Page 28 - SRCG_HTML_2008

Destination Report: Midwest

Tyrol Basin

By Randy Mink

T
Tyrol Basin, a Southern Wisconsin favorite among begin-
ners and veteran skiers, is celebrating its 20th anniversary
since reopening in 1989. Special discounts and anniversary
events are planned throughout the upcoming season.

Located five miles north of Mount Horeb, Tyrol offers 16
tree-lined slopes that extend over 40 acres on the 300-foot
vertical hill. Three triple chairlifts, two rope tows and a han-
dle tow provide skiers with easy access to the slopes.

First-time skiers and snowboarders can learn to ski or board
any day or night with a variety of lesson programs. Tyrol Basin fun
Intermediates and veterans can explore the variety of steep
and scenic terrain. private events, from wedding receptions and family
reunions to company outings. It can arrange buffet-style or
Of special interest to freestyle skiers and boarders are sit-down dinners with a full-service bar and dance area.
Tyrol’s terrain parks. Both the Gentle Ben Progression Park Contact: 608-437-4135, tyrolbasin.com.
for beginners and the more advanced parks are kept excit-
ing with frequent changes in the rails, jumps and features.

Established in 1958, Tyrol closed its doors in 1985 and New & Noteworthy
remained closed for four years. A new era began when the
area reopened in 1989. Over the next 20 years the resort
grew with a quaint mix of old and new. The “Chalet” is a in the Midwest
renovated barn and offers a comfortable atmosphere in the
Tyrol Café and Double Diamond Bar. Tyrol added two new Michigan
buildings to the base facilities in the 1990s—the ski school Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls is celebrating 60 years of
center and a skier services building that houses the ticket- winter fun throughout the 2008/09 season. A big
ing, equipment rentals and first aid treatment. improvement at Boyne is replacement of the Meadows
Chairlift with a higher speed, fixed grip, conveyor load lift.
Skiers can choose from a variety of lift ticket options for This lift not only travels faster than the original, it’s easier
daytime or nighttime fun. Tyrol’s flexible four-hour ticket is to load thanks to a conveyor belt system, giving riders a
available on the hour throughout the day. seamless transition from snow to seat. The new lift also
extends further down the slope requiring less traversing
Sunday night free rentals are a good deal for anyone that from the south end of the mountain. Boyne Mountain has
needs to rent skis or a snowboard. From Jan. 4-March 9, added additional Boyne Low E Fan Guns. These snow-
buy a regular-priced night lift ticket from 4-9 p.m. and get making guns will make more snow as well as a higher
equipment rental at no cost. Other deals include $12 lift quality snow with less moisture content, all this while
tickets on Tuesdays from Jan. 6-March 3 and a special $12 using less energy. In addition, Boyne built an all-new
Friday night session 7:30-11 p.m. Jan. 2-March 6. facility for the SnowSports Academy children’s programs,
select junior rental equipment and Playcare at the base of
Beginner packages ($49.95) include ticket, equipment Boyneland. The ski area expanded glade skiing terrain
rental with helmet and a one-hour lesson. Lessons for chil- north of Disciples and Superbowl trails. Precision select-
dren in small groups (ages 4-10) are available on Saturdays cutting over the last two years has created over seven
and Sundays at Tyrol Basin’s Children’s Ski/Board School. acres of additional tree skiing/riding terrain. Contact:
From May through October, Tyrol Basin hosts a variety of 800-462-6963, boyne.com.

28 MIDWEST SKIER 2008/2009 DIRECTORY www.skicmsc.com