One of the many struggles that has arisen during the COVID-19 pandemic is the lack of safe, socially-distant outdoor activities available for children during the colder months. That's why as soon as West Michigan emerged from a nearly week-long lake effect winter storm, the City of Grand Haven hit the slopes. Grand Haven is the proud home of Mulligan's Hollow, a popular ski hill made from the region's picturesque sand dunes that serves as many children's first time skiing or snowboarding. After several few seasons of very little snow, Grand Haven's skiing community was overjoyed by the recent winter storm. The extra snow this year has given me time to practice my snowboarding, so I'm really excited!
8-year old aspiring snowboarder John Vandendook said. It's so nice to see kids on the slopes again, especially during these difficult times.
Mulligan's Hollow director Chad Smith added. This will be an unforgettable year for our young skiiers and snowboarders.
West Michigan was once well-known for the the large floats of ice that would form on Lake Michigan during the winter. After many unusually warm winters, this once familiar phenomenon became a rare sight for West Michiganders. According to author Tennessee Millen's new book, Where Did the Ice Go?, the disappearing ice is likely due to greenhouse gas provoked climate change. However, following the major winter storm the Midwest just weathered, there is hope for West Michigan's missing icebergs. Many port cities and coastal communities have been watching the shores excitedly in hopes of spotting the beginnings of the winter ice.