This year the Midwest Sport/Ski Council once again went to Indianhead Mountain Resort in Michigan for the 2019 Winter Carnival. There was a total of 148 members from 7 different clubs attending this year. That is another 35 person increase over last year and nearly 75% increase from 2 years ago!
Friday, January 4, was a crystal clear blue, sunny and warm day with temps in the 30’s. The 7am early bus was surprisingly packed as over 45 people wanted to ski that afternoon given the mild weather and great snow conditions in Michigan. I can’t ever remember when the early bus was filled nearly to capacity! They arrived before noon and those avid skiers took advantage of a half day of skiing. They had a great time as there were 22 runs open between Indianhead and Blackjack and rarely any lift lines.
Later that morning another 80+ people boarded the late buses and arrived at Big Snow just in time for happy hour and dinner. Dudley’s Saloon at Indianhead provided the late night entertainment with a very good one-man band.
Saturday found everyone excited to get out and go skiing. Many were surprised that breakfast in the main lodge was free. The weather again cooperated with partly cloudy skies and mild temps. Those that went to Blackjack first thing were treated to very well-groomed trails and no lift lines. Indianhead’s runs were equally well groomed and fast. At 1:30pm around 45 people took part in the Human Slalom led by Ullr’s. A run or two after that a very large contingent gathered at the Upper Voyager’s Sundeck for the traditional Wine&Cheese Hill Party hosted by Ski Hawks. The Turtle Races hosted by Sitzmark and conducted by Chris Mickman was held at the same time. It was quite the spectacle as usual. As the afternoon wound down, people started migrating either to their rooms or the bars.
That evening, the group was treated to a very good buffet style meal in the Sky-High Room. Ski Hawks once again held the Funny T-Shirt Contest. There were quite a lot of really comical tee shirts. After the meal, prizes for all the contests were handed out. Then around 90 people boarded the buses to head to the Logger’s Lounge at Blackjack to be entertained with music and dancing by the Vic Ferrari Band. They were there to help BigSnow celebrate their 40th year! Those who stayed at Indianhead were treated to a very good blue grass band at Dudley’s Saloon. By all reports, everyone really enjoyed themselves.
Sunday was a day for slow moving people heading to breakfast which was once again offered as free by BigSnow Resort. A few were nursing hangovers from having too much fun the night before. But most everyone got some breakfast and then out to ski. The weather remained mild with temps up into the 20’s and snow conditions were excellent. But like all parties, this one had to come to an end. So that afternoon 148 people said their good byes to friends, new and old, and boarded the buses back to Minneapolis.
By all accounts, this year’s Winter Carnival was an even bigger success over last year. Maybe having a top shelf band and free breakfast had something to do with that. Almost everyone wanted to repeat for next year. And so we are! Mark your calendars for the 2020 MSC Winter Carnival, January 3-5, 2020 at Big Snow Resort. See you then!
Bryan Stadtler
MSC Winter Carnival Coordinator
