According to a feature article on Caberfae Peaks by Jim and Ann Neff dated Feb, 2007 on the Michigan Skier.com site: Opened in 1938 as Michigan’s first ski area, Caberfae has a rich history. As joint project of the U.S Forest Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps, runs were carved out of the Manistee National Forest and skiers chipped in $5 contributions until there was enough money for volunteers to construct the first rope tow in 1940.
Several areas are claimed to be the first ski area in Michigan. See our “First” page for the competition.
On Fri., Jan. 25, 1952, The Ludington Daily News winter sports report listed Caberfae as having 12″ of new snow on a 5″ base with very good conditions. On Fri., Nov. 9, 1956, The Cass City Chronicle in the “Michigan Mirror” column commented that Caberfae added 3 new slopes (for a total of 28), new tows, electrically lighted play areas, a new lounge and ski shop.
In 1959, Sports Illustrated noted that Caberfae added: a 1250′ Dopplemayr T-bar with a 260′ rise. Franz Gabl, a former Canadian Olympic coach, directed the ski school.
Caberfae now has: 485 vertical feet, 34 trails, 200 skiable acres, four chairlifts, two surface tows, longest run ¾ mile, 100% snowmaking. Ski school, children’s programs, night skiing 7 days a week, snowboard and ski rentals, cross country skiing nearby.
If you have any information about the development of Caberfae, please post it or send it to us via the directions on the About MILSAP page.
Franz won the silver medal for Austria in the 1948 Olympic games (St. Moritz). He headed the ski school at Mt Baker, WA for many years beginning in the early 1960′s.