The National Weather Service in Gaylord recently recorded nearly 186 inches of snow, breaking its previous seasonal snowfall record.
After last year’s dismal ski season, resort officials in northern Michigan are saying this season has provided the perfect conditions for winter recreation.
“Last winter to me was really the outlier,” said Ben Doornbos, general manager of Nub’s Nob Ski area in Harbor Springs. “This season has been magnificent, it’s just—this is what we all hope for, for winter in northern Michigan and this is frankly how it should be.”
Doornbos says they’ve had a lot of fresh snow, and six weeks of below freezing temperatures have allowed them to maintain good conditions consistently.
Brad Jacobsen is the Director of Ski operations at Treetops Ski Resort in Gaylord. He agrees.
“Last year was definitely a roller coaster with a lack of snowfall, warmups, rain, and moisture,” he said. “This year it’s been smooth consistent snowfall, consistent cold temperatures.”
Jacobsen says the resort is currently sitting with an average base depth of 32 inches.
“So, we’re sitting really good, we’re feeling confident rolling into March here,” he said.
Doornbos says there is a “huge” base of snow at Nub’s Nob, and with six weeks left in the ski season, he’s pushing for people to get out on to the slopes.
“It's one of the things that makes life up in northern Michigan just great, living next to a ski area,” he said. “If you haven't started, I'd encourage you to do so as soon as you can."
