Now that I have described a little about my recent experinces, I'll venture out more into stuff like resorts, prices, runs and all that other fun stuff that is important when talking or discussing downhill skiing.

Price table

My favorite place to ski would have to hands down be Boyne Highlands. I say this because it has a lot of runs, all of which are fun. And it has a lot of tree "runs". There aren't actually runs that go through the tree's there but people make them, and those are the fun ones. I think it's Crystal, that has an actual run that does through trees which is fun too. The reason why tree runs are so much fun is because you have to dodge the trees (which is a rush) and usually there is a bumb at the end of it, which is another rush.

Another type of run is a Mogle run. Mogle's are mounds of snow and ice. There are some that are suppose to be there, but then there are some that people make either "intentionally" or unintentionally. These runs can be scary or a thrill. Most of the time though my cousins and I have a difficult time on them. There is one that I can make it through with no difficulties.

Normal runs consist of Green Circles, Blue Squares, Black Diamonds and Double Black Diamonds. (Not to many resorts have Double Blacks, and if they do then usually they are closed because snow doesn't stay on them.) Greens are the easiest, or Bunny Hills. After skiing for so many years these runs tend to be boring and most some times you have to pole yourself to the lift. That is why tree runs are usally made. Blues get a little harder either in terms of steepness or there is some ice. Blacks are steep and icy, and tend to be harder. Some Blacks though can be easier than Blues.

Having to pole yourself to a lift is annoying. This is usually caused by flat land or lack of speed. And after skiing each resort so many times one tends to learn these flat spots, and either avoids them or tries to maintain their speed. If it ends up that you don't keep your speed you have to dig your poles in to the ground and push off from it.

There are many different types of lifts. Tow ropes, which you grab the rope and it pulls you up the hill. These are usually used in Ski School. Tow ropes also ruin your gloves which is why they aren't used to often. T-bars are also used in Ski School. These are like tow ropes only instead of holding on to the rope you hold on to this bar that is in the shape of a T. Doubles, which are two people. Triples, which carry three people. Quads, carry four people. There are also Express and High speed ones that go faster up the hill. The loading and unloading spots are still the same speed though. Boyne Mountain has a six person high speed lift.
Some lifts you can only enter from one side. Then there are some that you can enter from both sides. These usually involve alternating who goes in once the next chair is ready. Which some people dont quiet understand. All lifts have a singles line. Which are for those people who ski by themselves, or when there is only two of you and you don't mind waiting for the other one at the top.

Ski school is were you usually go when you are first learning how to ski. They range from half day to week long camps. You learn how to turn, stop, and pick up your, up-hill ski. You can spot ski schools beacuse there is an instructor followed by many people (usually little kids) in train going ALL the way across the run. Ski School's usually have their own spot were you first learn and then they take you out on the bigger hills. In their spots there is a mini hill, archways and tunnels. To get up the mini hill you either have tow ropes, t-bars, or a "magic carpet". Magic carpets are outdoor carpet material motorized to move you up the hill, which are kind of hard to use.

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