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The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) and Minnesota Ski Areas Association offer passport programs that allow elementary-age kids to give skiing and snowboarding a try for free. In Michigan, it covers both fourth and fifth graders. Minnesota’s program covers just fourth graders. Surprisingly Wisconsin, the Heartland state just behind Michigan for a number of ski areas doesn't offer such a program.

For Midwestern skiers that like to get in a lot of slope time around the country outside the Heartland, a few new options are available for this season.

We LOVE this forecast! The SnoCast 2019 Valentine’s Day edition features what we love this week. Give it a read to find out!

The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) and Minnesota Ski Areas Association offer passport programs allowing elementary age kids the chance to try skiing and snowboarding for free. In Michigan it covers both fourth and fifth graders, and Minnesota’s program covers fourth graders.

Heartland big-city skiers and riders sometimes have to drive a little further to find a ski hill worthy for playing midweek hooky. But, hooky-worthy ski areas are around, and arriving mid-week you avoid the large weekend crowds.

Zipline tours are popular pursuits at ski resorts throughout the nation. You don’t need a mountain to offer some excitement. Ski resorts in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois offer you the rush of zipping through treetops, over gorges and some fantastic views along the ride of Great Lakes and great rivers. It's great summer fun.

Nubs spring runs are silky smooth. (Nubs Nob/Facebook)

With snow in the forecast this week across the upper Midwest and plenty of snow still on the slopes the snowsports season is extending into April, and a couple may stay open into May.

Fat tire bikers at Crystal Mountain have over 11 miles of groomed trails. (Crystal Mountain)

Fat tire biking, popular at western and eastern ski resorts, has been gaining traction in the Midwest. Ski resorts in Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula and northern Minnesota are now offering rentals and trails to ride. Check it out. 

Snow has been below average for parts of the West but this week features a big change. (Brighton Resort/Facebook)

A much colder and snowier weather pattern returns to the West with feet of snow while the East warms up with more mixed precipitation.

Fat tire bikers work down some rocky terrain. (Spirit Mountain/Facebook)

Spirit Mountain overlooking Duluth and the city’s Lake Superior harbor offers big time skiing and riding for the Midwest with it 700-foot vertical drop.

Crystal Mountain's woodland pathways are a delight to bike. (Crystal Mountain)

Several Heartland ski areas allow mountain biking on their summer slopes, but if you’re looking for lift served, five resorts will turn the lifts for downhill fun.

Fat tire snow biking, popular at western and eastern ski resorts, has been gaining traction in the Midwest recently. Several ski resorts in Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula and northern Minnesota are now offering rentals and trails to ride. 

Several Midwest ski resorts are adding a little zip to their attractions, literally. Zip Lines have become a big addition at ski resorts across the country, especially in the western mountains and New England.

The Duluth, Minn. City Council recently voted to extend an allocation of up to $300,000 to Spirit Mountain Ski Area and Adventure Park that will enable the financially troubled, city-owned recreation area to meet payroll and continue summer operations, according to a report in the Duluth News Tribune.

Several Heartland ski areas allow mountain biking on their summer slopes, but if you’re looking for lift served riding, there are four choices.

While this winter’s great season is still underway at a few resorts across the upper Midwest, now is the time to be thinking about your 2014/15 season pass. Some Heartland ski areas are currently offering their best prices of the year for a limited time. Many of these price incentives end this month.

The winter of 2013/14 may have brought the most snow in decades — breaking 100 year old records across the Heartland — but it also had a downside: record-breaking cold.

Spring finally starts to arrive along Minnesota's Arrowhead by the end of March. Located along the shores of Lake Superior there’s reason to celebrate when it finally does. 

The snow just keeps falling across the Great Lakes as Alberta, Canada pumps one Clipper after another into the region. Minnesota resorts are offering some enticing packages. Get out and enjoy one of best winters in recent memory.

January is National Ski and Snowboard Month, but the movement actually started years ago in the Heartland through the Midwest Ski Areas Association. Choose from many offers next month.