The City of Traverse City has announced a target opening date for the winter ski season at Hickory Hills Ski Area - with several new park upgrades, Nordic trails, and slopes set to be unveiled this year.

According to Parks and Recreation Superintendent Derek Melville, the park is targeted to open December 27, weather permitting. “Crews are working hard to put the finishing touches on all of the upgrades the park saw over the past year,” says Melville. “We’re ready to show off all of the amenities that we’ve added, but we’re still missing one thing: snow. Over the coming weekend and through the holidays, the Hickory Hills team will be working to make as much snow as possible when conditions are favorable.”

Construction on a brand new ski lodge for the park is still being finished, so to start the season, the city will be utilizing a temporary ticket office. The old lodge will be open for food service, restrooms, and a warming space for skiers. Ski terrain will open as snowmaking allows; while not all runs may be operational on opening day, additional runs will be added as soon as snowmaking conditions allow. 

Annual ski passes and daily lift tickets can be purchased at the Treasurer’s Desk at the Governmental Center at 400 Boardman Avenue, in addition to at the park. Purchasing tickets and passes ahead of time may decrease wait times on opening day.