Grab some coffee and join us for Ski Resort Sundays (SRS), where each week, we take a brief look at a ski resort from around the Midwest. SRS episodes are uploaded every Sunday morning, so check in each week to see which ski resort we cover. Today, we will be examining Pine Knob.
Pine Knob is a ski resort located in Independence Township, Michigan, about 40 minutes from Detriot.
Pine Knob’s history dates back to the early 60s. The ski area was developed by a group of businessmen headed by Leonard W Jarosz. The resort was reported to cost over 1 million dollars to build, and the foundered even had plans to include swimming pools, ice skating rinks, and a private club, but this never happened.
The resort officially opened for the 1962 season with just two chairlifts, a few rope tows, and a handful of runs. The ski area would eventually be sold to Joesph Kosik in 1988, who also owned several over resorts across the Midwest.
Today, Pine Knob boasts 18 runs, all serviced by 13 lifts. One of the first things you will notice when you walk in is their steep off-chute run called “The wall.” The only double black diamond on the map, and although it is short the pitch is fun. It also provides excellent entertainment while riding the chair or sitting on the deck, as many intermediate skiers challenge themselves to the steeper slope.
Just behind The Wall, you will find a variety of blue and green runs, including a very long and wide run called Quicksilver that runs down the back of the hill. This run has a constant pitch that is perfect for those looking to practice their turns and an ideal step up from the beginner’s area.
But one of Pine Knob’s most iconic features is its terrain parks. Pine Knob has three parks across their hill, but their bread and butter park is situated on skiers far right, just past the Pine Knob Mansion called Timberline. Although relatively small, this park is jammed packed with beautifully sculpted jumps, transitions, and jibs. And, of course, this park has a dedicated rope that provides endless laps.
Lastly, Pine Knob’s proximity to the city of Detroit makes it a popular choice for those looking to grab some laps without driving north to one of the bigger resorts. It also has a sprawling bar and outdoor deck, the perfect spot to grab a drink after skiing or riding.
If you want to learn more about Pine Knob, be sure to check out their website at www.skipineknob.com. But until next time, I hope all of you have a great week, pray for snow, & we’ll see you out there!