What do the Gravity Games, Red Bull snowboarding competitions and The Homestead have in common? The answer: Ben Schaub. The terrain park building specialist was given the go-head to give The Homestead’s terrain park a little makeover this winter. Now, it’s scheduled to be the centerpiece of a little party/competition happening at the resort on February 24th. Read on.

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Bigger bumps. Bigger jumps. Moguls, boxes and triple-down rails.

For as long as he can remember, Ben Schaub has been dreaming up creative ways to help skateboarders, skiers and snowboarders perform high-flying flips and high-speed tricks. Mountain Dew, Vans, Zumiez, and Red Bull —Schaub has worked for all of them, constructing snow and concrete playgrounds for everyday use as well as professional competitions.

“I lived out West, worked in California’s Squaw Valley and was basically ski and skate bum since I was 18,” he says.

Recently relocated back to Northern Michigan, Schaub (now 41) began working last year as a jack-of-all-trades on the slopes at The Homestead. He can operate and fix everything from snowmaking machines to chairlifts. But making fun terrain park features remains his true passion.

Thanks to his expertise and stellar snow conditions this year, Bunch Berry—the North Face’s favorite area for the younger ski and snowboarding set—has been a pretty popular place to hangout this season.

“We still have 32-inches of base in most places. I’ve been hearing from people that The Homestead just feels like an all-around cooler ski resort this year,” Schaub says. “We’ve added a lot of new features to the terrain park at Bunch Berry and some super small stuff for little kids. There are also some new terrain features on some of the runs. Overall, there’s just a lot more variety—a nice balance for everyday skiers and people who like navigating obstacles and doing tricks.”

If you’re interested in checking out some of those tricks for yourself, be sure to check out The Homestead’s “Almost Spring Fling” outdoor party and competition happening on Saturday, February 24th.

The fun starts at 11am and features a ski and snowboarding rail and freestyle jam, along with the popular “Silly Slalom” event, food, drinks and live music. Prizes will he handed out during an after-party mixer open to all guests and residents. There’s also the annual Glow Worm/Torch Light Parade at 5 pm and S’mores at the Mountain Flowers Lodge outdoor fire, both free events.  

 

For more event details, check out The Homestead’s event calendar by clicking here or call 231.334.5000 for more information.