fonixmunkee's Blog

Perhaps resorts in the Midwest don't exactly offer "extreme" skiing. "Extreme skiing" is sort of cliche nowadays; with the word being more of a catch-phrase than anything. So "extreme skiing" may not be the term, but at least terrain that will challenge the advanced skier is becoming more widely accepted. Instead of rolling runs with a moderate pitch, or the mogul runs, resorts in the Midwest are starting to branch out into steeps, glades, and bowls.

For me, the idea started at Mount Bohemia, in Michigan's Upper Penninsula (the "UP"). Although they market their skiing with the gimmicky, over-the-top slogan of "EXTREME SKIING, TRIPLE BLACK DIAMONDS", they do indeed have some very challenging terrain...that'll give even the most expert of skiers a run for their money. Since the popularity of Mount Bohemia has jumped off in the last two seasons, other resorts are getting the net.

It started with Lutsen, who last year began to unofficially bounce around the word that "the plunge" would return. "The plunge" is a steep, tree-lined run that dips off the back of Moose Mountain at Lutsen. For years, a thin, yellow rope (and lack of good snow) has separated skiers from a steep drop back into the Superior National Forest. Now, with Lutsen's purchase of a winch-cat (required for grooming this run, which is too steep for a ordinary groomer), they plan on making "the plunge" available to skiers this season. You can read a bit more by going to Lutsen's web site, here: http://www.lutsen.com/winter/index.cfm# (and then click on the "news" tab).

Next, I saw this pop up on OTS today: Welch Village is opening their "back bowls." Again, this phrase seems a little preposterous for Midwest resorts ("bowls" are usually reserved for the snowed-in aprons you find in the mountains), but alas, that's what the resort is calling it. I'm not too familiar with Welch Village, but I know I've heard locals talk about how this terrain should be accessed. Welch has now allowed skiing in this area for the advanced skier by introducing a new quad chair into the area, and limiting access to season pass holders for the first month. I'm assuming this is to allow the season pass holder--who would seemingly be a bit more of an advanced skier and therefore familiar with the area more than the casual recreational skier--to trial the area and see how things turn out. You can read more about this new addition to Welch by going here: http://www.onthesnow.com/news/a/4033/welch-village-opens-back-bowl

I'm all for this new venture for local resorts. I love ripping turns down a groomer as much as any other skier in the region, but sometimes you want to get away. Any areas that put on the "dweeb filter" and keep intermediate or below skiers out is OK in my book...more area for us to go faster and bigger.

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