Get Outdoors

Thrill-Seeking in Muskegon

Learn to luge, ice skate into the woods, or zip-line over the snowscape

By Marla R. Miller

M y exhilarating introduction to luging came 15 years ago at the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park. Its 650-foot-long natural ice track was a rare winter gem designed so first-timers could experience the thrill of luging. Should I dare try? I hesitated. But then I thought that if a 10-year-old Boy Scout could luge, why couldn’t I?

Speeding downhill on that slick, twisting track on a tiny sled sounded a little scary at first, but my initial lightning-fast run was a blast. It was so much fun, in fact, that I returned for more. One season, I even competed in the local Tuesday night luge league. It’s so exciting, I urge you to give it a go!

The sports park, housed in Muskegon State Park, has evolved since my early luging days into a year-round destination, and offers a variety of silent-sport activities. In the winter, visitors can lace up their skates for a game of pickup hockey or venture into the woods on the quarter-mile ice skating trail. Lighted, groomed crosscountry ski and snowshoe trails track into the forest or out to Lake Michigan.

Originally built in 1984, the winter complex relies on the snow and cold weather to keep the attractions open, since nothing is refrigerated. The luge track was redesigned in 1990 by three-time luge Olympian Frank Masley, and is one of only four luge tracks in the United States.

“A lot of people call it (luging) a bucketlist item,” says Jim Rudicil, longtime executive director of the nonprofit Muskegon Luge, which leases the land from the state park. “It’s rewarding not only as a coach, but as an outdoor recreation enthusiast, to see people confront their fears and learn a new sport, and have a blast doing it.”

Learn How: Nestled in a back dune near Lake Michigan, Muskegon Luge becomes a winter wonderland when the lake-effect snow machine turns on. The public Luge Experience — held weekends, weather-permitting — typically sells out months in advance; tickets must be purchased online.

Each luge session is capped at 30 sliders and lasts two and a half hours. Sessions include instructions, equipment, and slide time. Lugers get a few practice runs before a fun and friendly competition and medal ceremony. Muskegon Luge also hosts a Youth Luge program, Locals Luge, school groups, Scout groups, and private groups by reservation.

“Most of the (public) sessions are filled by couples or small groups,” Rudicil says. “They come together, they meet new people, and they race against each other. It’s super fun to see the interaction and how they bond throughout the session.”

Mother Nature has to cooperate by delivering sustained below-freezing temperatures for the luge and ice rinks, and fresh snow for the cross-country ski trails. As the seasons shorten, Rudicil has launched a campaign to add year-round features, including an accessible summer luge, a rock-climbing/ice-climbing wall, an archery range, and more. All fees go back into the operation of the facility and support new attractions.

The park’s 1,400-foot universally accessible dual zip line opened last summer. Visitors can try winter zip-lining for the first time this season, flying high over the park’s snow-covered landscape and luge tracks.

“I think winter zip-lining will be awesome, for sure,” says Dan Bonner, outdoor adventure specialist. “The summer season was amazing. We were booked every single weekend.”

Park staff created a fire garden area, more seating, and an outdoor tent for putting on skates and skis last year, due to

The Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park offers fast action down its slick 650-foot-long, twisting run.

COVID-19. The changes will stay for now, says Rudicil, who noted Muskegon Luge saw an increase in visitors last year since all the attractions are outside.

The complex has more than 15 kilometers of ski trails through the woods and back dunes that are good for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers. Staff groom the trails for skate and classical skiing daily, weather-permitting, and keep the lights on until close for night skiing.

If you prefer quiet winter walks, the park has miles of marked and groomed snowshoe trails, traversing the low levels of white pine forest and out to the lakeshore. Other loops follow the dune ridge for views of an iced-over Lake Michigan coast and snowy tree canopy.

“Snowshoeing is becoming one of my favorite things for the mainstream, for the folks who say, ‘I hate winter, I don’t do winter sports,’ ” Rudicil adds. “It’s accessible, very safe, and a great way to get out and experience winter along the Lake Michigan shoreline.”

The sports park rents ice skates, crosscountry skis, snowshoes, and headlamps for night excursions. The campground across Scenic Drive is open year-round. Outdoor enthusiasts can make it a true winter adventure by booking one of the state park’s cabins or yurts.

PLAN IT! Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park msports.org

This page: Boyne Mountain guests can enjoy high-energy downhill tubing adventures. Opposite page: Crystal Mountain’s horse-drawn rides provide relaxing experiences.

Frosty Fun

Outdoor delights at two resort legends range from exhilarating to relaxing

By Tracy Donohue

T here’s nothing like driving past snow-covered countryside, quaint towns, and waterways, looking forward to new experiences and a mindand-body reset in northern Michigan.

With all the great options available, an Up North winter escape shouldn’t be limited to skiing and snowboarding when plenty of enjoyable outdoor adventures abound beyond the slopes.

Specializing in winter recreation, both Boyne Mountain Resort and Crystal Mountain Resort have legendary histories, are named for nearby bodies of water, and know what they’re doing when it comes to frosty fun this winter.

Boyne Mountain Resort was built in the village of Boyne Falls along the scenic Boyne River, a tributary of Lake Charlevoix. The resort opened in 1948 as Boyne Ski Club, with one run and the first chairlift in the Midwest.

Less than a decade later, in Thompsonville, Crystal Mountain was launched as Buck Hills Ski Area — the result of a clever high school project to find the best location among the area’s forests and farms to start a community ski area. A warming hut was built with donated lumber and the first tow rope was powered by an old pickup truck engine.

Four years later, it became Crystal Mountain Resort, named after nearby Crystal Lake, which is known for its stunningly clear blue water.

Both resorts have come a long way since their humble ski beginnings.

The destinations now offer a variety of outdoor wintertime experiences that range from exhilarating to relaxing, and rely on a sense of adventure and fun — not to mention appropriate layers of clothing and footwear.

“It’s a special, high-energy feel in the winter when we have families and enthusiasts returning to have fun, refresh, and make memories,” says Erin Ernst, director of communications at Boyne Resorts.

Boyne Mountain recently announced its Renaissance 2.0 vision, which includes much-anticipated resort enhancements such as SkyBridge Michigan, the world’s longest timber-towered suspension

bridge, slated to open in summer 2022.

Outdoor devotee Karen Carroll, from Bloomfield Hills, enjoys time at both resorts with her husband and young sons. “We’re an active family with two energetic boys, so when it comes to family vacations, we’re looking for fun outdoor activities we can do together,” Carroll says. “Besides skiing, we like hiking, ice-skating, and tubing. Our boys love eating outside, hanging out at fire pits, and the heated indoor/outdoor pool at Boyne (Mountain). We love going Up North in the winter and trying new things.”

When it comes to adrenalin-inducing outdoor winter activities, winter biking is a growing trend. Both resorts offer opportunities to explore groomed, snowcovered trails atop a fat-tire bike. Wide, large-volume fat-tires give the sensation of floating on top of the snow while you’re pedaling through wintry woodlands.

For competitors, Crystal Mountain hosts its annual Iron Fish Distillery Fat Chance Fat-Tire Bike Race in late January.

Another fun biking activity to try at Boyne Mountain is a SNO-GO bike — basically a bike with skis. Adam Rase, the Boyne Mountain Adventure Center’s manager, describes SNO-GO biking as an alternative way for many people to enjoy the slopes, even those who are no longer able to ski due to knee or other issues. “Rip-roaring down the hill on a SNO-GO bike is fun for everyone and a great way to be part of the action, since you’re on the same ski lift and hill,” he says.

Adventurers can also take a Zipline Adventure Tour that lasts about two hours, reaching speeds of 20-25 mph and heights of up to 50 feet. “Flying through the air in the snow, across treetops and the slopes, is an incredible experience. The views are beautiful,” Rase says.

Of course, high-octane activities aren’t everyone’s idea of a vacation. For those seeking more relaxing, yet special, outdoor experiences, there are some wonderful winter options.

Unique to Crystal Mountain and open year-round, Michigan Legacy Art Park is a wooded 30-acre preserve with more than 50 Michigan-inspired sculptures and 30 poetry stones. Meandering at your own pace by foot, cross-country skis, or snowshoes through this tranquil cultural trail experience is a treat for body and soul.

And sometimes, it’s best to sit back and enjoy the ride. Both resorts offer opportunities to bundle up and savor the simplicity of a wagon ride.

“Crystal Mountain is a beautiful place regardless of the season, but sparkling lights strung through trees with falling snow really makes this place feel magical — especially when you’re riding along in a horse-drawn surrey,” says Jen Roberts, recreation manager at Crystal Mountain.

After a fun-filled day of activities, there’s no reason to retreat inside when outdoor dining, cocktails, and stargazing options exist. Reset accomplished!

PLAN IT! Boyne Mountain Resort boynemountain.com Crystal Mountain Resort crystalmountain.com