New Ziplines, Activities and Programs for BOYNE’s 2009-10 Season

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BOYNE FALLS, Mich., Sept. 30, 2009 – Last winter was one for the history books. Boyne Mountain celebrated 60 years with friends and received a shiny new conveyor loading Doppelmayr quad just in time for the holidays while Boyne Highlands enjoyed greater snowgun firepower and a slew of new activities. Both resorts received more than their usual share of snowfall and took advantage of the earliest opening in more than a dozen years. The 2009-10 winter season brings the addition of ziplines to both Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain, a new terrain park, winter horseback trail riding, expanded children’s center, and Burton’s Learn To Ride program.

Boyne Highlands Resort – Harbor Springs, Mich.

A zipline will open for the winter season at Boyne Highlands offering adventure seekers a new thrill as they soar along five sections through trees and open valleys. The total experience is approximately two hours and sections range from 200 to 500 feet each. The zipline is expected to open for the December holiday period; schedule to be announced.

Continuing Boyne Highlands’ growing list of adventure activities, resort guests and area visitors can enjoy horseback trial rides along glistening snow-covered trails this winter. Boyne Highlands’ equestrian program launched two summers ago with one- and two-hour rides and was expanded this year to include fall color scenic rides and the new winter trail rides. The resort offers more than 4,000 acres providing the ideal setting for riding on trails exclusive for those on horseback. The new winter trail rides are planned to be offered during holiday periods throughout the season.

A new terrain park near the intermediate Amy’s run will offer small to medium features bringing Boyne Highlands’ park total to four including a skier/boarder cross course, plus a halfpipe. Skiers and riders can find the most up-to-date park information at www.RideBoyne.com, a website relaunching mid-October with new features including Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain park conditions, events calendar, park staff bios and safety information.

Boyne Mountain Resort – Boyne Falls, Mich.

Boyne Mountain’s Terrain Park Manager, Kevin Murtagh, attended the 2008 Ski Area Management (SAM) Cutter’s Camp bringing home invaluable skills for planning, cutting and maintaining the best parks and pipes. Murtagh received the latest schooling in jump building; rail setting; progression park design; snow science; grooming technology; safety procedures and running successful park and pipe events. This season, skiers and riders can see Murtagh’s skills in action at Boyne Mountain’s four terrain parks featuring over 20 jibs, a superpipe and a halfpipe.

Construction is underway on a zipline installation at Boyne Mountain with an opening expected during the December holiday period. The route is planned to begin near the top of Hemlock and glides riders down the valley of Cold Springs.

The children’s SnowSports Learning Center at Boyne Mountain is being expanded to include more terrain, a kiddie carousel and new location for the kids Magic Carpet conveyor. The expanded area is conveniently located near Helga’s House, where the resort’s daycare operations and junior SnowSports Academy lessons are offered.

Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands have partnered with Burton to offer their exclusive “Learn To Ride” (LTR) program for juniors and adults, becoming the only Burton LTR centers in Michigan. The program provides beginner snowboarders with gear specifically designed to enhance their experience and employs proven teaching methods to make learning to snowboard easier and more enjoyable. The boards include a special bevel to help eliminate catching an edge, a soft torsional flex makes turning easier, convex contact points on the tip and tail make linking turns smoother and easy-to-use Burton Progression boots and bindings ensure comfort and a secure fit. The program is available through BOYNE’s SnowSports Academy.

For additional information, snow conditions, live web cams, event information, as well as great deals and packages, please visit www.BOYNE.com or call 800.GO.BOYNE (462-6963).

BOYNE is a collection of mountain and golf resorts, retail stores and real estate opportunities based in Michigan. Each of the collection is a member of the Boyne Resorts family of resorts and attractions and includes Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls; Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs and The Inn at Bay Harbor – A Renaissance Golf Resort in Bay Harbor as well as Bay Harbor Golf Club, Crooked Tree Golf Club, Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark, Boyne Country Sports and Boyne Realty. With countless lodging and meeting facilities, eight championship golf courses, premiere snowsports terrain, two spas, distinctive dining, spectacular events and Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark, and the question becomes … what are you up for? For more information on BOYNE, please visit www.BOYNE.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Erin Ernst
231-549-6832
eernst@boyne.com
www.BOYNE.com/media