"We've extended our efforts to stay connected with travelers. Social media allows us to get the Pure Michigan message out to potential visitors on other platforms," commented George Zimmermann, Vice President of Travel Michigan, a business unit of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. "It opens another line of communication with travelers."

In addition to the most popular state tourism Web site, michigan.org, visitors now have other means to stay up-to-date on Michigan tourism deals, discounts and events.

Connect and get the inside scoop on where the fish are biting, what greens are running fast and how you can make your visit Pure Michigan at the newly launched blog, Pure Michigan Connect. Read about bloggers' experiences along the nation's longest fresh water coastline or experience at a small town celebration. Take a minute to comment on the blog posts, or submit one of your own.

Follow @PureMichigan on Twitter for the latest events and breaking news, along with some fun behind-the-scenes information on all the things going on with Michigan tourism. Search hashtags #puremichigan, #MIevents, #MIdine, #MIgolf, #MIfish, and #MIwine, for all the latest.

Join the Pure Michigan Fan Page on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all the latest events in Michigan and talk to others with the same love for Michigan. The fan page is another great resource for planning a trip.

In addition, visitors can now enjoy all the photos from the Pure Michigan Photo Contest on Flickr, or watch all of the Pure Michigan commercials on YouTube.

Michigan.org continues to be a source for Michigan travel information, featuring more than 12,000 attractions, events, hotels, resorts, restaurants and other tourism-related businesses.

Travel Michigan, a division of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, is the State of Michigan's official agency for the promotion of tourism. Travel Michigan markets the state's tourism industry and provides valuable visitor information services.

Face Plant by by Rudy Malmquist

We try to be as positive as possible, but I do hope that everyone (and yes, I'm looking at you elected officials) is preparing to need to do extraordinary things to keep our state and the people in it afloat.

1. Jack Lessenberry spoke with Ismael Ahmed, director of the Michigan Department of Human Services, who worries that Michigan is nearing the cliff, staring down:

...an explosion in poverty, in need, in families slipping below the water line, just at a time when he knows he is going to have to do much, much more with less money...

(Ahmed says) "We've seen a dramatic increase in poverty in the state. More than one-fourth of children are living in poverty. "More than 2 million people are living below the poverty line, and that's still increasing. And when you count people who are working but who just don't make enough to live, that increases to about a third of the state."

2. When we look at our massive deficit, it's instructive to look at what's behind it. Peter Luke at mLive points out that tax cuts have left Michigan unable to invest in itself:

The Headlee amendment to the Michigan Constitution is simple. The state can collect up to 9.49 percent of personal income in taxes and fees approved by the Legislature. Anything over that has to be returned to taxpayers. The aim was to cap the growth of government.

...in funding essential services, state government in 2010 will collect a little more than half -- $14 billion-- of what the father of the modern conservative movement in Michigan thought appropriate.

For all the hand-wringing over how to return to prosperity, Michigan is unable to make long-term investments in its future.

Luke gets bashed in the comments on his article, but the case he makes that we have cut ourselves into a corner is worth a little thought.

3. On the bright side, the Michigan Policy Network says that our corner is nowhere near as dark as California's:

The projected FY2009 budget gap is 672 million dollars. This number is significant, and additional cuts or tax increases are needed to stabilize Michigan’s economy. However, this budget deficit is only 2.9% of the size of the total projected budget, a comparatively small margin. While the situation seems significant, consider California. The nation’s biggest state has an astounding projected deficit of 35.9 billion dollars. That’s 35.5% of the total projected 2009 budget.

4. The Freep takes a look at a few measures designed to spark our sputtering economy.

5. Finally, I'd like to direct you over to Michigan in Pictures where you can see this photo from the pentax hammer bigger and hopefully take a little hope into your day from these words:

In the depth of winter I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.
~ Albert Camus

At the first Pine Mountain Tournament, Bob Roecker, riding for the Duluth Ski Club, shattered the American jumping record held by Alf Engen, of Salt Lake City, with a leap of 257 feet and the current U.S. record of 140 meters/459 feet is still held there.

Can you have a videogenic event like this in the age of YouTube and not have video? Of course not! The video is Pine Mountain Ski Jumps, February 16th 2008 - be sure to view in high quality by using the arrow at the bottom right of the video!

Ice Rink by Allan M

The event started in 2005 as a tuneup to Super Bowl XL and was called the Motown Winter Blast. It's now called Detroit's Winter Blast and it happens February 6-8, 2009.

In what has become typical Michigan media fashion, the Detroit News fills the glass half full, dwelling on what you won't get. They grudgingly allow that 40 musical acts, 60 restaurants and three downtown hotels (including the newly-renovated Book Cadillac) offering discounted rates to families just might make it worth the trip. Not to be out-glummed, the Freep leads with the 2 of clubs as well but does finish nicely:

"We could have taken the philosophy, if you can't do it the way you did it in the past, then you shouldn't do it," (Festival organizer John) Witz said. "We took the different philosophy. We tried to create as much magic as we can for as little cost as possible ... "We are featuring more made in Michigan products this year. The wine tasting is going to be with Michigan wines," Witz said. "The ice sculptures will have a Michigan theme."

The festival will include ice-skating exhibitions, marshmallow roasting, ice sculptures, and an arts and crafts area. Festival-goers can skate in Campus Martius Park for free, courtesy of michigan.org.

The MetroPCS Dine in the D program is back. The program offers diners a 15% discount at some of Detroit's finest restaurants. This year, the participating restaurants will each donate up to 10% of their sales (before tax) to Michigan's Children's Center.

MSNBC adds that a major attraction will be the ice slide at Campus Martius Park. It's called the Arctic Blast and it opened last Friday and you can get a live look-in at it on the Campus Martius Park webcam.

More information and full schedule of performances are on the official site for the Detroit Winter Blast. If you want to see more photos, check out Detroit Winter Blast by Rohn Photos and Motown Winter Blast by Pasque.

Star Dream by Conlawprof

Our Michigan February Event Calendar seems to demonstrate that the more the weather tries to keep us bottled up, the more innovative ways Michiganians will find to tell the weather what they think about that!! Of course, there's still many, many more and we invite you to fill us in on other February events in the comments.

Notable February Dates from Michigan History Magazine

• February 13, 1855 The Michigan legislature protects escaped slaves. more>>
• February 24, 1863 Michigan supports the Emancipation Proclamation. more>>
• February 17, 1864 The First Michigan Colored Infantry is mustered into federal service. more>>
• February 21, 1905 The National Ski Association is organized in Ishpeming. more>>
• February 20, 1909 The Hudson Motor Car Company is organized. more>>
• February 2, 1936 Ty Cobb becomes one of the first players selected to enter the newly formed Baseball Hall of Fame. more>>
• February 8, 1985 The Stroh Brewery announces it is closing its Detroit plant. more>>

The Events
February 1 - 7
Winter Carnival - Houghton
Michigan Tech often registers more than 200 inches of snow in a season. Not content to let this abundant natural resource go to waste, students band together in an annual celebrtion of our beautiful, tough, exhilarating, and character-building climate. For complete event detail visit their website.

February 3 - 8
International 500 Snowmobile Race Sault - Sault Sainte Marie
2009 marks the 41st running of the International 500 Snowmobile Race and they invite YOU to join them for this outstanding event that is second to none! "All the thrills of NASCAR" All the excitement of I-500 Snowmobile Racing.

February 4
122nd Annual & Super Tour Ski Jumping Tournament - Ishpeming
The 122nd Annual & Super Tour Ski Jumping Tournament will take place on Wednesday, February 4, 2009 on Famous Suicide Hill. Junior jumping begins at 5:00 p.m. EST. The trial and competition rounds begin at 7:00 p.m. EST. Featuring jumpers from the U.S., Norway, Russia & Poland! There will be a bonfire with fireworks following the tournament. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the gate with children 15 and under get in FREE!

February 5 - 8
11th Annual Michigan International Auto Show - Grand Rapids
Nearly 40 car manufacturers from around the world will bring their finest traveling displays to the Michigan International Auto Show, where more than 300 new vehicles – including sedans, vans, SUVs, trucks, hybrids and sports cars – will be showcased with factory representatives on hand to answer questions.

February 5 - 8
North American Snow Festival - Cadillac
Opening ceremonies begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Fox Hill Event Center on February 5. Various events take place on Lake Cadillac on February 6, 7 & 8th.

February 6 - 8
Detroit's Winter Blast - Detroit
Detroit's Winter Blast features hip and cool winter events centered around Campus Martius Park and great city attractions throughout Detroit. Many signature winter activities are returning with free ice-skating in Campus Martius Park, Professional skating demonstrations, unique sculptures in the Ice Garden, the Meijer Kid’s Family Fun Zone and more. This year we are still working on expanding our mission to celebrate entertainment throughout Detroit.

February 6 - 8
59th Annual Perchville USA - Tawas
The 59th Annual Tawas Perchville Festival includes a Perchville queen, live entertainment, a Polar Bear Swim, a "Chilly" Cook-off, ice-fishing contest, the Perchville USA Parade, and many more fun winter events.

February 6 - 8
West Michigan Youth Wintersportsfest
Three days, 22 Sports competitions and 3,000 athletes. Open to any athletes 18 and under. This will be an awesome event with youth athletes from all over the state and Midwest! There will be 20 sporting events taking place in 3 days with 3,000 athletes in participation. There will be indoor and outdoor activities including events like bowling, target shooting, figure skating, and many more

February 7
White Pine Stampede - Mancelona
The White Pine Stampede is a major Nordic Ski race, part of the Michigan Cup series and the Midwest's premier Nordic event. The White Pine Stampede has a 50 Kilometer Event, a 20 Kilometer Event, and a 10 Kilometer Timed Tour.

February 7 & 8
Taste the Passion - Leelanau
Love is in the air as you celebrate the upcoming Valentine's Day at the "Taste the Passion" weekend February 7-8, 2009. This special weekend celebrates wine, chocolate and love in anticipation of Valentine's Day! The combination of winter's beauty in Leelanau with the special pleasures of life always makes for wonderful weekend.

February 13 - 15
Ice Carving Festival - Rochester Hills
World-class ice carving professionals will take up their laser sharp ice tools and chain saws when the Village of Rochester Hills hosts a weekend of ice sculpting, shopping and dining. Nearly 25 entertaining, and artistic ice sculptures will grace the streets and parks of the Village February 13, 14 and 15, 2009.

February 13 - 15
North American VASA - Traverse City
The VASA weekend festival of Races includes both a 27 and 50km special classic skiing race, a 12km Timed Class, and a 6km and 16km challenge. Junior VASA Races are also part of the weekend festival.

February 13 - 15
Pine Mountain Continental Cup Ski Jumping Tournament - Iron Mountain
Pine Mountain Slide is known throughout the world as one of the best jumping hills. The Kiwanis Ski Club hosts the best tournament in the United States. Year after year, they have the top foreign jumpers competing. All classes of records have been set on Pine Mountain, and the record of the U.S at 140 meters/459 feet is still held here. Annual attendance is over 20,000 spectators.

February 13 - 16
Cherry Capital Winter WonderFest - Traverse City
The Third Annual Cherry Capital Winter WonderFest is a three-day wintertime celebration chock-full of fun for all ages in the Cherry Capital of the World, President’s Day Weekend, February 13-16, 2009. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities with wintry frost nipping at your nose, or indoor activities that warm the body and soul, we have something sure to please you and your loved ones.

February 14 - 22
Detroit Boat Show - Detroit
The Detroit Boat Show is gearing up to celebrate 51 years of boating with its 2009 event. Boats of all types and sizes for fishing, cruising, wakeboarding, skiing, and other types of water fun will be on display for 9-days at Cobo Center.

February 14 - 15
Free Fishing Weekend
For many, the annual Free Fishing Weekend has become a tradition - a time to get together and have some fishing fun. While some may find time to reflect while fishing, there are no limits to variations on a great theme! All fishing license fees will be waived for two days. Residents and outstate visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes' waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations will still apply.

February 20 - 22
U.P. Pond Hockey Championship - St. Ignace
The 2009 U.P. Pond Hockey Championship will be played on the Wild Ice of Moran Bay, Lake Huron, downtown St. Ignace, Michigan! We hope to have 104 teams competing for prizes!

February 20 - 22
UP 200, Midnight Run Sled-Dog Championships and The Jack Pine 30 - Marquette
Three UP sled dog races provide a variety of challenges for mushers. The UP 200 is actually 240 miles in length and is a qualifying race for the Iditarod. Over 15,000 visitors come to Michigan's Upper Peninsula (U.P.) to see the U.P. 200! It is a favorite winter event for local residents and out of town guests. The U.P. 200 has a dedicated group of over 500 volunteers from the U.P. and the mid-west region that come together to stage this great event each year.

February 21
Frost Bite Winter Festival - Harrison
Event takes place on 5 groomed nine-hole courses, where novice and veteran golfers hit brightly colored tennis balls over the snow. Bring a partner and sign up for the two-person scramble. Prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places, men's and women's divisions.

February 23
The Outhouse 500 - Coopersville
Join in with the hilarious and wacky fun of the 5th Annual Outhouse 500 on Main Street in Historic Downtown Coopersville! Hosted by the Main Street Merchants Association. Teams parade, then race their uniquely decorated outhouses down Main Street! View footage from the 2007 Outhouse 500.

February 27
The Great Wine & Food Symposium
Escape the snow with an evening of indulgence at The Great Wine & Food Symposium, west Michigan’s premier wine tasting event. You'll enjoy gourmet food selections, as well as over 300 wines and beers from around the world. Sample these tastes as classical music drifts through the halls and the snowflakes drift outside.

February 28
Winter Beer Festival - Grand Rapids
Hundres of hand-crafted beers from microbreweries across the state will serve up samples at this 4th annual outdoor event. Tickets are $35 each in advance and will be available January 1 at www.michiganbrewersguild.org, at the Fifth-Third Ballpark box office and at participating Guild member breweries. If any tickets remain, they’ll be available at the gate the day of, for $40 each. Sponsored by the Michigan Brewers Guild.

February 28
Trenary Outhouse Classic - The Outhouse Races - Trenary
The Outhouse Classic is an annual race in Trenary where outhouses are built and raced down the main street. There are categories: speed, presentation, best use of theme, most humorous, best workmanship, and most miles traveled. Families come to the event to watch and to compete, there are two different age brackets making competitions fair. A few years ago nuns came to compete and built the Vati-Can. Make sure to head on up to Trenary for the annual Outhouse Classic. Read Absolute Michigan's Sports that ARE Silly: Outhouse Racing or watch Outhouse Classic Outhouse Race in Trenary, Michigan.

All winter we have the chance to walk on water, frozen water that is. Snowshoeing allows us to walk into the magic of winter, discovering the quiet sounds and subtle colors that await our discovery, often right outside our backdoor. Snowshoeing in Michigan is available to anyone who can walk; basically we can all discover the miracle of winter and walking on water.

The event Snowshoe d' Art offers us that opportunity. Spend a morning discovering the beauty of northern Michigan and the hidden beauty of the Michigan Legacy Art Park on Saturday, January 31st. The art park offers a snow-covered gallery of sculptures, a visual hide and seek of shapes and colors. All ages can begin their Saturday morning with a choice of guided tours, sharing it with friends or enjoying it alone.

Besides the spiritual side of snowshoeing, there is the obvious physical benefit of getting outside and discovering the winter landscape.

Snowshoeing is a weigh baring activity that all ages can participate in. It offers an aerobic workout that builds muscular strength in both the legs and upper body (when poles are used). Snowshoeing offers a low impact activity that is easy on joints especially in deep powder and the design of snowshoes act as shock absorbers on hard packed snow.

High caloric expenditure is another perk- allowing us to drink more hot cocoa and enjoy the comfort foods of the winter season!

There is no excuse to feel good, and connect with your inner spirit and strengthen your physical body!

Women's Winter Tour Weekend - January 31 - February 1, 2009

You can register for Saturday's Snowshoe d'Art at womenswintertour.com. It's just one of many events the Women's Winter Tour Weekend at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville offers. The weekend benefits Active Women Now, an organization dedicated to supporting domestic abuse charities and shelters. Check the schedule for complete details, and definitely think about Saturday night's LUNAFEST and Chocolate, where you can learn about the nuances of African & South American chocolate while watching the short films in the LUNAFEST national traveling film festival. It's followed by  dancing in your best sixties costume with music from the Fabulous Horndogs. On Sunday there's the original WWT, a cross-country ski or snowshoe through scenic, private courses with great food, wine and chocolate featured along the trail and at the main staging area!

About the Author

Kaye Krapohl is the founder of the Women's Winter Tour, and believes that art, as well as outdoor activity is a vital part of a person's development. An artist herself, she envisioned the Snowshoe d'Art as a way to help share her love of winter, but also support two causes near and dear to her heart: resources for women struggling to escape an unhealthy relationship by donating funds to domestic abuse centers and an appreciation for art.

Jumping over the sun by Ashley Dinges

Here's a few highlights of the many events being held around Michigan for the month of January. A lot of them are out in the snow for snowmobiles, skates, skis and sled dogs, but there's also a chance to heat up with the Ann Arbor Folk Fest, Ferndale Blues and the Detroit Auto Show. The weatherman says there's a 100% chance we didn't get them all so please add links and information for those we missed along with reviews of ones we list in the comments below!

January is named for Janus (Ianuarius), the god of the doorway; the name has its beginnings in Roman mythology, coming from the Latin word for door (ianua) - January is the door to the year. - Wikipedia

"New Year ceremonies are designed to get rid of the past and to welcome the future." - New Year's Customs

"The Old Year has gone. Let the dead past bury its own dead. The New Year has taken possession of the clock of time. All hail the duties and possibilities of the coming twelve months!" - Edward Payson Powell

All Month
Ice Skate Campus Martius Park - Detroit
Skating among the skyscrapers at Campus Martius Park. At 64 feet by 120 feet, it's a bit larger than the Rink at Rockefeller Center and showcases surround-sound music and color-changing lighting. Skaters and visitors can enjoy a warming pavilion for renting and changing skates, as well as outdoor seating. The rink is open daily though March 15.

January 10
Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race - Newberry
We are again looking forward to pristine trail conditions over beautiful terrain. Each year we seem to get just the right amount of snowfall, and each year our trail crews do a fantastic job of preparing great racing conditions for all our classes.

January 11 - January 25
The North American International Auto Show - Detroit
In terms of sheer news impact, the North American International Auto Show 2009 is poised to keep pace with NAIAS 2008, which featured a total of 58 vehicle debuts—44 worldwide and 14 North American. You can expect plenty of thought-provoking new technologies and head-turning designs as well as across-the-board participation from international and domestic manufacturers alike. NAIAS 2009 plans to welcome more than 700,000 attendees including hundreds of celebrity names from all walks of life, nearly 7,000 international media from some 60 countries, and approximately 40,000 industry insiders from over 2,000 companies. In addition, we expect to meet or exceed the $6 million we raised last year for children’s charities at the annual black-tie Charity Preview. The North American International Auto Show 2009 is truly where the automotive world comes together.

January 12
Motown 50 (Motown's 50th Anniversary Celebration) - Detroit
A year long national celebration of the start of Motown Records on Jan 12, 1959, in Detroit and the following success of its many music artists.

January 16-18
Hunter Ice Festival - Niles
As the snow starts to fly and the holidays are upon us, it’s time to think Hunter Ice Festival 2009. The fifth annual Hunter Ice Festival, January 16 through January 18, is a free family event offering fun-filled activities from morning ‘til night.

January 16-18 & 23-25
Tip Up Town USA - Houghton Lake
It's hard to put into words how Tip Up Town USA has come to be the very description of winter fun and enjoyment for the whole family at Houghton Lake. Thousands of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and neighboring residents return each year to see this largest Winter Festival in Michigan, held annually the last two weekends in January. Whatever the weather, TUT will be fun, fun, fun all the way. There will be all the usual popular attractions - the carnival, parade, Polar Bear Dip, Family Fun Tent, Beverage Tent, crazy games and more! Plus, the Ice Fishing contests will be bigger and better than ever and we're adding Broomball this year!

January 17-18
Winter Warm-Up Weekend - Traverse City
Cabin Fever? Cooped up with the kids! If you are looking for an excuse to take a weekend getaway, then look no further! The Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula (WOMP) has teamed up with peninsula area businesses for 2009’s WINTER WARM UP. Guests may visit any of the five Old Mission wineries between 12-5 to purchase a souvenir mug. This mug is your “ticket” into each participating winery and business on Old Mission, entitling you to mulled wine tasting, desserts, appetizers and other special promotions. On Saturday Jan 17, 2009 each of the wineries will have a special artistic/performance offering! Some peninsula area restaurants are offering special promotions when you present your mug.

January 21-25
Zehnder's Snowfest - Frankenmuth
Zehnder's Snowfest has been host to one of the top snow sculpting events in North America for the past 17 years. Visitors have enjoyed larger-than-life snow sculptures and beautifully detailed ice carvings each year. Zehnder's Snowfest 2009 will again dazzle and excite you with snow and ice sculptures created by professional ice and snow carvers from around the world. Zehnder's Snowfest is also host to the National Collegiate Ice Carving Championship and the High School Snow Sculpting Competition. In addition, Zehnder's Snowfest will have entertainment for the entire family in the warming tent, a fireworks display, petting zoo and children's activities. Plan now to attend Zehnder's Snowfest 2009!

January 23-31
Ferndale Blues Festival - Ferndale
Created to help combat "winter blues" and benefit local charities, this year marks the 8th annual festival and will be held at various venues over the span of 9 days. Each year, the Annual Ferndale Blues Festival donates 100% of proceeds to charity.

January 24
Subaru Noquemanon Ski Marathon and mBank Half Noque - Marquette
The MGH Noquemanon Ski Marathon and mBank Half Noque, both in their eleventh year, continue to attract cross country skiers from around the nation and around the world. Thousands of skiers have taken the 51K or 25K trek from Ishpeming, the birthplace of organized skiing and home to the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame to Marquette’s Superior Dome, the world’s largest wooden domed stadium along the shores of Lake Superior.

January 24
Heikinpäivä - Hancock
Heikinpäivä is set for January 24, 2009, with events throughout the week leading up to the primary festival day, as well as the days immediately following. Organizers keep a watchful eye on the celebration's uniquely ethnic flavor and it features Finnish crafts, music, food, films and games. Although a Hancock City event, the Heikinpaiva spirit has spilled into neighboring communities from Calumet to South Range.

January 30-31
Ann Arbor Folk Festival - Ann Arbor
The Festival returns to Hill Auditorium for two dynamic and different nights of folk and roots music on Friday, January 30, and Saturday, January 31, beginning at 6:30 p.m. each night. In keeping with the Festival's longstanding reputation, each night will feature a blend of renowned and up-and-coming performers, providing audiences with the opportunity to hear popular artists working at the top of their field while discovering terrific new talent. All funds raised through the Festival benefit The Ark, Ann Arbor's non-profit home for folk, roots, and ethnic music.

Boyne 540 by farlane

While Winter 2008 hasn't been good for things like car makers, investments and national economies, it has presented us with some incredible conditions for skiing and snowboarding.

USA Today noticed that Midwest skiers have all kinds of options in Michigan where we have more downhill areas - 42 - than any state except New York with 200 chairlifts, 840 runs and 40 terrain parks! Our Michigan Ski Tour series from last year runs them all down and remains a great resource for skiers and snowboarders, giving you a tour of where to cross-country or downhill ski or board.

• Southeast Lower Michigan
• Southwest Lower Michigan
• Northeast Lower Michigan
• Northwest Lower Michigan
• Upper Peninsula
• Cross Country Skiing
• Racing, Events & More

If you're just starting out, check out the Discover Michigan Skiing program that offers a chance to get equipment, ticket and lessons in January for the low (low) price of $30!

You can get a bunch more ski links on the Absolute Michigan Skiing & Snowboard page and also at the keywords skiing and snowboard. Some of our favorite links are the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (featuring links to Michigan ski areas and all kinds of deals for skiers like the White Gold Card & free skiing for Michigan 4th graders), the powder-packed Michigan Ski Blog (deals, snow reports & webcams), Jim Neff's Michigan Skier TV and great Michigan destinations like Copper Peak Ski Flying and the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame and Ski Museum.

If you have a link or a thought about Michigan skiing, schuss down to the comments and let us know!

Skilhouettes by greencottage

Michigan ski resorts and McDonald’s restaurants are once again offering Discover Michigan Skiing, an affordable introduction to the skiing and snowboarding.

The program has run every January for the past 15 years and includes a beginner lesson (covering basic maneuvering on skis or snowboards), ski or snowboard rental equipment and a beginner-area ski lift pass or cross-country trail pass. Twenty-four ski areas are offering the package January 5 through January 31, 2009.

The price for downhill or cross-country skiing is $30 for adults and $25 for children seven to 14 years old and the snowboard price is $40 for everyone 10 years and older. You'll need a voucher that you can pick up at participating McDonald’s restaurants and also MSIA retail ski stores. If you can't find one there, you can also click on the link above.

Load Here by btwphotography

The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) reports that thanks to our current bout of wintry weather, most ski areas across Michigan have fired up their snow guns. Some will open this weekend and more will be open by Thanksgiving. Ski areas planning to open on or before Friday, November 28 include: Boyne Mountain, Boyne Highlands, Marquette Mountain, Ski Brule, Crystal Mountain, Nubs Nob, Alpine Valley, Mt. Holly, Mt. Brighton, Pine Knob, Indianhead Mountain, Pine Mountain, Caberfae Peaks, Cannonsburg, Norway Mountain and Shanty Creek.

The MSIA also reminds you that Michigan 4th graders can ski for free! Click that link for details on how to get their tickets and also information about the White Gold Card - a pass that gives skiers of all ages a chance to ski at each of 29 ski areas!

If you're looking for more deals on Michigan skiing, be sure to check out the Michigan Ski & Snowboarding blog. In addition to deals on lift tickets and lodging from all across the state, they have snow reports, webcams and ski & snowboarding video.

Did somebody say video? Skiers know that it's not ski season until Warren Miller's latest film hits the screen. You can watch a trailer below and visit the Warren Miller web site find dates and locations for any of the many screenings in Michigan in the next few weeks! (go big with the 5 minute trailer and thanks michiganskiblog.com for the pointer!)

To get an application, you can contact your child's school or click the picture to download one. The pass is free, but MSIA charges a $15 printing and shipping fee for each passport ordered. Participating ski areas include:

• Alpine Valley of White Lake
• Big Powderhorn of Bessemer
• Boyne Highlands of Harbor Springs
• Boyne Mountain of Boyne Falls
• Caberfae Peaks of Cadillac
• Cannonsburg Ski Area of Cannonsburg
• Cross Country Ski Headquarters of Roscommon
• Crystal Mountain of Thompsonville
• Hanson Hills of Grayling
• Marquette Mountain of Marquette
• Mt. Brighton of Brighton
• Mt. Holiday of Traverse City
• Norway Mountain of Norway
• Nubs Nob of Harbor Springs
• Pine Mountain of Iron Mountain
• Shanty Creek of Bellaire
• Ski Brule of Iron River
• Snow Snake Ski & Golf of Harrison
• Swiss Valley Ski Area of Jones
• The Homestead of Glen Arbor
• Timber Ridge Ski Area of Gobles
• Treetops Resort of Gaylord

If you're not a 4th grader or don't have one, you should check out the $189 White Gold Cards - they're good for one ticket at each of 29 Michigan ski resorts!

Participating ski areas include: Alpine Valley in White Lake; Apple Mountain in Freeland; Big Powderhorn in Bessemer; Bittersweet in Otsego; Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs; Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls; Caberfae Peaks in Cadillac; Cannonsburg Ski Area in Cannonsburg; Cross-Country Ski Headquarters in Roscommon; Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville; Hanson Hills in Grayling; Indianhead in Wakefield; Marquette Mountain in Marquette; Mont Ripley in Houghton; Mt. Bohemia in the Keweenaw Peninsula; Mt. Brighton in Brighton; Mt. Holly in Holly; Mt. Zion in Ironwood; Norway Mountain in Norway; Nubs Nob in Harbor Springs; Pine Knob in Clarkston; Pine Mountain in Iron Mountain; Shanty Creek in Bellaire; Ski Brule in Iron River; Snow Snake in Harrison; Swiss Valley Ski Area in Jones; The Homestead in Glen Arbor; Timber Ridge Ski Area in Gobles and Treetops Resort in Gaylord.

Photo courtesy Snow Snake Ski & Golf.

NW vista by DA2Brian

Marquette, MI has been named one of the top 200 places in the U.S. for sportsmen and women to put their roots down in the April edition of Outdoor Life magazine.

These places exist in every state, towns where you can step out your back door with a fly rod or a shotgun and find abundant fishing and hunting opportunity in sight of the municipal water tower. Areas with decent weather and accessible public land and gun laws that don't criminalize hunters. Places where the economy is vibrant but the pace of life is slow. Towns with good schools and hospitals and a strong sense of community.

Places where you can wear fishing waders or a camouflage hunting jacket into a bar and not call attention to yourself.

Marquette ranked #7 on their list, which considered access to public areas for quality hunting and fishing, economically viability of the region and hospitality of the towns. The area's leading appeals were huge diversity of fish, from native brookies to rainbows and lake-run brown trout to steelhead, salmon, lake trout, walleye and pike.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Check out Marquette's Presque Isle from YouTube as well as this 3D tour of Marquette's downtown video. Absolute Michigan's Flickr group has many more great Marquette photos to view.

Check out web sites and features at Absolute Michigan keyword Marquette and get information on Marquette's history, demographics, geography and more visit Wikipedia entry for Marquette.

John has several photos from yesterday's Michigan Regional Ski Championships at Alpine Valley in White Lake.

He's a professional photographer and his FrawgByte Photography site has probably the best frog-based logo animation ever. His sets include Winter Sports, Equestrian and Scenic.

Todd (cedarkayak) was the 900th person to join the Absolute Michigan group on Flickr. I figured that since the kayak (which he built) was the basis for his user name, it made sense to select this photo of the South Manitou Island Lighthouse. He writes that he used a sail to speed the crossing from Glen Haven to South Manitou Island and this photo is part of his great North and South Manitou Islands set.

The 25,000th (!!) photo added to the Absolute Michigan pool is (fittingly) a photo of the aftermath of the huge New Year Snow Storm (4th biggest in SE Michigan history!) that David took in the Shiawassee Wildlife Refuge near Saginaw.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Featured music is White Bird by Song of the Lakes from their CD Poets Say - follow that link for an MP3 of the full song and to hear and order their music.

ON A COLD WINTER'S NIGHT by robmelody

This episode was underwritten by Leelanau.com webdesign, makers of quality internet since 1996.

The Weather Outside Is Frightful, photo by siskokid

Snowmaking on Victor @ Boyne Mountain, photo by Boyne Mountain

Carousel, photo by jnhkrawczyk. She writes: A carousel (or carrousel) is an amusement ride consisting of a rotating platform with seats for passengers. The "seats" are traditionally in the form of wooden horses or animals, which are often moved mechanically up and down to simulate galloping. This leads to one of the machine's alternative names, the galloper. Other popular names are merry-go-round, roundabout and flying horses. Usually, music is looped while the rides spins. (Wikipedia)

The Absolute Michigan Archive for December 2007 has all our December features.

Service Tax repeal appears certain and www.michigan.gov/mbt.

The 1913 Massacre Film Project, Italian Hall Massacre, Christmas Eve 1913 and photos from The Copper Miner's Strike of 1913 and the tragedy at Calumet's Italian Hall on Michigan in Pictures and Michigan Tech's Digital Archive (search "Italian Hall")

Absolute Michigan's Michigan Ski Tour and
Michigan 4th graders ski for free (includes info on White Gold Card).

Michigan New Years Eve Happenings and the Michigan January Event Calendar.

Snowmobile Olympus - Ironwood, photo by North Guide and Ironwood Sledfest event information.

Our Dog Team, photo by Gradys Kitchen and the Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race.

Chain of Skaters, photo by Ashley Dinges

Add your photos to the Absolute Michigan pool on Flickr and add your videos to the Absolute Michigan Group on YouTube.

The Waiting Room II, photo by caterpillars

Window on the City, photo by SNWEB.ORG Photography

pru center fogged, photo by buckshot.jones

ON A COLD WINTER'S NIGHT, photo by robmelody

Leaving Albion, photo by Andy McFarlane

Tyree Guyton, photo by rckrawczykjr

Lit Snow, photo by J.E.T

Christmas on Empire Beach 07, photo by 1cher (why yes, they ARE swimming on Christmas Day.)

Icy, photo by Bethann

Comments? Questions? Things you'd like to see? Let us know in the comments below or by email!

Cross Country & Downhill Ski Racing

The Michigan Alpine Competition Council (MACC)

The MACC race series covers 12 races over five weekends each year at Boyne Mountain and at Searchmont (Canada). It is open to virtually all adult recreational racers and also to the 15, 16, and 17-year old children of MACC racers.

The Michigan Cup

The Michigan Cup cross-country ski racing season takes place from December through March. More than 20 Michigan Cup races are scheduled throughout Michigan at many XC ski resorts and trails, with a variety of distances, technique, interval and mass starts. Racers can compete individually, in age groups, and in team competitions. All ages and abilities are welcome.

Michigan NASTAR Racing

Thousands of recreational ski racers of all ages and ski levels hit the slopes each winter to earn bronze, silver, gold and platinum medals, either for the joy of racing or in hopes of making the trip to the annual NASTAR Championships.

North American VASA

The 2008 North American VASA will be held on Traverse City's VASA trail on the weekend of February 14-15, 2009. The weekend features races of many lengths for a variety of ability levels.

White Pine Stampede

Billed as the Midwest's premier Nordic skiing event, the annual White Pine Stampede is a point-to-point race (10/20/50k) from Mancelona to Bellaire. Much of the course is on private property, meaning that the only chance you have to ski the beautiful trail is on race day (Feb 7, 2009).

Michigan Ski Links

U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum

The U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum is located in the City of Ishpeming in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the birthplace of organized skiing in the United States. It is home to an extensive collection of artifacts and archives relating to the history of skiing. It has 20,000 square feet of space containing displays on over 350 Honored Members, trophies, clothing and equipment and includes a gift shop, library and theater.

Michigan Snowsports Industry Association (MSIA)

The goal of the MSIA is to increase awareness of snowsports in Michigan and to introduce new individuals to skiing and snowboarding. Learn about a few of their programs including free skiing for Michigan 4th graders right here!

Photo credit: Michigan Ski Racing - Shanty Creek, thanks also to the Michigan Snowsports Industry Association.

Champion Hill Nordic Trails by Lucky Gus

Cross Country Ski Headquarters - Higgins Lake, MI

Over ten miles of Big Snow Cat groomed trails, from flat to hilly with molded track set and corduroy skating lane. You will also find one the most extensive X-C Ski Stores in the USA with many different models of the latest no-wax and waxable and skating skis.

Champion Hill XC Ski Trail - Beulah, MI

Miles of trails for beginner, intermediate and expert that wind through 370 acres of wooded and open terrain of the highlands of Benzie County with views of Lake Michigan and the Platte Lakes. Also features waxing tables, a heated Nordic Center and food & drinks available.

Forbush Corner, Frederic, MI

Forbush Corner features miles of rolling, wooded trails that are carefully designed for all levels of ability and immaculately groomed by the largest fleet of nordic only grooming equipment in the midwest. The Frederic micro climate of early and frequent snowfalls keeps conditions great and instruction is available from beginner to expert.

Garland Resort - Lewiston, MI

Cross country skiing at Garland will take you through our majestic snow covered pines, streams and forests for an unforgettable adventure. Here on our hundreds of miles of pristine trails you will exercise your body and rejuvenate your mind. Enjoy stress free living as you breathe our crystal-clear air and commune with nature, safe in the knowledge that your cell phone won’t work, even if you want it to!

Also see these general information web sites!

Statewide Cross Country Ski Listings

Enjoy the fun and excitement of cross-country skiing in Michigan. Search the properties for cities, towns and communities with cross-country trails, groomed and ready for skiing. Many trails are mapped and marked according to skills. Trails lead through forests, beside lakes, across meadows, and many with rest stops along the way.

Great Lakes Winter Trails Council

The Cross Country Ski areas of the Great Lakes Winter Trails Council are committed to providing you with the finest and most diversified groomed cross-country skiing trails. The organization also strive to keep you informed about the latest cross country trail conditions.

new snow, fog and sunrise by Latitude45

As snow arrives (which it did with a vengeance in the southern part of Michigan yesterday), Michiganders divide into two camps: those wishing they could hit the road for Florida and those readying their snow gear for all that winter has to offer. Here at Absolute Michigan we (mostly) fall into the latter camp and are psyched up to get out and enjoy Michigan's frozen fun!

A decade ago, an internet magazine we published called The Northern Michigan Journal featured Nature Baroque: Snowflakes & Crystals, an excerpt from It's Raining Frogs & Fishes by Michigan author Jerry Dennis with illustrations by Glenn Wolff that begins: What child can resist tasting snowflakes? Head back, mouth open, tounge stretched to catch that bit of coldness--for children, snowflakes on the tongue are as essential to a northern winter as sleds and snowmen. It's a fantastic tour of what snow is - be sure to read it!

Back in February of 2006, Michigan Tech students set 3 snow-related records: largest snowball, most snow angels and biggest snowball fight! The record attempts are part of an ongoing battle between Houghton and Bismark, ND (who has since reclaimed the snow angel record) They know a thing or two about snow in the Keweenaw as the peninsula holds the record for annual snowfall in Michigan with 355.90" in 1978-79.

A number of Michigan Snow Cams give you the current live look at snow and weather around the state. Almost everywhere in Michigan you can find a hill that offers great sledding, and the Michigan Sled Riding Forum seeks to provide locations and will let you add yours! If there's no hill and you're somewhat insane, you could learn how to ultimate sled from the pros.

Further up the evolutionary chain from tobaggon and car-towed sled are snowmobiles, and Michigan offers some of the finest snowmobiling in the nation. Every February, Sault Ste. Marie hosts the I-500 Snowmobile Race. This year is the 40th annual and you can watch a quick I-500 video to get an idea of what it's like.

Of course there is always the good old standbys of cross-country & downhill skiing and snowboarding, check out our Michigan Ski Tour. Downhill or cross county skiing not enough for you? Check out the backcountry telemark Skiing in Leelanau County.

For beautiful pictures of snow in Michigan check out snow photos (slideshow) in the Absolute Michigan pool on Flickr. There's little doubt we missed a shovel or two of Michigan snow info - let us know what in the comments!

Mt. Brighton Ski by bluewomanqu

Alpine Valley - White Lake, MI

Alpine Valley is Michigan's largest ski area, offering slopes for advanced and beginning skiers. The snowboarding area offer 350 feet with verts of up to 10 feet high and a terrain park complete with a variety of ramps, rails and launches for really big air.

Apple Mountain – Freeland, MI

Apple Mountain in Saginaw Valley is a great place to ski and snowboard in the Heart of Mid-Michigan. A Season Pass offers great savings and flexibility - come whenever you want and stay as long as you want.

Pine Knob – Clarkston, MI

Pine Knob is 300 feet vertical, with a total of 17 runs and offers 2 World-Famous WonderCarpets in 100 ft. and 300 ft. lengths, plus 6 chairlifts, and 4 tow ropes with snowmaking experience and technology that is second to none.

Mt. Holly – Holly, MI

Mt. Holly has 18 trails ranging from beginner to advanced, serviced by 7 chairlifts including Southeast Michigan's only High-Speed Quad detachable. High-power snowmaking equipment assures that there's snow even when Mother Nature doesn't cooperate. With a Bavarian style lodge, cafeterias, fireplace room and ski and rental shop, Mt. Holly is a full-service ski are.

Mt. Brighton – Brighton, MI

Mt. Brighton offers a 250' vertical with their longest run at 1,350 feet. They have 26 runs served by seven chair lifts and ten tow-ropes as well as a terrain park and halfpipe for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.

Bittersweet - Otsego, MI

Located near Kalamazoo, Bittersweet is 350 feet vertical, with a total of 20 runs served by the Sweet Express Quad, 2 Wonder carpets (great for beginners), 6 standard chairlifts,and 6 tow ropes. The Terrain Park has its own dedicated lift.

Cannonsburg - Cannonsburg, MI

Cannonsburg has one of those long runs that make a day fun. It's 1,500 feet, which is quite a feat with a vertical drop of 250 feet. Cannonsburg offers over 100 acres for skiing and snowboarding, and it has the highest vertical in southwestern Michigan.

Pando Winter Sports Park - Rockford, MI

Pando is a great family winter sports park located 15 minutes outside of Grand Rapids. They cater to the beginner as well as the advanced skier and snowboarder. If you don't ski, the tube hill offers exciting family fun for all ages and their cross country trails are groomed, tracked and in great condition.

Swiss Valley - Jones, MI

Swiss Valley entices folks to come ski from all over southern Michigan, Indiana and Illinois with 11 runs, a 225 vertical foot peak (highest in Southwest Michigan) and seven lifts, including 2 quads and one triple. Their terrain park offers tabletops, high spines, grind rails and pyramids for skiers, snowboarders and twin tippers who want to perfect their stunts.

Timber Ridge - Gobles, MI

Timber Ridge Ski and Snowboard Resort is a family-owned winter recreation facility that has served southwest Michigan for the past 39 years and with downhill skiing, snowboarding & snowtubing. The slopes include a terrain park with aerial features and rails, a snow tubing hill serviced by a handle tow and 60 skiable acres with 4 chair lifts and 5 surface lifts.

Photo credit: Big Air at Swiss Valley. Also thanks to the Michigan Snowsports Industry Association for information & such.

The Otsego Ski Club - Gaylord, MI

As a winter destination, the Otsego Ski Club provides families with the midwests only full service private ski facility with 27 runs, 5 chairlifts and outstanding terrain for all levels of skier and snowboarder.

Treetops Resort – Gaylord, MI

High elevations, abundant snowfall and scenic beauty provide ideal conditions for downhill skiing at Treetops. They offer 23 picturesque ski runs, complete with three chairlifts and two tow ropes and also a terrain park filled with tabletops and rails for skiers and snowboarders.

Photo credit: Treetops Resort, with thanks to the Michigan Snowsports Industry Association.

Boyne Highlands - Harbor Springs, MI & Boyne Mountain - Boyne Falls, MI

BOYNE features 111 downhill runs across Two Mountains, a variety of terrain parks for the beginning skier and snowboarder to the expert, the only six person high-speed chairlift in Michigan and many more lifts allowing you to get the most out of your time on the slopes. And there's tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating and more!

Caberfae Peaks – Cadillac, MI

Caberfae Peaks is located in Northern Michigan's snowbelt where the "lake effect" snow machine manufactures 150 inches of annual snowfall. The terrain at Caberfae Peaks is very diverse from gentle, 3/4 of a mile cruisers to thrilling steeps. You can drive further north, but you won't find bigger hills!

Challenge Mountain – Petoskey, MI

In the hills surrounding Boyne Mountain is another ski area -- CHALLENGE MOUNTAIN -- A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the physically impaired, mentally challenged, and at risk youth achieve their maximum potential through outdoor therapeutic recreation. All programs are free of charge to individuals and families, facilitated by an all volunteer force, providing unique opportunities for people with special needs to learn to live and play as others. To provide the best possible experience, skiing is by appointment only.

Crystal Mountain – Thompsonville, MI

Named the #1 Resort in the Midwest by SKI Magazine, Crystal Mountain offers skiing & snowboarding on 45 slopes, terrain parks and halfpipe (also 40+ kilometers of cross-country ski trails). With great kids' programs, nationally certified ski and snowboard school and lodging, Crystal Mountain is a Michigan ski resort that provides it all.

Hickory Hills - Traverse City, MI

Hickory Hills features 8 runs with 1 beginner, 5 intermediate, and 2 advanced runs that are serviced by 5 rope tows. Night skiing is available on 7 of the runs. Cross country skiers will find 5 k of trails with a 1 k trail lighted for night skiing.

The Homestead - Glen Arbor, MI

Discover exceptional skiing and boarding on Bay Mountain where the snow is groomed to perfection. Whether it is a long cruise down Pearly Everlasting, a mogul run down Star Thistle, or a tour of our glade run or terrain park, you will find the runs that are just right for you. And we limit ticket sales so you spend more time on the slopes.

Mt. Holiday – Traverse City, MI

Since 1949, Mt. Holiday has provided affordable skiing for families in the Grand Traverse area. Originally part of the Fife Lake State Forest land, Mt. Holiday is a locally supported ski area featuring skiing, snowboarding and tubing.

Nub's Nob - Harbor Springs, MI

Nub's Nob offers 53 ski slopes, terrain parks and trails on 3 separate peaks. With a 100% commitment to making your winter ski and snowboard experience the best it can be through, snowmaking, grooming, value and service, it's little wonder that Nubs has been ranked among North America's biggest and best ski resorts

Shanty Creek - Bellaire, MI

Shanty Creek offers a 450' drop and 37 slopes at Schuss Mountain complete with terrain park, half pipe and a mile-long run. It's an alpine playground for the winter sports enthusiast, complete with lodging, miles of cross country trails, the latest in rental equipment and clinics or lessons for all levels of skiers.

Snow Snake – Harrison, MI

Snow Snake has a terrain park with jumps, bumps, mounds & rails and is open to snowboarders and skiers. It's a great place to learn to snowboard or ski with PSIA certified instructors on one of Michigan's nicest beginner hills.

Photo credits: Stagshead from Caberfae Peaks and Ski Jumper from The Homestead. Thanks also to the Michigan Snowsports Industry Association.

Big Powderhorn – Bessemer, MI

Ranked one of the Top 5 Midwest Resorts, Big Powderhorn Ski Area is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula . A full service ski area with 622 feet vertical drop, thirty-three trails, ten lifts, two Terrain Parks and seven km of groomed cross-country trails for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Ski school. Nearby ice skating, horse-drawn sleigh rides and a wide variety of lodging. Newly renovated Caribou Lodge will open this season featuring dining, swimming, saunas, daycare and nightly entertainment on weekends.

Blackjack – Bessemer, MI

With over 200 inches of annual snowfall, a friendly atmosphere and special attention to all the things that you look for in a perfect day on the slopes. Whether you are a skier or boarder, you will find that Blackjack hosts the finest mix of terrain for all abilities and truly breath-taking views of the Ottawa National Forest. The terrain park features new rails and boxes creating fun for all abilities, and it's the only park in Big Snow Country with its own surface lift.

Indianhead Mountain Resort - Wakefield, MI

Indianhead Mountain Resort is a four-season resort offering 29 downhill skiing slopes, snowboarding and an average of 17 feet of snow per year. The village and resort facilities are located on top of the mountain overlooking the Ottawa National Forest. Indianhead boasts award-winning dining, lodging, live entertainment and full-service conference/banquet facilities.

Marquette Mountain – Marquette, MI

Three new super quarter pipes, more rails, Terrain Park. 3000' Alpine park, 22 runs, 638' vertical drop, night skiing available. Salomon ski rentals. Most varied terrain found anywhere. One of the Midwest's largest ski areas located right in the city limits. If you are a Free-style enthusiasts MM's 3 Terrain Parks will give you Nationally ranked hits, rails and trails for all levels.

Mont Ripley Ski Hill – Houghton, MI

A 440 feet vertical drop ski area on 173 acres with 92 skiable acres. 24 runs for all abilities but our claim to fame is our open bowl trails that act like a snow vacuum. Because of our location on the Keweenaw Peninsula, sticking out into the largest lake in the world, we average 250 inches of dry lake effect snow each year. An exciting terrain park with tabletop jumps, gaps, spines, quarters, hips and grind rail parks. Night skiing 7 nights a week. Chalet with a cafeteria & lockers as well as ski shop and ski school. Open in early December.

Mount Bohemia – Keweenaw, MI

Mount Bohemia is unlike any other ski area in the Midwest. Chutes, cliff drops and a half-mile wide forest will challenge even experienced skiers and riders. Editor's note: it's confirmed that this is EXTREME skiing. With the longest runs, highest vertical and deepest powder in the Midwest, Mt. Bohemia is a true treasure for backcountry skiers and riders. Bohemia is all-natural, but with an average snowfall of 273", there's no problem! Going to Extremes on Midwestern Slopes in the New York Times has a sweet photo from Mt. Bohmeia.

Mt. Zion Recreational Complex - Ironwood, MI

Located on the campus of Gogebic Community College, Mt. Zion is the oldest winter recreation complex in "Big Snow Country". This complex also serves as a laboratory for the college’s nationally recognized Ski Area Management Program and is well known for very reasonable rates, numerous "Learn to Ski and Snowboard Programs" for children, and a snowtubing park.

Norway Mountain - Norway, MI

Norway Mountain is located 10 miles east of Iron Mountain and provides a great mix of runs for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. They also have a terrain parks and cross-country and snowshoeing trail.

Pine Mountain Resort – Iron Mountain, MI

Pine Mountain is a quick, family-friendly getaway that's close to home and doesn't involve breaking into the family piggy bank. Kids 12 and under always ski free at Pine Mountain when accompanied by a paying adult. From bunny hill to black diamond, Pine Mountain has terrain that will suit all abilities.

Porcupine Mountains – Ontonagon, MI

Features the second highest vertical drop in Michigan or Wisconsin and you'll see spectacular, panoramic views of Lake Superior. The Porkies are home to one of the first alpine ski areas in the Midwest as well as some of the most scenic Nordic ski trails in the entire Great Lakes region.

Ski Brule – Iron River, MI

The first to open and the last to close, Ski Brule provides the best possible conditions at all times with an average season of almost six months! Ski Brule takes pride in their knowledgeable and proficient slope maintenance staff to provide the best corduroy cruisers, terrain trails, 1⁄2 pipe and parks.

Photo credits: Big Air - photo courtesy Indianhead Mountain & Fun in the Bumps - photo courtesy Ski Brule. Thanks also to the Michigan Snowsports Industry Association.

Forging Path by J.E.T.

The Michigan Ski & Snowboard Blog tipped us to the 2nd Annual Teddy Knape Film Festival will be held Saturday, December 29, 2007 at Crystal Mountain Resort. The event honors the memory of Grand Rapids filmmaker Teddy Knape who shot many of his first films at Crystal Mountain. In addition to screening some extreme films, the festival also includes a pizza party and prize raffle which includes skis from K2 and proceeds are donated to the Northern Michigan Adaptive Ski Program.

This year’s event features a film contest. Filmmakers who submit their skiing or snowboarding film on DVD by December 15, 2007 will have a chance to win FREE SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING! Registration form and more details available at Crystal Mountain.

You can also check out a teaser for his film The State of Michigan vs. Teddy Knape.

Crystal Mountain’s furry and lovable mascots, the Snow Monsters, are inviting their mascot friends - including Sparty from Michigan State University and Mr. Cherry, mascot of the Traverse City North Stars hockey team, to name a few - to join families for a weekend of fun activities and friendly competition ... The marquee event will likely be the Mountain Mascot Games as mascots go head-to-head in a series of crazy challenges.

The blog is part of SkiMichigan - a downhill & cross-country ski network that's been providing great info for over a decade.

Alpine Vally Ski Resort by 老六

Michigan is home to some of the best cross-country & downhill skiing and snowboarding in the Midwest. All month on Absolute Michigan, we'll be featuring all aspects of Michigan skiing with profiles of regions, resorts and trails along with a mountain of photos, video and information about the history and present day skiing experience in Michigan. As always, if you have a link to add, post it in the comments or send us an email!

The OFFICIAL Directory of Skiing in Michigan offers a comprehensive list of the places to ski, snowboard and otherwise get from the top of the hill to the bottom. The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association is dedicated to increasing awareness of snowsports in Michigan and introducing new individuals to skiing and snowboarding, and has some great deals to check out. Weather Underground Ski Michigan offers up-to-date snow conditions for all the resorts in Michigan. Michigan Skier can give you all the latest news on skiing in Michigan, as well as info on everything you need to know about skiing in Michigan. You'll also want to drop by SkiMichigan.com.

If Nordic Skiing is your thing, Michigan Nordic Racer offers regularly updated trail reports from all over the state. The Great Lakes Nordic Council has some more info for Michigan. If you're feeling competitive, how about training for the Michigan Cup Series, the Michigan Tech Christmas Classic (Dec 15-16, 2007 in Houghton), White Pine Stampede (Feb 2, 2008 in Mancelona), the North American VASA (Feb 9, 2008 in Traverse City).

Of course, you don't need to compete to enjoy cross country skiing. In fact, you don't even need snow for Nordic Walking from Michigan-based SkiWalking.com. In addition to great opportunities at Michigan's national, state and local parks, check out the cross country skiing guide from Travel Michigan. You don't even need to let challenges stand in your way of enjoying to snow: Michigan Ski for Light is a non-profit organization promoting cross-country skiing and other outdoor activities for the visually- and mobility-impaired.

If you want to keep on eye on the conditions at the slopes, check out this list of Michigan ski resort webcams from SkiCentral and another at Snow Eye. While we don't have too many photos of skiing in the Absolute Michigan pool on Flickr, we're hoping to see a lot more as people get out and enjoy the skiing. Michigan in Pictures has a few ski photos including this feature on Boyne founder Everett Kircher. On the Snow offers a few photos from Michigan ski resorts and Lars Jensen has some great photos from cross-country skiing at the Pictured Rocks and other locations.

...but this photo is quite delightful! The siskokid took this photo on November 22nd but I swear it could have been taken today outside my office! He says that this why they call the western end of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan "Big Snow Country".

Coming in December 2007 Absolute Michigan will be helping you get ready for the slopes with a mountain-tall drift of Michigan skiing info - stay tuned to Absolute Michigan keyword ski!

RandomSPACE features the musings and photography of Lars Jensen. Lars explains:

Well, I'm not sure what to say about this place. As the title suggests it is mostly random stuff, although in recent times it has mostly focused on photography from my travels. I try to only put stuff on this page that is interesting or useful, my attention span is as short as anyones. If I do post something boring, I will try to warn you, I don't want someone to sue me because they fell asleep and hit their head on their desk while looking at my homepage. But please remember, it's only a homepage, there is only so much I can do. Explore.

I'm tempted to leave it at that, but since I'm expected to do more than just cut and paste, let me point you to a few especially interesting things:

Although Lars says that accepting his camera advice may be hazardous to your health, his Guide to Outdoor Digital Photography is very useful, with useful advice like:

Cameras often do a bad job of capturing reality, especially if you are like me and don't know how to use them. Even Ansel Adams adjusted his photos in the darkroom. Ansel Adams, dude. No picture is going to be 100% accurate no matter what you do, cameras suck too much.

One thing he doesn't mention is that a secret to getting great outdoor pictures is to go to amazing places at amazing times of year. So while he does go to Pictured Rocks in the summertime, Lars also takes you back there in the winter to ski & hike the Chapel Loop, walk along the ice shelves on Lake Superior or to go ice climbing.

The photo above is called Deadman's Hill is part his latest feature: Fall in Northern Michigan.