Page 14 - SRCG_HTML_2012

Destination Report: Midwest

MICHIGAN’S
MARQUETTE

MOUNTAIN

By Vanessa Day The resort offers runs that appeal to skiers and boarders of all abilities.
I One of the most appealing aspects of Marquette Mountain is
In one of the farthest regions to the north, in the Upper
Peninsula of Michigan, sits Marquette Mountain, a popular
its accessibility, not just in terms of location but also in terms
winter sports destination for skiers and boarders from all over
of instruction. Many visitors to the mountain have never skied
the Midwest. Opened in 1957, Marquette Mountain—called
Cliffs Ridge at the time—quickly became a hotspot for winter
of the sport. Marquette Mountain offers private ski and
sports advocates, and it maintains that image to this day. or snowboarded before, or are still learning the ins and outs
snowboard lessons for any age and ability, Monday through
The city of Marquette, Michigan, and the region surrounding Thursday from noon to 3 p.m., and Friday through Sunday,
it, is a well-known ski town with avid athletes who live by the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Lessons cost $30 per hour; $20 for an
local motto “Don’t hibernate, participate.” Marquette Mountain extra student or extra hour.) Group lessons are available for
is their playground. Located just two miles south of the city $10 per person at 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday and
on County Road 553, the ski hill is a true gem nestled close 11 a.m. Friday through Sunday. The mountain also features
to the banks of Lake Superior, which is visible to the north ski schools for kids of all ages, a convenient resource for
and northeast from the top of the mountain. parents who want to enjoy the slopes while their children
learn the basics of skiing and riding.
Marquette Mountain offers skiers and boarders a wide range
of terrains to enjoy. No matter what skill level a person is at, On top of its elite skiing and boarding options, Marquette
the mountain provides something for everyone, with easy, Mountain hosts a number of events year round to keep
moderate and difficult runs to satisfy the beginner and the people entertained both on and off the slopes. A number of
expert. With a top elevation of 1,357 feet and a vertical of clubs, including Marquette’s own race program, hold alpine
600 feet, it is one of the Midwest’s highest mountains and race events at the mountain, as well as NASTAR competitions.
one of the most challenging in both Michigan and Wisconsin. This year, Marquette Mountain added a few more events,
It features 25 runs, three chairlifts and one paddle tow, 169 including two rail jams under nightclub-style dance lights—
skiable acres and an average of 135 ski days per season— similar to what is done at the X-Games—and a Snow Days
not to mention over 200 inches of snowfall annually. For fall festival taking place on Nov. 10.
those looking to practice their ski jumps and boarding tricks,
Marquette Mountain provides three terrain parks with hits,
rails and trails for all skill levels. In the coming season,
Marquette Mountain expands its backcountry runs, adding
seven new trailheads.

The mountain caters to the local community as well as
families and even business travelers. Its diverse terrain is
ideal for the students attending Northern Michigan University
who can hop over to enjoy a few runs between classes; or
for families who appreciate its convenience and make weekly
or even daily trips to the slopes; or for those who only have a
couple hours to spare after work or during a business trip to
Marquette who would like to take part in some night skiing.

14 ❖ SKI & RIDE CLUB GUIDE 2012/2013 DIRECTORY ❖ www.skicmsc.com