Winter 2011/12: What's New At BOYNE
The 2011/12 season brings numerous improvements including new groomers and snow guns, an extensive hotel renovation, a fleet of cutting-edge rental skis and terrain park enhancements. In addition, Boyne Mountain is rolling out a new in-room recycling program and Boyne Highlands expands upon its racing program.
More Snowmaking and Two New PistenBully Groomers
The Midwest’s best snow is not just a pledge, it’s a guarantee. This season, Boyne Mountain adds another 20 Boyne Low-E snow guns to its snowmaking arsenal. The Low-E guns feature proprietary technology exclusive to Boyne Resorts that maximizes snow output, especially at marginal temperatures, with less compressed air. The snow guns create a lighter, more natural snow and are up to 40% more efficient than standard models. Boyne Highlands has added on-board air compressors to six Low-E snow guns, enabling greater placement options and versatility in snowmaking. Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain each purchased a brand new PistenBully groomer, together valued at half a million dollars. The new snow cats will help convert fresh snow to smooth corduroy and will groom all surfaces, including those within the resorts' eight terrain parks.
Clock Tower Lodge Renovation at Boyne Mountain Resort
Boyne Mountain’s Clock Tower Lodge, situated at the base of the slopes with convenient ski-in/ski-out accommodations, is undergoing an extensive renovation expected to be complete for the 2011 Christmas holiday. The modernization includes a complete remodel of the hotel rooms and suites including new lighting, décor and fixtures throughout, as well as fresh paint, and redesigned and upgraded bathrooms. The new décor carries out and accentuates the resort’s Swiss-Austrian theme.
The Clock Tower Lodge renovation is part of a half million dollar two-phase project, which also includes the adjoining Boynehof hotel. Construction in Boynehof is projected to begin in the spring of 2012. The whole project includes 42 guest rooms and upgrades to common areas.
New Fleet of Rental Skis
Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain each have purchased 400 new pairs of HEAD LINK skis to be available for guest use from equipment rental. The progressive skis feature MultiRadius and MultiCamber construction and are shaped with an early rise in tip and tail making it easier for skiers to initiate and hold through turns.
Enhanced Terrain Parks at Boyne Mountain Resort
Boyne Mountain is moving all terrain park features from North Boyne and expanding the Meadows area to become the largest park at the resort. Additional lighting is being added to the Meadows Park and new features are expected to enhance the riding within all four of the resort’s terrain parks. Boyne Mountain also intends to use the additional Boyne Low-E snow guns to deliver the fire power needed to open the Meadows Park as early in the season as possible. For park updates, conditions and photos, visit www.RideBOYNE.com.
In-Room Recycling at Boyne Mountain Resort
Guests of Boyne Mountain Resort’s lodging this winter will have the option for in-room recycling. Recycling in each of Boyne Mountain’s 418 guest rooms, suites, condos and cabins will allow guests to responsibly dispose of aluminum, plastic, glass and paper to be sorted and recycled by the resort. Boyne Mountain also recycles materials used in daily operations including cardboard, batteries, motor oil, scrap iron and metal. Earlier this year, Boyne Mountain received the 2010 Recycler of the Year business award from Charlevoix County and takes great pride as ambassadors for the environment. Additional green initiatives include an energy management system in the Mountain Grand Lodge and Spa to improve efficiency in heating, cooling and electricity consumption, compact fluorescent lighting, low-flow showerheads and faucets and an ozone laundry system that reduces the use of chemical disinfectant. In 2009, Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands achieved Green Lodging Michigan’s Leader status, the highest level of certification from the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG), and both resorts operate eco-friendly cafeterias.
