Fox Faves: 6 Thrilling Winter Activities Near The Fox Briar

Photo by John L. Russell at The Detroit News

Luge Down an 850-Foot Olympian-designed Luge Track

Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park luge track is one of only four luge tracks in the United States! The 850 foot track was designed by three-time Olympian Frank Masley. With first time luge athletes in mind, participants can reach speeds up to 30 mph through six curves.

Every winter weekend Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park hosts 2.5 hour luge lessons, which includes training, equipment, free sliding time, and a competitive race. The training is open anyone over the age of 8.

Distance from The Fox Briar: 1 Hour
Address: 462 Scenic Drive, North Muskegon, Michigan
Fee: About $50 per person for a 2.5 hour luge lesson

Ice Skate through the Woods on a Trail of Ice

Ever dream of skating through the woods? Yeah, neither have I. But sounds fun, right? Just strap on some ice skates and you are ready to navigate your way around a 1/4 mile loop through a beautiful white pine forest.

The ice skating trail is owned and operated by Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park. Yep, the same place you can take luge lessons mentioned above. They also offer cross-country skiing and snowshoeing…you can really make a day of it.

No need to have your own equipment. Figure and hockey skates, with sizes ranging from toddler to men’s 14, are available to rent on site.

Oh, and you can skate at night, too! The ice rink and trail are open every day from 10:00 am to 9:45 pm, weather permitting.

Distance from The Fox Briar: 1 Hour
Address: 462 Scenic Drive, North Muskegon, Michigan
Fee: $5 daily skate rental

Picture by Central Middle School

Plunge Down a Ski Hill on a Snow Tube

Ummm, yes please. Who hasn’t imagined doing this? Head over to Cannonsburg Ski Area for a two hour tube rental. The only requirement is that you must be 42 inches tall…well, that and a signed waiver (so, two requirements).

Pro tip: weekends are generally busier, with longer wait times. Cannonsburg is open until 9pm, so head over on a weeknight for maximum tube time.

After your 2-hour tubing session, stick around for other winter sports, including: skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fat tire bike trails (important note: Cannonsburg only rents downhill ski and snowboard equipment).

Distance from The Fox Briar: 40 minutes
Address: 6800 Cannonsburg Road NE, Belmont, Michigan
Fee: $18-$23

Snowshoe or Cross-Country Ski through 400 acres of Woods

Are you a classic or skate ski kinda person? Not sure? Either way, Pigeon Creek Park is home to over 10 miles of beautifully groomed trails for either skiing preference. Or go off trail with a pair of snowshoes and explore over 400 acres of deciduous and bottomland forest.

Tip for first timers: if you are a unitard-wearing ultra-athlete looking for an intense workout, then skate skis are your best option. Or if you are wanting to enjoy nature at a leisurely pace, rent a pair of classic skis.

No equipment? No problem. The lodge at Pigeon Creek Park rents equipment for all ages, including snow tubes for their tubing hill.

Distance from The Fox Briar: 30 minutes
Address: 12524 Stanton Street, West Olive, Michigan
Fee: Skis are $8 for 3 hours ($2 for each additional hour), no fee to ski or park.

Photo by Savoie Mont Blanc

Snowboard and  Ski Under the Stars

Yes, skiing at night is definitely fun (and safe). Head over to Bittersweet Ski Area and buy an evening lift pass.

Bittersweet is arguably the best ski area in southwest Michigan. The resort offers 20 runs, 7 chair lifts, 2 tow ropes, and 2 wonder carpets…so plenty of options for all skill levels.

Now, is it Colorado? No. But that should not come as a surprise…we are in the Midwest. Still, if you are a veteran skier or first time snowboarder, there is plenty to enjoy at Bittersweet Ski Resort.

Editor’s comment: the hills and lodge are well maintained, the staff are friendly and helpful, and the food is surprisingly good for a ski resort.

Distance from The Fox Briar: 35 Minutes
Address: 600 River Road, Otsego, Michigan
Fee: Lift tickets are $32-$60 (depends on date and length of stay)

Ice Skate in a Rink Surrounded by High Rises

Last but not least, ice skate in downtown Grand Rapids at the ever popular Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink.

Admission to the Rosa Parks Circle ice rink is very inexpensive (2020-2021 cost: $2). Skate rental is included with admission and the rink is open seven days a week.

Named in honor of Rosa Parks, civil rights leader and long time Michigan resident, the park is located in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The area was also designed by Maya Lin, known for her work on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C.

Distance from The Fox Briar: 25 Minutes
Address: 135 Monroe Center Street, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Fee: $2