HARBOR SPRINGS, Mich. (November 18, 2022) – With fresh falling snow and snowmaking well underway, The Highlands is gearing up for the 22/23 winter season!  The resort is announcing plans to open for skiing and riding at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, November 24.  The slopes will be open for the holiday weekend, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with ski rental, food and beverage service, and retail operations also available. Following Thanksgiving weekend, the resort will close down midweeks to resume snowmaking efforts and operate on weekends until December 9 when opening for the season.  Lodging reservations are available starting November 23.

The winter season offers plenty of new highlights including 66 HKD Impulse snowmaking guns, a new Sunkid Covered Conveyor, expanded children’s youth instruction programs, a women’s clinic, and pop-up Italian restaurant.

66 New HKD Impulse Tower Guns
The HKD Impulse is a low energy, high performance workhorse.  Featuring patented Variable Airflow Technology to deliver top quality snow at higher temperatures, and big production with minimal air consumption at cold temperatures. The new tower guns are gracing the slopes of Lois Lane, Floradora, The Couloir, Black Diamond Glade, Amy’s, and Amy’s Escape, allowing for earlier opening of some terrain, and more convenient snowmaking access on others.  Five HKD Impulse snowmakers are sled mounted allowing for increased mobility and placement around the slopes.

New Sunkid Covered Conveyor
For beginners and those returning to skiing and snowboarding, a new 300’ Sunkid Covered Conveyor is replacing the Wonder Carpet on North Camelot.  Features include an enclosed tunnel called a Gallery that protects from the elements while progressing up the slopes and a wider conveyor track.  The Sunkid has been named Renate’s Express in honor of beloved SnowSports Academy instructor, Renate Schan, who retired last winter, and shared her passion and love for skiing with children throughout her 34 years teaching at The Highlands.

Children’s Ski & Snowboard Programs
The Highlands’ SnowSports Academy is excited to expand youth group lessons for ages 4 to 12 who are first time, beginner, and intermediate skiers and riders.  Parents can enroll children in either a morning session, or all-day program including both a morning and afternoon session with a break for lunch.  Lessons start at $79 for the morning session, or $107 for the all-day program.  For the littlest member of the family, The Highlands is introducing Small Fry Try, a private lesson specially designed for first-time three- and four-year olds.  This one-on-one session provides 45-minutes of focus on fun and safety to make the first experience on snow extra special.  Small Fry Try lessons are $55.   Reservations are required; call 231.526.3030 or reserve online at highlandsharborsprings.com.

The Highlands’ Adventure Series for Women
Experience the latest in contemporary coaching with The Highlands’ Adventure Series for Women! This women’s ski clinic featuring special guest coach, Heidi Ettlinger of PSIA, takes place January 28-29, 2023 and pairs one- or two-day days of skiing with indoor presentations to create the ultimate ski enhancement program.  Coached by women who value camaraderie over competition, this clinic offers a comfortable setting to energize skiing skills and future adventures.  Ettlinger is a two-term PSIA National Alpine Team Alumna with over twenty years of national and international expertise producing training opportunities for women in snowsports.  The two-day clinic is $368; one-day program is $199.  For full event details, visit highlandsharborsprings.com.

Bella Sopresa
A new pop-up Italian dining experience is opening for guests of the resort and public this winter inside the Country Club of Boyne.  Featuring cozy charm and home-cooked meals, Bella Sopresa, meaning beautiful surprise, will offer antipasti, entrees, and specialty pastas, along with daily food and wine features.  Embracing the Italian meal as a ritual, gathering together food, wine, and family, Bella Sopresa is a mix of classic, Italian recipes and exciting modern dishes.  Diners are welcomed to a true experience, complete with an aperitif and digestif.  Shuttle service is available for resort lodging guests, and reservations can be made online via OpenTable.  Bella Sopresa will be open Wednesdays through Saturdays, beginning December 14 through early March from 5 to 9 p.m.  For more information, visit highlandsharborsprings.com.  

 For lodging reservations, lift tickets, and more, visit highlandsharborsprings.com or call 888.436.2296.

About The Highlands
The Highlands offers an idyllic setting in charming Harbor Springs, Mich.  The resort is a family-owned destination providing the ultimate northern Michigan experience served with heartfelt hospitality.  For nearly 60 years, The Highlands has enriched the moment for vacationing guests with its all-season allure.  The Highlands is a member of the Boyne Resorts family of resorts and attractions.  To learn more, visit highlandsharborsprings.com.