Boyne Falls, MI – With the 2010-11 ski and snowboard season approaching, Boyne Resorts is investing in additional snowmaking, new park features, twin zip rides, increased glade skiing and more at its two Michigan ski areas, Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands.nAn additional 90 Boyne Low-E snow guns are set to line the slopes of Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain the winter. The proprietary Boyne Low-E fan gun provides exclusive technology that maximizes snow output, particularly at marginal temperatures, with less compressed air. With its unique design, the snow guns are about 40% more efficient than earlier models and create a lighter, fluffier and more natural-feeling snow. The additional Boyne Low-E guns will help to open more terrain earlier in the season, resort officials indicate.
New features are being constructed in the terrain parks with at least six planned at Boyne Highlands and six more at Boyne Mountain, a 30% increase. The hand-built features include inventive beginner to intermediate jibs and rails, as well as expert designs. Boyne Highlands boasts four terrain parks with a skier/boarder cross course, an eight-foot wall feature and halfpipe. Boyne Mountain also offers four terrain parks including a skier/boarder cross course, a Superpipe with 18-foot walls and a mini pipe.
Boyne Highlands has also cleared additional acreage on the northwest side of North Peak Pass and Tournament Pass, making way for added glade skiing. Existing glade skiing is also offered near the top of Amy’s Run.
Boyne guests were introduced to Zipline Adventures last winter and this season brings more lines and the new Twin Zip, a single-line thrill ride that pits racers side by side. Boyne Highlands recently completed construction on the Twin Zip, now the longest single zipline in the region measuring in at 1,350 feet. The ride begins on the Olympic slope and lands in the base area near Heather Highlands Inn. Boyne Mountain’s Twin Zip is 780 feet long and travels over a pond with fountains, landing on the mountainside lawn of the Mountain Grand Lodge and Spa. The Twin Zip experience costs $15 per person and includes two rides.
Those up for a longer experience can opt for the Zipline Adventure, a two-and-a-half-hour guided tour of up to nine ziplines priced from $59, also available at both Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain. For all zipline attractions, riders must weigh a minimum of 60 pounds and be at least three feet tall. During winter months, hiking shoes or ski or snowboard boots are required and equipment is provided.
Finally, Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain have now completed the transformation of their resort cafeterias. Both facilities have swapped out throw-away products for dishwasher-safe flatware and metal silverware, dramatically reducing the amount of garbage waste by up to 70%. Recycling bins are available to guests and the kitchens also recycle cardboard, paper, aluminum and plastic. Post-consumer napkins and to-go cups are used, and refillable cleaning bottles cut down on plastic waste. In support of local businesses, a greater variety of Michigan products are available on cafeteria menus.