Sports Illustrated, in their 1963 midwest ski areas update noted:
Carousel Mountain, Holland: This new $1 million development has a chair lift, T bar and J bar servicing 10 runs that criss cross downhill. Night skiing is available, and all 40 acres are covered by snow-making machinery. There are no overnight accommodations, but the dining room holds 150, the cafeteria 200, and there is parking for 3,000 cars. Ski rentals are available.
The area was still functioning in 1970. The 1971 AAA Michigan Winter Sports Fun List published in the Dec. 10, 1970 edition of The Cass City Chronicle says Carousel Mountain had 9 slopes, a chair lift, T-bar and J-bar, and several rope tows. It also offered snowmaking.
The Hope College Public Relations site lists an obituary for Vern Schippers, class of ’51 containing the following:
He loved to ski and served as director of the National Ski Patrol at Carousel Mountain, the former ski resort located near what is now Scenic Shores near Lake Michigan on Holland’s south side.
Scenic Shores is a subdivision. Perhaps the area was sold for real estate development?
Karen Vocke visited the site of Carousel Mountain this year and sent us this photo of the foundations of one of the buildings.
Here is the foundation of one of the buildings at the old ski resort
Hi. I own a summer cottage along Lake Michigan not far from what used to be Carousel Mtn. ski resort. I was walking there this past Monday, which I haven’t done in a long time. (The verticles provide a great workout.) From the topopgraphy, one can really see how this could have been a fairly good Midwest ski area. From what I understand, you are correct – the property was sold to develop Scenic Shores, which is a subdivision. Apparently the top part of the mountain was shaved off along the Lake to allow for the houses, however, back from the Lake the elevation goes quite high and the views are impressive. Houses were also built in this area.
An acquintance of mine from the cottage area skied Carousel many times and knows much about it, as I am sure many locals do. I will see what I can find out and pass it on.
Thanks – your website is a very good idea.
About 75′ into the woods behind my brother-in-law’s yard on 66th St. is the dilapidated ruins of the Carousel Mountain equipment rental shed. It is visible on Google satellite view. There are still old ski boots laying around it on the ground.
Hello, Charley,
That sounds amazing…I drove over to the location to see what was left, but could find nothing. Any chance you could take a photo of this?
ProfesorV
So sad to read this. I had wondered if it changed names or something. Alas, Carousel Mountain joins my Girl Scout Camp as a loss to residential development. I skiied Carousel in my youth a number of times and really liked the area. My Girl Scout troops would bring us up for 3 day weekends; it was great fun. Mastering the J-bar was an accomplishment many could not reach. There was a rope tow fed Bunny Hill area, too. It’s likely the lack of accommodations at the hill itself led to its demise. At least I finally know …
I really wish this place was still around. i go up to grand haven every weekend to ski at mulligans hollow.