Mio Mountain was on the South West edge of town. According to skiresorts.org Mio Mountain Ski Area was engineered through 60 acres of virgin landscape, with snowmaking capabilities, five electric ski tows and 18 ski runs, ranging from novice to expert, some up to 1,500 feet in length. It had a 200′ vertical drop with a summit at 1286′.
According to the Mio Mountain website in 2008:
“Mio Mountain forms the south border of the Au Sable river valley near the city of Mio, in northeastern Michigan. Mio Mountain Ski Area opened in 1956. It was the dream and creation of Charles “Charlie” Budesky. Throughout the 1970′s and into the 1980′s it was a center of activity during the long winter months in Mio, Michigan. As time passed and Charlie’s health declined the operation of the ski area was a big challenge. But at age 92, Charlie spent his winter at the mountain giving the snow report and opening at least one run whenever conditions permitted. In 1997, he sold the business to Dan and Cecilia Boyer, who had fallen in love with the place on their first visit.
“The Boyers opened the mountain for two weekends in January of 1998, having a glorious time. The snow was marginal but the weather was sunny…it was a magical experience. Difficulty with keeping the tow ropes adjusted and the beginning of a series of health problems for Dan prevented the re-opening of the ski area. The dream didn’t die…but it had to change.
“Initially, reopening of the ski business is not a viable option, but the Boyers still dream of opening the ski area…to once again experience the thrill of skiing the My-Oh-My and Jack Pine runs, which overlook the beautiful, serene Au Sable River Valley. It will take time, but among the things they’ve learned since 1997 are patience, persistence and hope.”
Wondering If Mio Mt is open 2012? This place was a big part of my winter childhood; many years of great times were had there and I wish to share it with my kids. Spent every other weekwnd there skiing with a lot of great families. Klause’s, the Goat hearding couple, Sussie (?) and her family, Scott and Kathy (?) brother and sister, and many others. Would love to hear they’re open again. Last time I visited, I was very sad to see Charlie’s snowmobile sitting in the parking lot and the hills all torn up; very sad. Miss Charlie & Peral and all the great times.
Sorry Deborah, I see no evidence that Mio Mountain has been “found.” It remains “lost.”