Mike Yates asked on our Facebook page if anyone knew about the Birch Hills Ski Area east of Paris, south of Reed City. I had not heard of it, so I asked him for a more complete location. He replied that he had found it on an old Mecosta County Map from the 1970’s and the map placed it at the corner of 200th Ave. and Hoover Rd. He also says you can see the remains of the area from US-131 when driving past.
I happen to have an old book of county maps, so I checked the Mecosta Co. map I had, and sure enough, it shows the Birch Hills Ski Area south of Hoover Rd. Â just north of 21 Mile Rd, and east of 200th Ave. That would put it about 1 to 1.5 mi. east of the current location of US-131, so it might be visible from the road. The maps I have are from MUCC, but seem to be undated. The Mecosta Co. map does not show the US-131 freeway, only the old highway which runs through Paris. According to Wikipedia, the the conversion of US-131 to freeway in West Michigan began in 1966 and was scheduled to be completed in 1974 but was delayed until 1976 or 1977. On other maps I have, dated 1984, the freeway is complete (but the ski area is absent).
I see possible remains of a slope on satellite view which, according to the topo map would have had the slope facing NW on the side of a 150-200 ft rise.
If you have any recollections of skiing at Birch Hills or have any other information about the area, please post it here or send it to us via the directions on the About MILSAP page.
MILSAP 
Mike Yates left this post on our Home Page on Feb. 8, 2012 because we did not have a page for Birch Hills yet..
Birch Hills in northeast Mecosta Co. One mile due east of Paris. You can see the runs from US 131 if you are heading south. You can only see them briefly but they are there. I have gotten close enough on 200th ave. only to see it is now private property. Any info on when this place was in operation? Was it popular with FSU students?
You use to be able to see the remains of the hill faces coming north-bound on old 131 at the top of the hill on 131 just coming into Paris. Look to the north east about one/ two o’clock as you crest the hill.
Never ski there, don’t know when it closed.
I used to ski their when I was a kid! Every weekend my parents dropped me off and I would ski all day long. Lodge was very nice with a beautiful big round circle fireplace that you could sit around and enjoy the warm fire. Lot of people on the weekends.
I’m not sure if anyone monitors this page anymore, but I grew up in and my parents still own the property and the old ski lodge for Birch Hill Runs in Paris. They bought the property in 2000 and converted the lodge into a house. We have searched for years on info, pictures or stories from when it was in operation. If you’ve ever received more information after this post, I would love to chat about it! I also have many pictures I would love to share.