Bittersweet, Michigan for a 'close to the Fort' ski day trip

Bittersweet, as a term, describes mixed feelings sometimes. The bitter mixed with the sweet. That's how I feel when I drive the two-and-one-half hours north of Fort Wayne to Otswgo, MI to ski at the small snow ski resort named Bittersweet.

With 350 feet of vertical height, the mini-mountain makes the most of a small space. Skiers and snowboarders can choose between regular runs or a terrain park. One can ride to the top of the hill on the aptly named Sweet Express quad chair. There are also seven standard chairlifts, two tow ropes and two wonder carpets. The last are conveyor belts skiers can stand on (good for beginners) to ride up the hill.

With the advent of snowboarding, Bittersweet has kept up with the times and added a terrain park in recent years. It includes a kids' park, with some smaller jumps. There are three learner jumps 5-10 feet high each. There are also some features including one called the mailbox, the propane tank, etc. - you get the idea.

In the main terrain park, there's more fun stuff - toys called the elbow rail, the skinny rail, the quarter-pipe, and more. The main park starts with a 30-foot-high jump that leads directly onto a second 40-foot-square jump. Even if the terrain park is not your style, Bittersweet is so compact a person can easily watch people doing tricks in the terrain park as the observer rides the chair lift up to the other part of the hill.

Skiers may be disappointed if they are expecting Sault Saint Marie or Boyne, Michigan size and quality snow and facilities. But for that, a party has to drive several hours further north. If you want a quicker day trip and a shorter warm-up or tune-up of your ski chops, you can try Bittersweet on for size. There is a decent cafeteria, picnic area, bar and pro shop. Rentals are $25 for skis or a board, and $10 for a helmet. If you ski at all, consider investing in your own equipment.

Lift tickets are $32 Monday - Friday and $41 Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Take I-69 north and head towards Battlecreek and Kalamazoo. Michigan towns have such wonderful names.