TRAVERSE CITY -- Hickory Hills Ski Area is an undeveloped jewel in the midst of Traverse City neighborhoods adjoining bustling main roads.
For nearly 60 winters, 125 acres of rolling hills at the end of Randolph Road have drawn skiers of all ages who relish the skiing and, more recently, snowboarding and cross-country skiing as well.
With opening day slated for Dec. 19, weather permitting, the city-run property is preparing for the usual 10,000-13,000 visitors. Last winter's 76-day season drew 11,879 visitors and included the purchase of 302 season passes. The weather and early snow so far this year bodes well for a strong opening and robust numbers.
Hickory Hills remains competitive after all these decades, despite the lure of larger ski resorts in the region, thanks to a combination of proximity and price, lessons and a family-friendly atmosphere. The longest continuously operating ski area in the state is one of a few operated by a government entity.
"There's very few cities that do," said Lauren Vaughn, parks and recreation superintendent for the city.
Hickory Hills features eight runs -- one beginning, five intermediate and two advanced -- and five tow ropes as well as snowmaking ability on about half the area. Seven of the ski runs are available for night skiing. Cross-country skiers can access five kilometers of groomed trails, including one kilometer lit for nighttime. The acreage also includes a terrain park for snowboarders and a 24-hole disc golf course winding through the hills that is popular during the summer.
"It's certainly not as big, but it's a wonderful place for families to be able to come and have the kids learn how to ski at a reasonable price," said Vaughn. "That's probably the biggest draw: it's close and fairly inexpensive, well supervised and a good environment. Most of our kids are in the 15 and under age range."
The Grand Traverse Ski Club has been an integral partner with Hickory Hills since the ski area began during the winter of 1950-51.
Laura Ness, president of the ski club, noted that some of the club's founding members helped launch Hickory Hills. Since then, the club has run learn-to-ski lessons for kids that have taught three generations and counting. The club is also responsible for races, an annual invitational and a host of other opportunities that build skills and confidence for younger skiers.
"The city owns and operates the hill and the ski club provides the instructional programs, learn to ski, weeknight clinics and junior high race team," said Ness, whose two children learned to ski at Hickory. "(The club) also does the majority of fundraising for that. Really what we're trying to do with our fundraising is preserve that area for future generations."
The Grand Traverse Ski Club also earmarks a portion of proceeds from its annual used equipment sale -- one of the largest events of its type in the state -- for improvements at Hickory Hills. They are also spearheading the Snow on Swede fundraising drive, which kicked off a year ago and has netted $80,000, including a Rotary Charities matching grant of $40,000.
The effort will bring snowmaking capabilities to Hickory's back runs on the Swede and Waterfall. Some capacity will be online for this season and will be increased as additional funds permit.
"The goal with the Swede is about half way there," said Ness. "But it will be really exciting to now have snowmaking on five runs and some on Swede this year, though it won't be as efficient as possible."
Hickory Hills first added snowmaking capacity in the early 1980s, said Barry Smith, manager of the area. Expanding that ability further, thanks to the Snow on Swede fundraiser, will be a boon to Hickory Hills and help stabilize usage over the winter season.
"We've always had to rely on natural snow and lately with the weather trends we just haven't had enough," he said.
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