a half-hour of instruction for free, so this is a wonderful deal."

Learn to Cross-Country Ski is $20 during the other days of Learn a Snow Sport Month.

Snowshoeing is the other component of Winter Trail Days and the same deal applies.

"It’s a really easy sport to get into, plus Boyne Highlands has just over 8 km of dedicated snowshoe trails and the Mountain has 3.5 km."

You can even bring your dog along to join in the fun on the snowshoe trails (but not the XC trails). Reservations are required for this opportunity, too.

To Enjoy A Winter’s Day

"I think people always enjoy these events," Ernst said. "It’s something new to get out and try, and new ways to embrace winter. They’re great aerobically, so you can also burn calories. And the silent sports are very quiet, so you can enjoy nature."

Just because the sports are silent doesn’t mean they can’t take advantage of a little technology. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers can catch the lifts to the upper vista trails and take in stunning views of the surrounding region.

Ernst’s choice? "I like snowshoeing – being able to go right into the woods and see the snow-covered trees. It’s very peaceful."

To make a reservation for skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing during Winter Trail Days/Learn a Snow Sport Month, contact the Boyne SnowSports Academy at Boyne Highlands (855) 688-7024 or Boyne Mountain (855) 688-7022. You must mention LSSM at the time of your reservation.