Ski Brule

11/11/20

Thank you to those that have served. 

Freedom is powerful. It’s a gift. A treasure.

The most significant, important gifts in life are always worth fighting for. And often, they come with a great price. They are not free. Somewhere along the way, someone paid dearly for the liberties we enjoy so freely today. But sometimes, we forget. It’s easy to take them for granted. We enjoy freedom, but most of us alive today, have always had it. We may not even be fully aware of just how many men and women have paid dearly for the gifts we enjoy today. The price was paid through many long years.

 This is a day to unite, to remember and pray, to show our gratitude for so many who have fought on behalf of our country.

 For all those who have protected our nation, for the men and women in uniform, together, we say “Thank You.”

Weather has changed after a week with temperatures in the high 60’s.  No snow is left on the ground from the early season snowstorms and there is no foreseeable projection of opening day with Ski Brule’s reliance on natural snow this season.  The weather forecast is generally mild, suggesting the likelihood of opening in the short term is not likely.  But don’t put your skis away … it will happen and when it does, Ski Brule will be ready to start that lift up!  I can’t wait to hear the roar of Big Bear’s motor starting.  Music to my ears!

Because of the uncertainty of operations this season, we recognize that some of you would like refunds on your season pass or advanced lift tickets.  Please consider that the advanced lift tickets are valid this season and next season (21/22) which means those passes are rather valuable as you are not likely to be able to buy advanced lift tickets or season passes at the low rate you purchased at.  If you do decide to request a refund, you must do so by November 15.  Refunds are not available after November 15.   If you intend on retaining your advanced lift tickets this season, simply go to Guest Service ticket window with your order confirmation and you will be issued tickets for that day.  Any unused advanced lift tickets will be mailed fall of 21/22 snow season.

I miss seeing my extended ‘Brule Family’ and look forward to seeing you on the slopes when snow flies!

~Thinking Snow (now more than ever)
Jess & Colt

BIG CHANGES FOR 20/21 SNOW SEASON: (updated 10/22/20)
CLICK HERE TO READ THE COMPLETE 20/21 OPERATIONAL PLAN

Last March, the Michigan Governor shut Ski Brule down with a month of the best snow and the best skiing yet to go.  We thought and hoped that the pandemic would be over or at least improve, but it is not, in fact it is worse in Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois.  In the Ski Brule area, daily cases now exceed monthly total from June, schools are closed, medical facilities are closed, law enforcement is infected.  There were zero COVID cases in Dickenson-Iron County March through May and now 1,000 cases.  The U.P. daily totals exceed the monthly totals from June and our area has been moved back a ‘phase’ due to the significant increase in COVID cases.

Masks are required everywhere, food and bar service is severely restricted, indoor gathering is significantly limited.  Additional rules and enforcement have been implemented by the Health Department, Liquor Control Commission and MIOSHA.

How will we, can we, operate Ski Brule?  We have a legacy here.  Ski Brule has continually operated for 64 years.  Operated under the same family management for longer than any other ski facility in the U.S.  We have provided our guests with a great family winter resort for years.

But Covid-19 has changed everything.  Our traditional model won’t work.   Close gatherings, close friends, close families, personal service, face to face relations, handshakes and hugs are outlawed.

And the financial risk of again being shut down, but now in the early season seems very high!  We’ve look for answers and assurances but have received none!

We now, finally, must advise our many, many guests, our friends and families of Ski Brule’s plans for Winter 20/21.

We all know that things change quickly.  The future is far less predictable, so what we provide here will likely change – hopefully for the better.

Our Goals For 20/21:

1. Keep staff and guests safe.
2. Remain financially sound for the years after COVID-19.
3. Offer what we can, safely and practically.

Will we ski & snowboard?  Subject to Covid-19 and mother nature, yes.  Covid-19 and government orders that is, because orders of shut down could occur anytime.  Mother Nature because we will need plenty of natural snow.