Groveland Twp.- In 1956, the Dow Jones industrial average closed above 500 for the first time, ‘My Fair Lady? opened on Broadway and Elvis Presley entered the music charts with his hit, ‘Heartbreak Hotel.?
That same year a small township resort between Detroit and Flint first opened a few small hills along Dixie Highway near Tripp Road to skiers.
Over the past 50 years, Mt. Holly Ski Resort has evolved into a multifaceted wintertime attraction to thousands. The small hills have been excavated and enhanced to more than 2,000 feet, including 18 slopes with seven chair lifts, five rope tows and two Wonder Carpets. A slope with a vertical drop of 350 feet and high speed detachable quad lifts deliver skiers to the top of the hills. The ski area also includes about 70 snow making machines, and grooming equipment. The resort also include lounges and restaurants.
For the past 15 years Deb Walker has helped open the ski resort for the winter.
‘The first day we’re open everyone shows up, they want to show off and try out their new equipment,? said Walker, Mt. Holly ticket office manager. ‘In 2005 we opened Nov. 18, this year it was Dec. 4. It’s a seasonal business, and was cold enough a little later in the season this year. We all watch the weather here.?
‘Often when the economy is slow, like it is now, people come here rather than going up to northern Michigan to ski. We’re a lot closer.?
Due to more than 70 snow making machines, even if the winter weather does not cooperate, there’s plenty of snow, said Walker.
‘People think that just because there’s no snow at home or in the area we can’t open. It’s just not the case.?
‘Michigan residents are used to skiing on manmade snow, so when there’s powder out there, then it’s more of a challenge. It’s tougher to ski in powder.?
Other ski resorts in the group include Bittersweet Snow Ski Area Otsego, Mich., Mt. Holly Snow Ski Area Holly, MI Pine Knob Snow Ski Resort Clarkston, Mi. 48348 and Alpine Valley near Milwaukee, Wis.