Cannonsburg Ski Area Might Be Purchased By Kent County

Cannonsburg a popular ski area in southern Michigan. (Cannonsburg Facebook image)

Michigan's Kent County is considering purchasing the 272-acre Cannonsburg Ski Area, located just north of Grand Rapids, for a county outdoor recreation area, according to a recent report by MLIVE News.

In a recent Facebook post, the Cannonsburg owners said the discussions were informal at this point, but that any sale of the property would be on the condition that the ski area is continually operated.

“While there might be interest by the county, there is no agreement to purchase in place at this time,” Cannonsburg officials posted. “Additionally, if any land is ever sold to the parks (or anyone else), the ski area will always be protected. We love it as much as you do.”

The ski area, the only one in Kent County, has been operating for nearly 60 years, having opened in 1965. The county has estimated the property's value at around $10 million from an informal appraisal. There's been enough interest that the county has a $7.5 million grant request through the state of Michigan, and will be notified in December of this year if it has been approved. The county would seek matching funds for the remainder of the purchase. A final purchase price for the property would be determined using the state's DNR appraisal process.

Officially called the Cannonsburg Recreation and Ski Area it offers nine lifts, 21 runs, tubing, and winter fat tire biking trails. In summer it has an events venue, hiking and biking trails, summer concerts, and one of the longest ziplines in the region.

County Administrator Al Vanderberg said, “The property is unique, It's a place the public enjoys and is worthy of being preserved for future generations. I've heard many people say, 'Yeah, I took my kids out there to learn to ski, and that's where my parents took me to learn how to ski.”

If the county does end up purchasing the property the public will have a chance to weigh in on other desired improvements to the property, he added.

Cannonsburg is getting ready to open its summer operation and is currently selling season passes for the 2022-23 season.