There’s a difference between a “local hill” and a destination resort. Each has its place in skiing. Destinations may say they’re about the skiing, but the truth is, they’re more like a Disney Resort on snow. Local hills, on the other hand, are the local gathering places to get turns—like a pub, DFW, or YMCA. What they lack in spas, hot cookies, and big verticals, they more than make up for in soul and community building. For every major resort, there are dozens of local hills. One that flies under the radar but is just as important for skiing and snowboarding is Mulligan’s Hollow Ski Bowl in Grand Haven, Michigan.
The Hollow’s Beginnings
Named after John Mulligan, who settled here in the 1880s and built a small farm that was eventually sold to the city in 1908, this property was used as a site for barracks for the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. It was later converted into a boot camp for the Coast Guard during WWII.
Skiing Arrives in the US
Skiing may have arrived in the U.S. with the help of the 10th Mountain Division’s return from WWII, but its boom came in the 1960s. From the advent of plastic boots to the 1960 Winter Olympics at what was then known as Squaw Valley, skiing helped usher in the golden era of the sport. It was during this time that Mulligan’s Hollow Ski Bowl was born.
Old Fashion Barn Raisin’ – But for Skiing
As you would expect, without use, nearly all of the buildings on the property fell into disrepair by the 60s, except for one—the old Mess Hall. With the help of volunteers, it was converted into a warming hut for the new Mulligan’s Hollow Ski Bowl, which opened with a spectacular Christmas show in December of 1963.
Still Locally Owned
The passion for sliding continued over the years with the help of volunteers, the City of Grand Haven, and the YMCA. In 2009, the ski area was handed over to Mulligan’s Hollow Ski Bowl, a nonprofit organization that has operated ever since. The love for skiing hasn’t waned; in fact, if anything, it has increased, with season pass sales creeping up to nearly 12,000 annually!
Small But Mighty
On its surface, it may not seem like it has a lot to offer. “The Hollow,” as it’s affectionately called, is home to 6 slopes and adjoining trails, including a park laid out across 7 acres, all accessible via 5 rope tows. But when you begin to dig deeper, you’ll find its charm. The highest dune offers glimpses of the inland “sea” of Lake Michigan. All slopes are lit to allow night skiing. And all parents ski for free! Lift tickets are a steal—just $16 on Thursdays and Fridays for access to the entire Ski Bowl, and a “whopping” $22 on Saturdays and Sundays.
Rope Tows are Like Eating your Peas… They’re Good for You!
While chairlifts make it easy to get up the hill, regardless of size, rope tows can really maximize the number of laps in a park more than any other lift. It’s one of the reasons places like Trollhaugen and Yawgoo produce so many great park riders. You never have to unstrap or sit on a chairlift. Instead, you hit a bunch of park obstacles, swing right back onto the rope tow, and zoom up to the top again.
Ski Resorts Should Be Non-Profits
I moved out West to chase the snow, but one of the things I miss most about Midwest skiing is the soulful vibe of its ski areas. During our travels across the West, I’ve been seeking not just powder, but mountains that have that same energy. What we’ve realized on these road trips is that it’s the places not owned by Wall Street, but by Main Street, that really capture that spirit. In the end, we salute all ski areas, including Mulligan’s, for keeping the soul of skiing alive and for their hard work in inspiring the next generation of passionate snow sliders. Keep up the great work!
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