The Highlands Unveils New Lift and Enhanced Resort Offerings for Winter 2024/25

The Highlands is gearing up for the 2024/25 winter season with a flurry of improvements and new offerings. From the addition of a brand-new chairlift and enhanced slope infrastructure with state-of-the-art snow guns, to new events, flexible ticket options, and expanded seasonal programs, guests will enjoy an elevated experience at every turn. Plus, new dining experiences await adding even more variety at The Highlands. Whether a returning guest, or first-time visitor, this season promises more fun for everyone.

New Interconnect Triple

This winter brings the opening of the new Interconnect triple poised to enhance the skiing and riding experience by providing improved accessibility to the North Peak region’s largely intermediate and family-friendly terrain. With a faster accent and expanded capacity, riders will spend a third less time on the lift, maximizing time spent skiing and riding among the northern end’s 14 runs. The new lift also features RFID gates providing hands-free, direct-to-lift access, and a child- and adaptive-friendly height-adjustable loading carpet. The chairs feature bench-style seating, safety bars, and footrests for added comfort for riders of all ages.

The Interconnect lift is the second new lift in two years, following last winter’s opening of Camelot 6, a six-person bubble chairlift that’s the fastest lift in the Midwest. The Interconnect lift is expected to open in mid-December.

Slope Improvements

This winter, with the addition of new snow guns and snowmaking pipe, The Highlands is preparing to open terrain even faster! The resort has added 14 new HKD Impulse snow guns featuring low energy, high-performance technology, with most placed on Valley View to boost snow levels and enhance the skiing experience. Additionally, 350 feet of new snowmaking pipe has been laid at the base of Camelot 6, allowing the resort to open terrain earlier in the season.

Skiing On Your Schedule

This season The Highlands introduces the SnowFlex Family Pack, a flexible ticket option with no blackout dates, giving families the freedom to ski whenever they choose. Enjoy three to five days on-hill for two adults and two youths, with discounted rates for additional youth add-ons, anytime during the season.

A midweek favorite, Slopes After Sundown returns for the second season on Wednesday and Thursday nights, offering lift ticket and rental discounts, as well as special food and beverage activations from 5 to 9 p.m.

New & Expanded Seasonal Programs

The Highlands is expanding its skiing programs for all ages and abilities with the following offerings:

- Mountain Minis: Friday mornings for 3- and 4-year-olds

- Camelot Cruisers: A six-week ski program for ages 4 to 6, held Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3p.m. with lunch

- Ridge Runners: A six-week ski or snowboard program for ages 7 to 14, held Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3p.m. with lunch

- Peak Performance Adult Program: A four-week program for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders, offered on Sundays in January and February from 10 a.m. to noon

- New Private Lesson Options: Expanded availability including a new six-hour lesson option, in addition to late afternoon and evening time slots

Plus, together with Boyne Mountain, The Highlands is offering a combined race program for skiers ages 6 to 21. With more training sessions and expanded coaching, participants now have access to enhanced opportunities to develop racing skills through the upgraded and revamped BOYNE Flyers program.

Enchanted Trail: Home for the Holidays Series

Back by popular demand, the Enchanted Trail returns this winter, along with a new Home for the Holiday series featuring visits from Santa on December 13, 14, 20, and 21. Bring the family to enjoy this magical winter walk, complete with hundreds of twinkling lights and holiday cheer. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for youth, and free for children ages five and under. Santa visits during the Home for the Holidays series take place from 6-8pm. The standard Enchanted Trail experience is available December 13, 2024 – February 22, 2025, and every season brings new and upgraded features. Admission includes hot chocolate and s'mores. For tickets or more information, visit highlandsharborsprings.com.

A Taste of What’s New in Dining

A range of new dining experiences and returning favorites are on tap for the 2024/25 winter season at The Highlands.

Prime & Vine, the popular chophouse pop-up at the Country Club of Boyne, is returning for its second year. Known for its curated selection of prime cuts, comforting sides, classic cocktails and Sommelier selected wine list, Prime & Vine delivers an elevated dining experience in an intimate setting. New for this winter, the restaurant is featuring a Weekly Wine Night beginning on January 8 offering guests 50% off select bottles of wine – a perfect pairing to a memorable meal.

New around the resort is a variety of casual dining options to enjoy between winter recreation. The Day Lodge has been upgraded to include a Brew Bar, offering a selection of craft beers and a Ramen Bar at the Food Market, providing warm, hearty meals to keep guests energized throughout the day. For a sweet treat, the Waffle Cabin is back for its second season at the base of the hill, serving fresh-made waffles for a perfect winter pick-me-up. And after a day on the slopes, check out the new Blue Bird Bar, located near the Day Lodge, offering a laid-back spot to grab a beverage and unwind with friends. Every Saturday throughout the winter season, guests can also enjoy live DJ entertainment outside the Day Lodge.

For more information on what’s new this winter at The Highlands or resort information, including lodging reservations, lift tickets, season passes, activities, and event information, visit highlandsharborsprings.com or call 888.436.2296.

About The Highlands

The Highlands offers an idyllic setting in charming Harbor Springs, Mich. The resort is a family-owned destination providing the ultimate northern Michigan experience served with heartfelt hospitality. For over 60 years, The Highlands has enriched the moment for vacationing guests with its all-season allure.

To learn more, visit highlandsharborsprings.com.