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Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Long-Shuttered Michigan Ski Area Could Reopen, With a Twist
A Michigan nonprofit has announced plans to reimagine and revive Sugar Loaf (not to be confused with Sugarloaf, Maine) a long-shuttered and beloved ski area that, more than two decades ago, served skiers with a small collection of new version of Sugar Loaf, as the Leelanau Conservancy described it in a recent announcement, would be a public space with Nordic skiing and human-powered backcountry ski access. Hiking and mountain biking are other proposed nonprofit doesn't intend to operate chairlifts or charge guests at Sugar Loaf, the Detroit Free Press reported. Infrastructure on the property would include several pavilions, viewing benches, an outdoor gathering space, and a sledding hill, among other improvements. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to restore a place that holds deep meaning for so many," said Tom Nelson, Executive Director of the Leelanau Conservancy, in a statement."We envision Sugar Loaf as a place where people of all ages and abilities can hike, bike, cross-country ski, play, and reconnect with nature—where conservation and community come together on the mountaintop,' Nelson touring is also being considered for the to keep up with the best stories and photos in skiing? Subscribe to the new Powder To The People newsletter for weekly updates. The Leelanau Conservancy said that it's nearing its fundraising goal for the project. It still needs $1.6 million to hit its fundraising goal of $8 funds will go towards restoration, land maintenance, stewardship, trail construction, and infrastructure, the nonprofit added. Donations can be made by following this this fundraising goal is met, the Leelanau Conservancy will be given the 285-acre property by its current owner, who has chosen to remain anonymous. The owner has already funded the clearing of Sugar Loaf's decaying ski Satterwhite, a representative for Sugar Loaf's current owner, said in a statement, 'Ownership feels this land should belong to the community. Its goal has always been to see Sugar Loaf preserved and reopened to the public, not developed.'Sugar Loaf, back in the 1970s, was a roaring, popular ski area that saw between 3,000 and 4,000 visitors a day. But in 2000, Sugar Loaf closed, leaving a void for local skiers. However, with the new plan from the Leelanau Conservancy, the ski area could once again become an outdoor hub, even if it looks a little Michigan Ski Area Could Reopen, With a Twist first appeared on Powder on Jul 18, 2025 Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Yahoo
Shuttered Michigan ski resort on the cusp of reopening
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — After being closed for 25 years, a once-popular Michigan ski resort is on the cusp of returning. says it is in the middle of a final fundraising push to revive Sugar Loaf. The property, about 15 miles northwest of Traverse City, included a lodge, a golf course and an airstrip. The resort closed in 2000 and was in 2020 who funded the cleanup of the hotel and ski infrastructure. Sign up for the News 8 daily newsletter According to Leelanau Conservancy, the owner plans to donate the property to the nonprofit if it can raise the final $1.6 million to finish the restoration. 'This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to restore a place that holds deep meaning for so many,' Leelanau Conservancy Executive Director Tom Nelson . 'We envision Sugar Loaf as a place where people of all ages and abilities can hike, bike, cross-country ski, play and reconnect with nature — where conservation and community come together on the mountaintop.' Ross Satterwhite, a representative for the anonymous owner, says the goal has always been to preserve Sugar Loaf. 'Ownership feels this land should belong to the community. Its goal has always been to see Sugar Loaf preserved and reopened to the public, not developed,' Satterwhite stated. 'By placing it in the capable hands of the Leelanau Conservancy, and through the support of its members and the community at large, ownership can ensure that future generations will enjoy Sugar Loaf's recreation and cherish its views forever.' The renovated property will include a publicly accessible trail network for hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, along with a summit pavilion to take in the scenery, a sledding hill, a natural playground and an outdoor gathering space. The conservancy says the work is also being done with the local ecosystem in mind, protecting native species and the Good Harbor Bay watershed. EGLE opens public comment on Line 5 tunnel project The nonprofit has already raised $6.4 million toward the final renovations but is putting out the call to the public to truly make Sugar Loaf a community space. 'More than a memory, Sugar Loaf will be a living legacy of conservation and recreation for everyone, forever,' Leelanau Conservancy stated. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
