For the first time in its 50-year history, the Detroit Mountain Ski Area won’t be open for business this season. But rather than being cause for dismay, this anomaly is really the harbinger of bigger and better things for the 260-acre resort just east of Detroit Lakes, which has been owned by the Bekkerus family since 1958. John Bekkerus, who now owns the resort in partnership with his four siblings, says that he plans to reopen the business as a year-round resort, hopefully in time for the 2004 Memorial Day weekend. “We’re doing some restructuring, and remodeling,” he said. The lodge will be getting a facelift, including the addition of a new restaurant, and there will be hiking, biking and horseback trails added, along with a campground to attract summer visitors. Bekkerus, who also owns a small 70-acre farm south of the ski area, said that the main entrance to the resort might even be moved to the south, off of Highway 10, rather than its present location off Highway 34 — primarily for “easier access,” he added. In addition, the business will have a new name — the Thousand Pines Resort. “One of the hardest things is deciding on a new name,” Bekkerus said. “But I think this one is going to stick.” Part of the reasoning for this is that the new name has its origins in nostalgia. “When I had just got out of the Marine Corps — in 1981 — I ordered 1,000 pines from the DNR, and got together with some friends of mine to plant them (at the resort),” he said. “It was the first time we had planted trees out there.” Previously, the family had mainly been concerned with clearing away trees for the ski runs, Bekkerus explained. An avid skier, Bekkerus admits that it’s a little difficult to see the facility closed for the season — especially when the area gets heavy snowfall like residents have experienced this week. “(This is) the one winter that we’re not open, and we’ll probably be buried in snow,” he joked. But at the same time, the family is pretty excited about plans for the expanded operation. “We just couldn’t survive and operate as a winter-only resort,” Bekkerus explained. “We’ve kind of outgrown that. You have to be open year round to make it a going operation. The winter crowds aren’t what they used to be… there’s so much more for people to do.” The resort will be reopened briefly in February, however, for a snowmobile race to be held the weekend of Feb. 28-29. “We’re expecting a couple thousand racers, and 5,000 spectators,” Bekkerus said. The rest of the season will be spent making plans for the new restaurant — which will be managed by John’s wife, Mary (currently the kitchen manager at the Sandbar in Detroit Lakes) — and renovating the facilities to attract year-round visitors. “Everyone’s kind of excited about it,” said Bekkerus. “We’re going to do whatever it takes to make this a going business. There’s a lot of possibilities, and nothing’s been ruled out.” To make way for the new venture, some of the resort’s old snowboarding, downhill skiing and cross country skiing equipment — both new and used — will be sold, including “hats, gloves, and anything else that has to do with skiing.” Still, Bekkerus said, that doesn’t mean there won’t be people out on the slopes at the resort again next season. “I love skiing too much,” he said. Bekkerus also noted that anyone who is interested in purchasing skiing or snowboarding equipment should contact him at 218-847-0182 for more information on what’s available. Created and maintained by DL Newspapers. © Copyright 2003. All rights reserved.
Skiing can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, or cross country skis. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below and share with other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing experience.
2. People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.
4. Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
5. Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
6. Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
7. Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and capability to load, ride, and unload safely.
8. Inverted aerials are not allowed.
KNOW THE CODE. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
