Skiing Down Sleeping Bear Dunes??

R

-Robert

Active member
First off, someone has had to do this before. Anyone have pictures or a video of this, whether it be in the sand or snow? Where I'm talking about is around the Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook. It's about 900 feet long, 450' vertical @ ~35 degrees average. Who wants to do it?!

Is it "legal" to do?

Pictures of said dunes.
 
So I was about to respond, "let's go" but then I used the google. Is this place the place in Michigan? That is a long drive.

On the other hand if it's the place I found it's a national park which means it's probably pretty worth a visit. Mom wants to visit all the state parks and I'm not sure if she's been to this one. I could probably go with her if the ski thing pans out.

I couldn't find anything about summer skiing but it looks like the winter is a go. Do they get snow right down the the bank of the lake? Looks like it could make for some good laps with an AT set up.

https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/trailscenicdriveski.htm
 
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I so wanted to do this when I was there a few summers back. I was kicking myself for not bringing a pair of beater skis to attempt it. I think you could do it. You would have to be discrete but there is so much area there. I know there are some erosion concerns in some places too. The one warning sign I came across mentions a 2 hour hike back to top of the dune from the bottom.

**This post was edited on Aug 28th 2018 at 8:19:52pm
 
topic:-Robert said:
First off, someone has had to do this before. Anyone have pictures or a video of this, whether it be in the sand or snow? Where I'm talking about is around the Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook. It's about 900 feet long, 450' vertical @ ~35 degrees average. Who wants to do it?!

Is it "legal" to do?

Pictures of said dunes.
Click to expand...

I'm so down. Do you have instagram? Message me @mynameispalmer
 
I grew up there and always wanted to shred the Empire Bluffs. Sand Dunes are totally doable and are fun and recommended. Not sure if it is illegal but it didn't matter to us when we were kids. I say go for it, worst case you talk to a DNR officer and he or she tells you to leave. Do it on a full moon down to the lake if you have a way out of there. Bringing a snowmobile is illegal if you get caught...
 
13939412:OregonDead said:
So I was about to respond, "let's go" but then I used the google. Is this place the place in Michigan? That is a long drive.

On the other hand if it's the place I found it's a national park which means it's probably pretty worth a visit. Mom wants to visit all the state parks and I'm not sure if she's been to this one. I could probably go with her if the ski thing pans out.

I couldn't find anything about summer skiing but it looks like the winter is a go. Do they get snow right down the the bank of the lake? Looks like it could make for some good laps with an AT set up.

https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/trailscenicdriveski.htm
Click to expand...

Sorry, yes it is in Michigan. The link you have shows the correct area. I was there this past weekend and did the hike up it which took about 30 minutes. We parked in a lot at the bottom of the dunes and walked to the bottom of the hill then up it. After looking at that website, it just says to be careful... hmmmm. After looking some snowfall totals up around cities near the dunes, they get ~120 inches of snow so I guess not that much.

13939414:ghoti_hook said:
View attachment 908143

View attachment 908144

I so wanted to do this when I was there a few summers back. I was kicking myself for not bringing a pair of beater skis to attempt it. I think you could do it. You would have to be discrete but there is so much area there. I know there are some erosion concerns in some places too. The one warning sign I came across mentions a 2 hour hike back to top of the dune from the bottom.

**This post was edited on Aug 28th 2018 at 8:19:52pm
Click to expand...
https://www.michigan.org/blog/outdoors/beaches/sleeping-bear-in-the-off-season

I did find this where it says there's only 1 dune where sledding and such activities are allowed...
 
So, theres a few issues here. As someone who lived in that area it was always a dream of mine but there are some problems.

1. Sand dunes do not hold snow very well. Espicially on big lake michigan bluffs. I've tried to hit the dunes after a good storm and I'm always met with a windblown crust, mixed with some sand.

2. So Sleeping Bear is a National Park, so its unlikely you will run into the DNR. They may have 1 or 2 park rangers on commission for the winter. The rangers tend to be pretty cool and shouldn't be off concern.

You should be concerned about the DNR Conservation Officers (the rangers that carry a gun and have in many ways more power than the state police.). There are two CO's in that area. One is really cool, the other would probably write you a 500$ ticket. Dont bring a snowmobile unless you want to get arrested.

So the TLDR is there are some issues, but you should absolutely do it. And film it.

Citations: Previous local and Dnr employee.
 
Go for it man! I ski on warren dunes in the winter after a storm, only problem with the dunes is the wind will blow all the snow off in some spots. 10/10 would recommend.
 
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