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Sebastian Smith, the 37-year-old general manager of The Riverside Inn in Leland, suffered a life-changing accident in February while teaching his younger cousin how to snowboard at Boyne Mountain. A lifelong athlete, he has taught others in his chosen sport, kiteboarding, in locations throughout the world. In a moment that changed everything, Smith fell and fractured his neck. Though the shock and uncertainty following the accident has overwhelmed him and his family, through hard work, determination and inner strength Smith has shown his tenacity and strong spirit. A local benefit for Sebastian will be held on Wednesday, June 10, from 5-8 p.m. at the Hop Lot Brewing Company in Suttons Bay. Tickets are $40 and include dinner. The evening will feature a silent auction and performance by The Broom Closet Boys.

It’s been a soggy couple of years for skiers and snowboarders. So, what keeps us coming back? From crockpot warming stations to cutting-edge snow-making technology, Northern Michigan ski resorts pull out all the stops to keep winter lovers happy—and stay one step ahead of Mother Nature. Resorts need about 72 hours of temperatures that stay below 28 degrees to lay a base and open terrain for skiing. “The ski industry in Michigan happens because of snowmaking. There’s no other way to say it,” said Ben Doornbos, general manager at Nub’s Nob near Harbor Springs. “Our product is the snow.”