Boyne Falls, MI – At Michigan’s two largest ski areas, Boyne Highlands Resort and Boyne Mountain Resort, the 2011-12 ski and snowboard season will bring with it new groomers and snow guns, an extensive hotel renovation, a fleet of new rental skis and terrain park enhancements. In addition, Boyne Mountain is rolling out a new in-room recycling program and Boyne Highlands will expand upon its racing program.
This season, Boyne Mountain adds another 20 Boyne Low-E snow guns to its snowmaking arsenal. The Low-E guns feature proprietary technology exclusive to Boyne Resorts that maximizes snow output, especially at marginal temperatures, with less compressed air. The snow guns create a lighter, more natural snow and are up to 40% more efficient than standard models. Boyne Highlands has added on-board air compressors to six Low-E snow guns, enabling greater placement options and versatility in snowmaking. Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain each purchased a brand new PistenBully groomer, together valued at half a million dollars. The new snow cats will help convert fresh snow to smooth corduroy and will groom all surfaces, including within the resorts’ eight terrain parks.
Boyne Mountain’s Clock Tower Lodge, situated at the base of the slopes with convenient ski-in/ski-out accommodations, is undergoing an extensive renovation expected to be complete by the start of the 2011-12 winter season. The half million dollar modernization includes a complete remodel of the hotel rooms and suites including new pine furnishings, lighting, décor and fixtures throughout, as well as fresh paint, and redesigned and upgraded bathrooms. The renovation also includes all hallways and common areas. The décor carries out and accentuates the resort’s Swiss-Austrian theme.
Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain have each purchased 400 new pairs of HEAD LINK skis to be available for guest use from equipment rental. The progressive skis feature MultiRadius and MultiCamber construction and are shaped with an early rise in tip and tail, making it easier for skiers to initiate and hold through turns.
Boyne Mountain is moving all terrain park features from North Boyne and expanding the Meadows area to become the largest park at the resort. Additional lighting is being added to the Meadows Park and new features are expected to enhance the riding within all four of the resort’s terrain parks. Boyne Mountain also intends to use the additional Boyne Low-E snow guns to deliver the fire power needed to open the Meadows Park as early in the season as possible.
Beyond hosting Thursday race league, Boyne Highlands is adding to the competitive series with Friday night racing. The new Friday racing will take place on South Challenger, which provides a steeper pitch for the more aggressive skier. Boyne Mountain also hosts a race league on Wednesday nights.
Guests of Boyne Mountain Resort’s lodging this winter will have the option for in-room recycling. A recycling receptacle in each of Boyne Mountain’s 418 guest rooms, suites, condos and cabins will allow guests to responsibly dispose of aluminum, plastic, glass and paper to be sorted and recycled by the resort. Boyne Mountain also recycles materials used in daily operations including cardboard, batteries, motor oil, scrap iron and metal. Additional green initiatives include an energy management system in the Mountain Grand Lodge and Spa to improve efficiency in heating, cooling and electricity consumption, compact fluorescent lighting, low-flow shower heads and faucets, and an ozone laundry system that reduces the use of chemical disinfectant. Earlier this year, Boyne Mountain received the 2010 Recycler of the Year business award from Charlevoix County and 2009, Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands achieved Green Lodging Michigan’s Leader status, the highest level of certification from the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG).