On a normal weekend, I went to Michigan's Crystal Mountain with the Undergraduate Chinese Association. It was a 3.5 hour bus ride (including the stop at McDonald's for breakfast). The bus ride itself costs US$20 and because I had my own board which I bought online for US$300, I did not need to pay the US$30 rental fee.
When we arrived, we were so relieved to be off the bus and be able to stretch our legs.
We then proceeded to the debrief room to receive instructions on how to go about putting the lift tag on, the renting procedures and the free classes available. I think this was neccessary because we were in a large group and this procedure took 20min. The old gentleman explaining the rules and regualtions was very friendly and patient with our group. He then sent us down to the fitting room to get our rental. Since I had my own board, I scouted out the classes for advanced boarders.
The cost of classes were quite steep at US$40 an hour. But to be fair, it was a private lesson. I took a beginner's class in terrain parks and learnt how to do both the 50-50 and Rock & Roll in just an hour!! Before, I tried to do the 50-50 by myself for more than an hour, falling repeatedly. Though the class was expensive I think the US$40 was well spent, as it reduced the time spent learning the trick if I were to try to learn them by myself. After all, time is priceless. So I strongly recommend for you to go for the classes to help improve your skills, and bring a friend along so you need not pay so much.
The lunch available there, though not very appetizing, is relatively reasonably priced as compared to other ski cafeterias which usually take advantage of the monopoly and charge ridiculous prices for their food. They serve their purpose but don't expect too much.
The only complaint of the skiing place are that the slopes are all way too short for my taste and are way too few. The black slopes felt like blue slopes and took less than 2 min to finish. Well, beggars can't be choosers. The overall experience was good. But if you are planning to hit the slopes, try to go in a group as it will be more fun and cost less in terms of traveling expense.
p.s. Try to do snowboarding instead of skiing. It is just way cooler.
The cost of classes were quite steep at US$40 an hour. But to be fair, it was a private lesson. I took a beginner's class in terrain parks and learnt how to do both the 50-50 and Rock & Roll in just an hour!! Before, I tried to do the 50-50 by myself for more than an hour, falling repeatedly. Though the class was expensive I think the US$40 was well spent, as it reduced the time spent learning the trick if I were to try to learn them by myself. After all, time is priceless. So I strongly recommend for you to go for the classes to help improve your skills, and bring a friend along so you need not pay so much.
The lunch available there, though not very appetizing, is relatively reasonably priced as compared to other ski cafeterias which usually take advantage of the monopoly and charge ridiculous prices for their food. They serve their purpose but don't expect too much.
The only complaint of the skiing place are that the slopes are all way too short for my taste and are way too few. The black slopes felt like blue slopes and took less than 2 min to finish. Well, beggars can't be choosers. The overall experience was good. But if you are planning to hit the slopes, try to go in a group as it will be more fun and cost less in terms of traveling expense.
p.s. Try to do snowboarding instead of skiing. It is just way cooler.