BRIGHTON, MI -- Grab those skis and snowboards, it’s already that time.
Mount Brighton, 4141 Bauer Road, which has 25 trails and five lifts over 130 acres, is opening early this year.
You can hit the slopes at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, with rates at $44 or $39 for members in the Preferred Program, according to a news release.
Hours for this weekend and next are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The resort will update the rest of its 2019-20 hours online, and officially celebrate its opening on Saturday, Dec. 7.
“With expanded snowmaking capabilities and a hand from mother nature, we are thrilled to open three weeks ahead of our originally scheduled opening date,” General Manager Beth Lohman said in the release.
The Ski Hill Grill also is open for food and drinks until 9 p.m.
Mount Brighton is in its 59th season and is bringing in new items and activities this year.
Ski Hill Grill and Ore Creek Mountain Grill are offering new menu items, such as a panini station, seasonal cocktail menu with a “grown-up hot chocolate” and specials from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday to Friday for beer, wine, cocktails and tapas.
Mount Brighton also added three new snow guns and offers a customized Epic Day Pass, which allows guests to choose between one and seven days to ski or ride for up to 50% off. The pass can be used at any of Vail Resorts’ North American-owned destinations. For each day purchased, guests receive another ski day at Mount Brighton for no extra charge, according to the release.
Other events planned:
- Ski with Santa and tree Lighting on Dec. 14.
- Street Style Showdown Terrain Park Competition on Jan. 24.
- Pink Mount Brighton Ski Day to Conquer Cancer on Feb. 22.
- Slush Cup on March 7.
On Saturday, Nov. 23, the resort is hosting its Welcome Winter Festival, which includes U.S. Snowboarder Jake Vedder, food and drink specials, music, photo booth, retail sale and giveaways. Guests can also learn about Mount Brighton’s ski school and race programs, try on gear and learn about equipment they need.