If you seek a skiing paradise, seek Leelanau County in January
From staff reports
The Homestead Resort’s front lift is open Friday-Sunday to carry downhill skiers up the hill where they can enjoy mesmerizing views of Lake Michigan and fast runs down the front side of the mountain. (Stay tuned for news on when the two back lifts will open.)
Meanwhile, the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes report that the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail got about 5-6 inches of fresh light powder last night in Glen Haven and Glen Arbor. Snowfall near Empire was less (2-3 inches) and Palmer Woods had about 10 inches. The grooming crew groomed the Heritage Trail from Glen Haven to Glen Arbor (two sets of classic tracks) and from Crystal View to Wheeler Road (one set of classic tracks). They also groomed Palmer Woods.
All in all, Leelanau County is once again a skiers paradise, with more snow expected on Tuesday.
Heritage Trail Grooming Conditions:
Empire to the Glen Haven: Ungroomed – 2-5″ of fresh light powder over the 2″ base.
Glen Haven to Glen Arbor: 6-8″ of powder – groomed with 2 sets of classic tracks.
Glen Arbor (Crystal View Trailhead) to Lawr Farm (Wheeler Road): 10″ of fresh powder – groomed with 1 set of classic tracks
Palmer Woods:
6″ of fresh powder – groomed with 1 set of classic tracks (2 sets in some places)
Dune Climb Sledding:
Sand is covered with snow! I saw some families out sledding.
Backcountry ski and hiking trails (Old Indian, Platte Plains, Windy Moraine, Bay View, Good Harbor, Alligator Hill)
Lots of fresh light snow over a packed base. Great skiing everywhere!
Popular Hiking Trails (Empire Bluffs, Pyramid Point):
Fresh, light snow softens these trails. Temperatures are staying cool, so there should be good traction on these trails.
