Boyne Falls, MI – For the 2013-14 winter, Boyne Highlands is celebrating its 50th ski season, adding 31 Boyne Low-E fan guns, a new PistenBully 400 winch cat, more rental equipment, expanding The Spa, and offering guests a remodeled Main Lodge pool. At nearby Boyne Mountain, the 2013-14 season brings 20 additional Boyne Low-E fan guns, a new PistenBully 400 winch cat, new extreme body slide at Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark, renovated Boynehof Lodge rooms, and an expanded fleet of rental equipment.
Combined, the two Michigan ski and snowboard resorts are investing nearly $3 million for the coming winter season.
With the addition of 31 Boyne Low-E fan guns at Boyne Highlands and 20 Boyne Low-E fan guns at Boyne Mountain, the two resorts’ snowmaking systems are now exclusively powered by Low-E snow guns. The proprietary Low-E fan gun’s efficiency and marginal temperature snowmaking capability shines season after season with quality snow conditions and solid coverage, always backed by Boyne’s snow guarantee.
Also supporting snow conditions, Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain each purchased a brand-new PistenBully 400 winch cat groomer. The groomers’ winch cat feature allows for snow that’s been pushed down the slopes from use, to be pulled back up the slopes so it is more evenly distributed. The winch feature is particularly helpful on steep terrain and also allows for longer-lasting coverage in the springtime.
Boyne Highlands joined the Boyne Resorts family 50 years ago this winter. Previously operated as a private ski hill called Harbor Highlands that opened in 1955, Everett Kircher, founder of Boyne Resorts, expanded his presence in the ski industry with the purchase and opening of Boyne Highlands in 1963. That season, he introduced the world’s first triple chairlifts at Boyne Highlands and also announced interchangeable lift tickets providing skiers with access to both Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain, located 27 miles apart, with a single ticket – a benefit that is still enjoyed today.
Construction is underway at The Spa at Boyne Highlands on an expansion of a new nail salon to offer manicures and pedicures beginning this winter season. The nail services include use of SpaRitual, a line of polish, scrubs, and lotions made from certified organic ingredients, and scents focused on healing, energizing, and rejuvenating. The Spa at Boyne Highlands also offers massages, body treatments, and facials.
The resort’s Main Lodge pool has also been entirely rebuilt, providing guests with a larger pool deck and hot tub. Also new for winter, food and beverage service is offered poolside with a full bar, draft beers, snacks, and light fare.
Boyne Highlands has expanded rental equipment with the purchase of an additional 90 sets of Head skis and boots, and 60 new Burton Learn to Ride (LTR) boards for adults and children to make learning to ski and snowboard an easier and more enjoyable experience.
A new 110-foot suspended rope bridge has been constructed on Boyne Highlands’ Zipline Adventure course between lines three and four. The bridge adds a new adventure and heightens the tour experience with riders crossing the bridge suspended 20 feet above the valley. The Zipline Adventure Tour is a two and a half hour guided experience of seven ziplines descending over 50 stories.
Over at Boyne Mountain, the first SuperLOOP™ slide in Michigan will offer new thrills this winter at the resort’s Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark. The hair-raising ride named The Big Couloir features a trap door plummeting riders into the extreme body slide and traveling at speeds up to 38 feet per second before finishing with a splash. Resort lodging guests receive discounted waterpark admission, and guests can also purchase Michigan’s only ski and splash ticket providing all-day access to slope gliding and waterpark sliding. Avalanche Bay is Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark at 88,000 square feet and offers aquatic attractions for the whole family, plus a mega-arcade, Snack Shack, and Après Ski Pub featuring a full menu of food and drinks.
Stylish new rooms debut this winter season in Boyne Mountain’s Boynehof Lodge. The renovated rooms have a European vibe and feature custom artwork, hand-painted details, knotty pine and log accents, wet bar with pebblestone backsplash, all-new fixtures, draperies, and bedding package, fresh paint, and new flat screen TV and mini-fridge. Adding to the appeal of Boynehof is its premier location situated at the base of the slopes and within walking distance of Boyne Mountain’s bustling village area with shopping, dining, and après ski watering holes.
Additionally, the restrooms in the Civic Center at Boyne Mountain are being renovated to include hands-free faucets, soap dispensaries, and auto flushing, conserving water usage and becoming more user-friendly. The restrooms will also see new countertops and tile floors. In the Clock Tower Lodge, guests will notice a fresh look this winter with new furnishings, lighting, and carpet in the hotel lobby and slope viewing area, and a revamped exercise room.
Boyne Mountain Resort purchased additional equipment rental for this winter including 230 sets of Head skis and boots, and 95 additional Burton Learn to Ride (LTR) boards.