About Us

This history of Mt. Holiday began in 1949 with a simple idea executed by the East Bay Businessmen's Association: to bring skiing to Traverse City's east side as a way to break up the long winters when many businesses shut down. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources gave the group permission to clear a run on what was Fife Lake State Forest land and Holiday Hills Ski Area was born. Later, land would be traded with the state to acquire the property comprising the ski area.

During the 1950s, volunteers began construction on the main lodge, which was built with lumber salvaged from the Coast Guard station barracks. The hill grew as well - the original single tow rope was expanded to include another tow rope and two T-bars.

The 1950s saw other expansion as well; in 1957 Ray Sutton and Dr. James Hall, Jr. traded land with the state to acquire more acreage. That summer, Hall's son Tom carved out additional ski runs on the hill with the assistance of local jail inmates.

In 1985, Warren and Sue Brosch bought and ran the ski area. Over the 14 years they operated Mt. Holiday the Brosch Family added two chairlifts, a half-pipe for snowboarders (a first for Michigan and perhaps the Midwest), and a new ski patrol building. Sadly, Warren died in 1999 after a tragic accident at the ski area he loved. Because of their dedication to the ski hill, the Brosch Family is fondly remembered by many generations of skiers.

Two years after Warren's death, the facility was closed with an uncertain future. As perspective buyers waited in the wings, a band of local concerned citizens rallied to the cause, raising $1.2 million in capital to acquire the property and begin restoration of the Mt. Holiday area.

Today, the not-for-profit organization is focused on providing affordable winter and summer recreational opportunities for the youth - in particular the underprivileged. To that end, two skiership funds have been established to allow every child a chance to learn to ski or snowboard regardless of ability to pay. These scholarships - the Tom Hall Memorial Skiership and Warren Brosch Memorial Skiership - offer lift tickets, rentals, and lessons to any child who qualifies.

Every donor can be proud of what has been done with his or her gift: the future development rights of Mt. Holiday's 46 bay-view acres have been deeded away, ensuring that this area will never be developed. And for that, the children of this region are grateful.