By Staff
GRAND RAPIDS – Michigan McDonald's restaurants and 21 ski areas across the state will provide customers with an opportunity to try healthy winter activities such as skiing (downhill and cross-country) and snowboarding at discounted prices this winter.
Now available at participating McDonald's restaurants, the Discover Michigan Skiing value vouchers can be redeemed for affordable learn-to-ski or learn-to-snowboard packages including one lesson, a lift ticket and equipment rental.
The costs for downhill or cross-country ski packages are $30 (adults) and $25 (children ages seven to 14.)
Snowboard packages are $40 (ages 10 and older). The vouchers are valid between January 3 until January 31, 2007 and participants choose the place they wish to visit and then call to pre-register.
"McDonald's is excited to work with the great ski areas across the state to support healthy, physical activities," said Tom Holka Jr., a northern Michigan McDonald's owner-operator. "It's a great opportunity for families to enjoy the slopes together this winter."
Additionally, each ski voucher program participant will receive a packet in the mail including a coupon valid for $20 off the purchase of $100 or more in ski-related merchandise at participating retail ski shops.
"Discover Michigan Skiing is a good way to enjoy the outdoors and to stay active during the cold winter months," said Jerry Olinik, a metropolitan Detroit owner/operator. "This partnership is a great way to further McDonald's commitment to balanced lifestyles."
"Since the Discover Michigan Skiing program is so affordable and fun, we have skiers of all ages participating each year," said Mickey MacWilliams, executive director of the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association. She recommends calling as early as possible to schedule a lesson as the lesson times fill up quickly.
Once again this year, McDonald's will partner with the Michigan Ski Patrol and the Field Neurosciences Institute to bring the Caught Being Safe program to Michigan ski resorts.
Michigan Ski Patrol members, at the ski resorts listed above, will reward children "caught" wearing their ski helmets with a coupon for a free hot chocolate from McDonald's.
The more than 530 McDonald's restaurants in Michigan employ more than 21,000 men and women.
Participating ski areas across the state include:
Apple Mountain, Freeland
Bittersweet, Otsego
Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs
Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls
Caberfae Peaks, Cadillac
Cannonsburg, Cannonsburg
Cross Country Ski Headquarters, Roscommon
Hanson Hills, Grayling
Indianhead Mountain, Wakefield
Marquette Mountain, Marquette
Mt. Brighton, Brighton
Mt. Holiday, Traverse City
Mt. Holly, Holly
Nubs Nob, Harbor Springs
Pine Knob, Clarkston
Pine Mountain, Iron Mountain
Shanty Creek, Bellaire
Swiss Valley Ski Area, Jones
The Homestead, Glen Arbor
Timber Ridge Ski Area, Gobles
Treetops Resort, Gaylord