CADILLAC, MI - Opening weekend at Caberfae Peaks this month was full of skiers on the slopes, après crowds kicking back on the deck, and ear-to-ear grins on the chairlifts as people turned out to embrace their first runs of the season.
The resort's owners want to keep these good vibes flowing all season long. They're touting big upgrades in the snowmaking infrastructure and more comfortable amenities in the on-site hotel as the new things guests will notice this winter.
While it may not be the biggest or most expensive ski area in the Lower Peninsula, Caberfae Peaks has a hugely devoted fan base. One of the oldest ski resorts in the nation, "Cabby" - as it's affectionally dubbed - sits on the doorstep to Michigan's Up North, just outside of Cadillac.
It is known for friendly skiers and its "crockpot crowd" who love their indoor picnics and brown-bag lunches. It also begs the question: How far would you drive for a plate of their Famous Fries? Better fill up your gas tank.
With three peaks, 27 runs and ringed by a gorgeous network of cross-country ski trails, Caberfae is unique in that it's situated in the middle of the Manistee National Forest. The views are pretty incredible.
Pete Meyer, general manager of business operations for the family-owned resort, said creating a welcoming atmosphere where people love to ski is what winter is all about.
"We try to make this sport as affordable and as family-friendly as possible," he said. "It's a big part of who we are."
What's New This Season
The snowmaking and electrical upgrades are getting top billing this year under the "What's New" category. A string of power supply issues plagued the resort last year. Aging power lines coming in from a nearby substation were giving Caberfae's team fits and they were forced to throttle back their snowmaking at times as a result.
"Consumers Energy really stepped up and replaced all those lines last year," Meyer said. "Now we have more consistent power that allows for growth. And we were able to make a decision to add more infrastructure."
Caberfae added a new vertical turbine snowmaking pump, a new snowmaking well, purchased nine new snowmaking towers, and refurbished another dozen. It all adds up to more than a 30% increase in snowmaking capacity and more snow depth for skiers.
"We have done just a tremendous amount of work," Meyer said of the resort's team. "We will be able to make a much larger volume of snow in a shorter period of time."
This also will allow the resort to recover more easily from a freeze-thaw pattern like last winter, when snow farmers sometimes had a short window to boost their base before a warm snap sprang up in the forecast.
Upgrades inside the Mackenzie Lodge include new handmade furniture in the 39 guest rooms. The resort's talented staff did the work themselves.
Adding the mSnow synthetic surface to all the lift loading/unloading areas is a new safety feature that also reduces the need for constant snow maintenance around the ramp areas.
Arlo's Deck is getting more sunlight this year. A little tree removal and trimming project has made this outside space even more après friendly.
Night lights on Bubble Gum - Ski through this sweet little tunnel of trees - and get the added perk of night lights this winter.
For details on Caberfae Peaks lift tickets and snow conditions, see the website here.