Michigan residents who want to give winter sports a try may not find a better offer.

The Wolverine State’s ski areas have teamed with Michigan’s McDonald Restaurants to offer an affordable introduction to snowsports. It covers downhill skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing.

The Discover Michigan Ski program includes a beginner lesson, ski or snowboard rental, and a beginner area lift pass or cross-country trail pass. The program runs Jan. 2-31 and 23 of the state's top ski areas will be participating. The cost of the program, which is open to everyone aged 7 and up, is $20 for cross-country skiing, $30 for a skiing lesson and $40 for snowboarding. 

Signing up is easy. The Discover Michigan Ski vouchers are available at participating McDonald Restaurants and selected ski shops while quantities last.  A printable version is also available by following the link below. The voucher lists participating ski areas. You must pre-register with the area.

“It’s been a very popular program in past years,” says Mickey McWilliams, director of Michigan Snowsports Industries Association, which hosts it for the state’s ski industry.  “This is an affordable way to give snowsports a try, and many keep with it after that initial lesson. It offers a good introduction to the sport.  You will know if you want to continue after the lesson.”

Participating areas includes some of the larger resorts in Lower Michigan; Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne Highlands, Caberfae Peaks Ski & Golf Resort, Nubs Nob Ski Area, Shanty Creek, The Homestead and Treetops Resort.  Big Powderhorn Mountain, Blackjack Ski Resort, and Norway Mountain is some of the participating UP resorts. The complete list is available online along with information on the program by following this link.