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Caberfae Ski Peak, Cadillac, Michigan

Caberfae (Gaelic for "stag's head") claims to be the most family-friendly ski resort in Northern Lower Michigan. Convenient to much of the lower peninsula, their motto is "Shortest Drive, Longest Runs." Skis and snowboards are available for rent at a full-service shop, lessons are offered, and there are special programs for the kids. Season passes are currently on sale for only $99 for either weekend or weekday skiing. To ski all year any time, passes are $198. Various levels of punch passes are also offered for sale. Many school groups regularly use Caberfae, so you may want to plan your family trip on days when use is lighter.

Located in Michigan's snowbelt at relatively high elevations just inland from Lake Michigan, the "lake effect" snow machine delivers 150 inches of annual snowfall at the Peaks! Just in case Mother Nature doesn't come through, there is also plenty of snow-making equipment.

Work has been done in 2007 on the Mid-Canyon Run, widening it to give skiers more room to carve. The Upper Easy Street has also been widened by almost 50%, making it more accessible from the lifts. Eleven more snowmaking towers have been added, and more guns, bringing the total to over 100 guns at Caberfae Peaks.

Try the Smiling Irishman if you are a beginner; it offers 3/4 of a mile of gentle terrain. At the other end of the spectrum are Bullet & GG's Ride with 485 feet of vertical drop. Caberfae Peaks claims some of the state's longest runs. They boast, "You can drive further north, but you won't find bigger hills!" All together there are 34 ski runs. Try Bubble Gum if you are a novice, or the Number One Cruiser for a bit more of a challenge.

Caberfae first opened in 1938, and now has two double chairlifts, one triple chairlift, one quad chairlift and two surface tows. With 485 feet of vertical drop, Caberfae has more skiable vertical (measured by sustained pitch) than any other resort in the lower peninsula of Michigan.

Various package specials are scheduled for the 2007-2008 season: Family Funday Sundays are the first Sunday of every month, and Ladies Days are Wednesdays and Thursdays. The Silver Streak is every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for those 50 and older. Seniors can get a lift ticket, equipment rental, and a complimentary beginner lesson for only $15! College students showing a valid college ID receive deep discounts every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with declining prices the later in the day that you arrive.

The Blackmer Day Lodge is the largest in Michigan: 16,000 square feet of comfort. Relax in front of the stone fireplace, and enjoy casual food from the cafeteria under the two-story cathedral ceiling, or grab a drink at R Dubs Pub.

The Mackenzie lodge, for accommodations, has had its reception area refurbished and all 36 rooms are recently redone. A restaurant for full dining service has been added. You can ski-in, ski-out directly from your room. In addition to hot tubs, there is an outdoor heated swimming pool where you can splash in the warm water while snow glistens on the spruce trees surrounding the pool. Truly a unique experience!

One Michigan skier commented, "The runs are creative and fun." And another added, "Caberfae continues to be a great value for local skiing!"

Learn more about this author, Joan H. Young.
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