Clarkston, MI (Winter, 2007-2008) – Ski areas and resorts recognize senior citizens as a large segment of our population that has leisure time. Therefore many Michigan ski areas reward senior skiers with discounts and special programs. Smart seniors realize the health benefits of skiing to stay physically fit.

“We want them to ski, not flee to warmer climates,” says Steve Kershner, chairman of the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association and director of skiing for Shanty Creek in Bellaire. Nearly all facilities welcome senior skiers–some as young as 50–with outstanding discounts and exciting programs.

At Alpine Valley in White Lake (248) 887-2180, anyone 65 years and up with I.D., can ski for just $20, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays excluded. www.skialpinevalley.com

Apple Mountain in Freeland (989) 781-6789, offers $5 off lift tickets to those 65 and over. www.applemountain.com

At Big Powderhorn of Bessemer in the Upper Peninsula (906) 932-4838, seniors 65 years and up pay $28 per lift ticket, anytime. www.bigpowderhorn.net

Bittersweet of Otsego (269) 694-2820, offers a discount of $5 off regular rates for anyone 60 and above. www.skibittersweet.com

At Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs and Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls 1-800-GO-BOYNE, skiers 70+ ski free and seniors ages 65-69 receive discounted season pass rates. www.boyne.com

At Cadillac’s Caberfae Peaks Ski and Golf Resort (231) 862-3000, anyone 50 years or older can take advantage of Silver Streak Days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. On those days, seniors pay just $15 for a package that includes: lift ticket, rental equipment and beginner lesson. On the other days of the week, skiers 60 and up pay $19 per lift ticket. www.caberfaepeaks.com

Cannonsburg Ski Area in Cannonsburg (616) 874-6711, lets skiers 70+ ski free. www.cannonsburg.com

Cross-Country Ski Headquarters in Roscommon 1-800-832-2663, gives skiers 55 and up a free facility pass and a free trial of any skis or snowshoes in the demo program during Silver Streak Week, January 14-18, 2008. www.cross-country-ski.com

At Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville (231) 378-2000, anyone 60 and over can sign up for the Silver Streak program for free. Silver Streak enables seniors to ski for half off on all-day/evening lift tickets, cross-country trail passes, all-day/evening equipment rental, group lessons and NASTAR racing, excluding holidays. www.crystalmountain.com

At The Homestead in Glen Arbor (231) 334-5000, anyone 70 and over can ski free everyday. www.thehomesteadresort.com

Indianhead of Wakefield (906) 229-5181, offers $32 lift tickets for seniors 65 and over everyday. www.indianheadmtn.com

Marquette Mountain of Marquette (906) 225-1155, offers anytime lift tickets for $24 to seniors 65 and older. www.marquettemountain.com

Mt. Brighton in Brighton (810) 229-9581, offers half off their regular lift ticket prices to skiers 62 and up. www.mtbrighton.com

At Mt. Holiday in Traverse City (231) 938-2500, seniors in the 70-and-up club receive free lift tickets, Mon.-Fri. and pay $10 on weekends while seniors 62-69 receive student rates. www.mt-holiday.com

At Mt. Holly Ski Resort of Holly (248) 634 8269, skiers 65 and over receive $5 off lift tickets and a 5% discount on season passes, not valid with other discounts. www.skimtholly.com

Anyone 70+ skis free at Nubs Nob, in Harbor Springs 1-800 SKI-NUBS. Skiers ages 65-69, pay reduced lift rates. www.nubsnob.com

Pine Knob Ski Resort of Clarkston (248) 625-0800, offers $5 off lift tickets for anyone 65 years and up and those who are in active military. www.skipineknob.com

Pine Mountain Resort in the Upper Peninsula’s Iron Mountain (906) 774-2747, has season passes or reduced daily lift tickets for seniors 60 and up. Senior Days are Mondays and Tuesdays, non-holiday, with $5 lifts and $5 rentals for anyone 60 and over. www.pinemountainresort.com

At Shanty Creek in Bellaire (231) 533-7066, Super Seniors, ages 70 plus, ski free and seniors ages

55-69 pay teen prices. Shanty Creek offers three separate Silver Streak Weeks for skiers 55 years and up, with exclusive lodging discounts, Sunday – Thursday and free skiing Monday – Friday. These weeks will take place January 6-10, 2008; January 27-31, 2008; and February 24-29, 2008. www.shantycreek.com

Ski Brule in Iron River (906) 265-6754, takes $3 off full-price lift tickets for anyone 60 and over. www.skibrule.com

At Snow Snake Mountain in Harrison (989) 539-6583, anyone 70 or older skis free. www.snowsnake.net

Swiss Valley Ski Area in Jones (269) 244-8016, offers half-price lift tickets and ski and snowboard rentals to anyone ages 65 and up, anytime. www.SkiSwissValley.com

Timber Ridge in Gobles (269) 694-9449, offers half-price lift tickets for seniors, 60 years and up anytime. Timber Ridge offers Senior Spree every Tuesday which gives seniors 55 and up reduced lift tickets and equipment rentals when purchased before noon. www.timberridgeski.com

At Treetops Resort in Gaylord (989) 732-6711, seniors 65 and older ski free. www.treetops.com

“With all the discounts, there is really no excuse for staying indoors,” Kershner says. He encourages everyone, regardless of age or ability, to hit the slopes and trails. “Come out and enjoy Michigan’s winter wonderland,” he adds.