Schuss Mountain — Attraction in Custer Township

My family took our first winter trip together at the beginning of 2024. My husband is an experienced snowboarder and was hopeful to get the kids and myself interested in winter sports, which was a success.

I took a beginners ski group lesson and our 6 and 4 year old took private ski lessons. By the end of our lessons, our 6 year old and I were able to independently go down the bunny hills. Our 4 year old has the basics, but not quite coordinated enough to go down independently.

We were extremely impressed with all of the staff at Shanty/Schuss, from the helpful staff getting our gear and helping to put it on, friendly shuttle bus drivers, our patient and experienced instructors who used various ski gear to help teach the kids how to ski (wedge eases, hoola hoop, harness) (Sam and Phil were SO GREAT with our kids!!), and some of the sweetest people working the magic carpet. Sam let us borrow is wedgeease the rest of the day to help make the experience better for our kids and have them continue to practice skiing after their lesson.

As a non experienced skier, I struggled to help my kids get on the magic carpet, but there was always a worker (oftentimes, Rick), who was quick to help me get them on the magic carpet and would even introduce himself, so he could address our kids by name.

We were blown away by all of the people working at Schuss and had such a pleasant experience that we are planning to come back again next year. Although we spent just a few days here, it holds a special spot in our hearts, and look forward to continuing to make memories here for years to come.

UPDATE: January 2, 2025

We had another wonderful time at Schuss Mountain/Shanty Creek. The staff is SO FRIENDLY and the instructors did a WONDERFUL job helping teach our 5 and 7 year old. They made huge improvements and both even rode the ski lift this year! Thanks for another...

My heart holds a special place for Schuss. I learned to ski here when I was only three, 27 years ago. I remember being scared to look down from the chairlift. I remember when red and purple opened, and I remember the brown bag tent. I learned to be brave here, to stare down my fears, however small they seem now. And I became humble. Humility, let me tell you, is one of life’s great lessons, and I pity those who learn it so late. Skiing is where the heart is, and I wish it was more accessible, because nowadays skiing can plain price you out. Dang. But the great promise of northern Michigan is that you can still find those wild feelings, those fears that make life tactile, wandering the woods at night or swimming open-eyed in so many lakes. Reflection is necessary in life, and you can build a base for your kids. My parents choose Schuss and never looked back. Father patrols here now. Talk about loyalty, talk about appreciation, talk...

I was here the first week of March 2023 to ski with some friends. Unfortunately, I had an accident on the hill about 15 minutes after I went out but ski patrol and the entire staff were so helpful. They got me set up and gave directions to the nearest hospital to avoid a costly ambulance visit. The two ski patrol men were very calming and reassuring while giving me top tier care. The staff at the lift ticket and rental desk gave me and my boyfriend a full refund for what we had purchased since I only made it down the hill once... I ended up severely fracturing my wrist and needed two corrective surgeries so safe to say I won’t being skiing again but for those who do I highly recommend this place based on how amazing...