GRAND RAPIDS – Michigan McDonald’s restaurants and 25 ski areas across the state will provide customers with an opportunity to try healthy winter activities such as downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding at discounted prices this winter.

Beginning Monday, participating McDonald’s restaurants will begin offering “Discover Michigan Skiing & Snowboarding” value vouchers, which can be redeemed at participating ski resorts. The vouchers offer affordable beginner downhill, cross-country and snowboard packages, which include a beginner lesson, equip-ment rental, and a beginner area lift ticket or trail pass. The cost is $30 for downhill skiing, $20 for cross-country skiing and $40 for snowboarding. The vouchers are valid Jan. 4 through Jan. 31. Participants must call ahead to pre-register at the ski area of their choice.

“Discover Michigan Skiing & Snowboarding is a good way to enjoy the outdoors and to stay active during the cold winter months,” said Terry Reese, vice president and general manager of McDonald’s Owner/Operators of Outstate Michigan. “This makes healthy lifestyles during the winter months more affordable.”

Following the 2010 season, each ski voucher program participant will also receive a packet in the mail including a coupon valid for $20 off the purchase of $100 or more in ski-related merchandise at participating retail ski shops for the following ski season.

“Since the Discover Michigan Skiing & Snowboarding program is so affordable and fun, we have skiers of all ages participating each year,” said Mickey MacWilliams, executive director of the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association. She recommends calling as early as possible to schedule a lesson as the lesson times fill up quickly.

Participating ski areas across the state include:
Apple Mountain, Freeland
Big Powderhorn, Bessemer
Blackjack Ski Resort, Bessemer
Bittersweet, Otsego
Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs
Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls
Caberfae Peaks, Cadillac
Cannonsburg Ski Area, Cannonsburg
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, Roscommon
Hanson Hills, Grayling
The Homestead, Glen Arbor
Indianhead Mountain, Wakefield
Mt. Brighton Ski Area, Brighton
Mt. Holiday, Traverse City
Mt. Holly, Holly
Muskegon Winter Sports Complex
Norway Mountain, Norway
Nubs Nob, Harbor Springs
Ostego Club & Resort, Gaylord
Pine Knob Resort, Clarkston
Pine Mountain, Iron Mountain
Shanty Creek, Bellaire
Swiss Valley Ski Area, Jones
Timber Ridge Ski Area, Gobles
Treetops Resort, Gaylord