Sweet late-season deals at Michigan’s Bittersweet

Bittersweet ski area northwest of Kalamazoo may be closing up shop soon, but you wouldn’t know it by the deals it’s now offering its pass holders, as well as those holding season passes from any ski area in the country.

Boasting 20 runs and 350 feet of vertical served by seven chair lifts, including a high-speed quad, plus two Wonder Carpets and two ropes, it’s one of the highest, and best lift-served areas in southern Michigan. It’s also sporting some interesting specials as it nears its projected mid-March season closer, a date that could even be extended if conditions permit.

First, both student and adult holders of the area’s Ski Club passes, normally good only after 3 p.m. daily, will now get you on the lifts anytime, any day.

Second, any boarder or skier showing a season pass from any other ski area in the nation can now ski here for just $20, any day, all day. Normal rates are $31 weekdays and $39 Saturdays, so you’ll save up to $19.

New-to-it freestylers can also tackle the new beginner terrain park, which joins the main park to offer lots of sick fun features that includes a quarter-pipe. Spring skiers can enjoy the early spring weather on the new 4,000-square-foot heated brick patio.