GRAND RAPIDS — Michigan McDonald’s and ski areas across the state have teamed up to offer a popular and very affordable introduction to the sport of skiing and snowboarding, called Discover Michigan Skiing.

The program, which has run every January for the past 19 years, includes: a beginner lesson, ski or snowboard rental equipment and a beginner-area ski lift pass or cross-country trail pass. Twenty-four ski facilities are offering the package, which will be honored through Jan. 31. The prices for the Discover Michigan Skiing program are: $20 for Discover Michigan Cross-Country Skiing; $30 for Discover Michigan Downhill Skiing; and $40 for Discover Michigan Snowboarding. The program is open to everyone 7 years and older.

The lesson normally covers basic maneuvering on skis or snowboards, including stopping, turning, riding the lifts and getting up from a fall. Discover Michigan Skiing is part of the national “Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month” campaign, which is designed to provide a way for people all across the country to learn to ski or snowboard affordably and carries the slogan, “Humans were never meant to hibernate.”

To sign up, interested beginners must have a Discover Michigan Skiing Value Voucher. They are available in December at participating Michigan McDonald’s restaurants and MSIA retail ski stores while quantities last. A printable voucher is also available online at goskimichigan.com. Participants choose the place they wish to visit and then must call to pre-register. Program times differ from ski area to ski area.

 

Participating ski areas include:

Apple Mountain in Freeland

Big Powderhorn in Bessemer

Blackjack Ski Resort also in Bessemer

Bittersweet in Otsego

Boyne Highlands of Harbor Springs

Boyne Mountain of Boyne Falls

Caberfae Peaks of Cadillac

Cross Country Ski Headquarters of Roscommon

Hanson Hills of Grayling

Marquette Mountain of Marquette

Mont Ripley in Houghton

Mt. Brighton of Brighton

Mt. Holiday of Traverse City

Mt. Holly in Holly

Mt. Zion in Ironwood

Muskegon Luge & Sports Complex in Muskegon

Nubs Nob in Harbor Springs

Pine Knob in Clarkston

Shanty Creek of Bellaire

Ski Brule of Iron River

Swiss Valley Ski Area of Jones

The Homestead of Glen Arbor

Timber Ridge Ski Area of Gobles

Treetops Resort of Gaylord