My Mt. Holiday: Now and Then

Life has come full circle, I think while sitting in a worn, comfortable-like-your-favorite-jeans booth with views of skiers and snowboarders zipping back and forth, up and down. Has it really been that many years since I begged my parents for cash so I could buy a lift ticket, hit the hills and, most importantly it seemed at the time, hang in the lodge, giggle with girlfriends and -- if I was lucky -- ski down the slopes with a boy as White Snake and Def Leppard tunes blared from the outdoor speakers? (photo courtesy Mt. Holiday)

Yep, it has been that many years. It has to be, given that this night I am at Mt. Holiday with my kids. My kids! Thankfully, though, they're not yet teenagers. I have a few more years before worrying that my offspring believe ducking into the dark woods with a member of the opposite sex is equally as appealing as actually going down the slopes.

Still. I'm old. Or, well, older. And this fact remains: these hills on which I learned to snow-plow and schuss and french kiss are now my kids' hills. This is where they've on the bunny hill done "the pizza slice" -- see? they don't even call it the "snow-plow" anymore -- bolstered their confidence on the blue and yellow chair lifts and tested their bravado on ski jumps. In just a short time, my 9-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son have proven they know exactly what they are doing after strapping on the gear. Piece of cake, they've seem to say to me as they tromp into the lodge after several trips up and down the hills. They come in for a brief break, to warm up with hot chocolate and a basket of hot, greasy fries. Then, seeyamomwe'regonnaheadbackout. And did you see that jump I made?

I don't always sit inside, watching and reminiscing about when we made our way up the hill riding t-bars, not chairlifts. I also have put on the boots and skis and taken to the slopes with my kids. That, I must tell you, is a t-r-i-p. First of all, it does really all come back to you, like riding a bicycle, after a multiple-year hiatus. I didn't make a total ass of myself. But, it also was strange - there's no other word to describe it - to be riding the chairlift with your grade-school boy, easing any initial fears he has of being so far up off the ground and pointing out the beautiful city lights and bay view to be had at the top while also, in the back of your mind, thinking about the time you ventured down that one off-the-beaten-path hill with a certain boy because you'd hoped he'd kiss you. And he did.

It's all just a bit surreal.

But after a moment I shake myself of this 80s reverie, and think of how thankful I am for Mt. Holiday. And I know a lot of people like me who feel the same. It's not only that we're glad to see a local mainstay stick around and be appreciated (which Mt. Holiday definitely is, much to the credit of a hard-working staff and dedicated group of volunteers). It's also that we have the opportunity to share this with our kids. Aside from the teenage fun I had there, I smile thinking about my earliest days spent at the lodge with my step-father, who introduced me to this snowy sport so many years ago. It's a childhood memory I treasure.

Here's Emma and Andrew on a recent night at Mt. Holiday.

Mt. Holiday is better than ever these days, and I say that not only as a parent loving that I have a nearby place for my kids to make the most of northern Michigan winters. In recent years, the not-for-profit has ramped up its offerings, from family-friendly features like tubing, improved lodge dining options (Right Brain on tap, anyone?) and "krazy" cheap rates each week, to special events that take place throughout winter as well as year-round. A few years back we took advantage of summer movie nights there, and mountain biking is a big thing on the trails once the warmer weather strikes. It's great to see this community gathering spot continue to grow and thrive, particularly given that in 2001 Mt. Holiday closed with an uncertain future.

Living out of state at the time, I had no idea this had happened and was sad to learn the news upon returning to northern Michigan in mid-2001. It was around this time, though, that concerned residents began rallying to keep the ski area open. This group raised $1.2 million to acquire the property and begin its restoration.

Making sure Mt. Holiday is around for years to come, for families and particularly for underprivileged youth, is the focus of those involved in the organization. Two "skiership" funds have been established to allow every child a chance to learn to ski or snowboard regardless of ability to pay. These scholarships - the Tom Hall Memorial Skiership and Warren Brosch Memorial Skiership - offer lift tickets, rentals and lessons to any child who qualifies.

If you haven't spent time at Mt. Holiday lately, be sure to check it soon. It's sure to bring back too-fun memories if it's a place of your past – don't tell me I'm the only one who has the memories I do of these hills… It's also bound to become a new favorite, too, as it has for me and my family, whether being there is your long-time-in-coming return visit or your very first time. Either way, let me know how it goes.

Mt. Holiday recently revealed a new logo. Learn more about the many great things happening at this fantastic community spot here. Or call (231) 938-2500.