Grab some coffee and join us for Ski Resort Sundays (SRS), where each week, we take a brief look at a ski resort from around the Midwest. SRS episodes are uploaded every Sunday morning, so check in each week to see which ski resort we cover. Today, we will be examining Caberfae Peaks.
Caberfae Peaks is a ski resort located in Cadillac, Michigan, about three and a half hours from Detriot or about an hour and a half from Grand Rapids.
Caberfae has a deep history that dates back to the 1930s, making it one of the earliest resorts in the country. The ski area officially opened in January 1938, with the CCC cutting the first and only run called “Number One.” And, of course, they had a rope tow powered by a Ford Model A engine. Over the next several decades, Caberfae would continue to grow but not in the way skiers and riders experience it today.
Caberfae grew across its land, adding rope tows and t-bars everywhere they could. In fact, at one point, Caberfae had as many as 20 different lifts spread out across their hill, servicing over 35 runs. This made Caberfae one of the biggest and most visited ski resorts in Michigan throughout the 50s and 60s, but this would soon change. The resort would fall into financial trouble, nearly forcing the resort to close in the late 70s, but this would spark one of the most significant changes.
The Meyer family would purchase the resort in the early 1980s and would reinvent Caberfae with countless improvements both on and off the hill over the next several decades. One of their first major projects was moving truckloads of dirt to buildup and regrade South Peak, which was completed in the mid-80s.
Today, Caberfae boasts 30 runs, all serviced by five lifts, including a brand new triple for the 2022 season. Caberfae has a great variety of runs for all abilities. Their new east peak offers excellent beginner terrain where the runs are wider and longer while more advanced skiers and riders will likely find their way over to the North and South Peaks.
Both North and South Peaks offer up some excellent lap skiing for more advanced skiers and riders, and the views of the Manistee National forest from the top are something. If you’re into backcountry skiing, be sure not to miss the Backcountry terrain.
This area relies on natural snow but offers some nicely spaced tree skiing, secret powder stashes, and even unmarked cleared runs for those looking more of an adventure. This area is accessible from East Peak, but save some energy at the bottom, as you will have to ski skate or hike back out to the chair.
On top of great skiing, Caferfae offers up ski-ski-out accommodations complete with an outdoor pool and hot tub. Of course, their bar and brand new deck is a must-hit, and of course, you have to order Arlo’s legendary bloody mary while you are there.
Lastly, Caberfae is built by and for families. Walking through the lodge and seeing families with crockpots and pack lunches perfectly sums up the experience - tickets are reasonable, the skiing is excellent, and the vibe is on point!
If you want to learn more about Caberfae Peaks, we will drop some links below. But until next time, I hope all of you have a great week, pray for snow, & we’ll see you out there!
If you want to learn more about Caberfae Peaks, be sure to check out their website at www.caberfaepeaks.com. But until next time, I hope all of you have a great week, pray for snow, & we’ll see you out there!
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