Into the Backcountry at Traverse City’s Neighborhood Hill

This story was originally published in the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

After our second warmest December on record and a balmy start to January, I was a little worried about winter this year, but Mother Nature came through, and Hickory is open. Game on.

Much like Traverse City kids learning to sail on Boardman Lake, Traverse City kids learning to ski at our neighborhood ski hill is a rite of passage — a tradition.

Passing on, from generation to generation, a love of having fun outside with friends during the winter is a beautiful Traverse City custom.

I have the best memories of hanging out by the open fireplace in the old lodge, looking out on Pete and Buck, and watching Carter, Jameson, and their crew go up and down. Pure joy.

But Hickory Hills is more than just a place for kids; it’s a small but mighty all-ages playground for both the young — and young at heart.

Amidst this neighborhood park, its sixteen alpine runs, and world-class Nordic track lies a lesser-known gem — backcountry goodness.

Woven through this winter wonderland goodness, a thriving community embraces the magic of neighborhood backcountry skiing.

This tight-knit and supportive community includes the old guard — people like BJ Ingwersen, Tom Mead, Pat Curley, and Matt Mulligan, who have been skiing Hickory’s backcountry for years.

And the not-so-old guard — people like Steve Andriese, Amy Powell, Kirk Ranney, Alex Primeau, Nick Wierzba, Mike Powers, Kyler Bradley, Steve Carpenter, Megan Madion, Keelan McNulty, Tim Pulliam and the husband and wife super duos, Fern and Doug Spence and Brent Wiersema and Stephanie Morreale.

This community, who are all season pass holders, explores Hickory’s groomed and untouched parts. Backcountry skiing in our backyard is not just a workout of going up and over the hills; it’s a holistic experience — a way of connecting with nature and finding joy in the serenity of Traverse City’s woods.

Amy captures the essence, “I love the solitude and running into those few others that embrace the elements for the same purpose: seeking the quietness, soaking in the beauty, and the giddiness you get gliding on skis through deep snow.”

Kirk agrees, “The new Hickory Forest trails are money. Back there, it feels far removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown even though you’re just a couple miles away.”

There’s been a noticeable uptick in the number of people exploring Hickory’s ungroomed parts recently. This is partly because backcountry gear is now more available locally, thanks to shops like Suttons Bay Bikes and Brick Wheels.

Wider, no wax skis with metal edges and fish scales, along with plastic boots and a variety of bindings that allow skiers to ski up and down hills through powder, make it accessible for everyone.

“These new backcountry skis are the easiest to ski and have the widest application. Anybody who lives somewhere with snow like Traverse City and wants to ski should, in my opinion, get these first,” Steve explained. “Scooting up and over the hills and then sliding down — anywhere and everywhere. It’s so fun.”

Want to give neighborhood backcountry a try? Here’s a pro tip from BJ, who has been skiing through the woods at Hickory for 35 years: “Be safe. Carry food, water, extra layers, and a first aid kit. Skiing with a buddy is more fun and safer. If you are skiing in the backcountry alone, make sure you know the terrain at Hickory.”

The allure of neighborhood backcountry skiing lies not just in the thrill of going up and over the slopes but also in the anticipation of finding powder in Hickory’s woods.

“I like the nerding out aspect of backcountry, watching the weather forecast, and figuring out when to go,” Kirk mentions. “When the snow does come, there’s a sense of urgency because the best conditions can be fleeting.”

And while Hickory’s backcountry community are all friends, Matt admits it’s a bit of a race between them to get to the powder first after a snowstorm.

“The saying ‘no friends on a powder day’ is still kind of true at Hickory,” Matt jokes.

I’m grateful for this neighborhood community for encouraging and inspiring others to get out in our backyard woods.

I’m grateful for our homegrown municipal ski hill — and the tradition it’s passing on.

The tradition of learning that winter in Traverse City is best when you’re out in it having fun with friends.

Because adventurous kids who are happy and healthy are more likely to grow up to be happy and healthy adults who will then pass it on to their kids.

Generation to generation — building a Traverse City that is better connected.

Better connected to each other.

Better connected to this fantastic place we call home.

And better connected to our neighborhood backcountry.

Thank you, Hickory.