“OMG!” That was awesome.” This is what I texted to my friend’s mom after our hiking tour at Ridges Hike and Ski Tours.
“What made this tour awesome?”, you ask…Brett, the owner, is who made the tour awesome. First, read his blog, “Arm in Arm,” to get a sense of his character.
Click to read "How Do We 'See' the Sights? Arm in Arm."
He describes his experience in creating a tour for my friend who is legally blind to enjoy. Brett gave my friend the option to ride in a golf cart or to walk. My friend chose to walk; and he did for two miles up and down hills, navigating roots, stumps and rocks. He did this with and without Brett’s or my help. Brett also incorporated our other senses in the tour to enable my friend to enjoy the other wonders of nature, the feel of bark created by different trees, sounds of a brook, the temperature of a natural spring, and the taste of the land.
As for me, the hike and tour touched upon what I enjoy: connecting with people, learning about the environment I am in, and walking. Brett also touched on themes that are important to my family and friends, thus me: nature, science, the environment, history, hiking/skiing, and literature. He explained how and why he maintains the land and trails; He talked about why some trees thrive and some don’t. He shared his thoughts about Native Americans living in the area; and he shared how the previous owners from Germany used the land’s resources to create a beautiful place for his wife and others to enjoy. He talked about the hiking and ski trails, which ones where his favorites and why. Last of all, he summed up some spots on our hike by reciting poems about the land before us.
After the hike, Brett provided refreshments. We enjoyed fresh water from the stream; a homemade custard blackberry pie; and one of six different kinds of homemade hard cider made with added ingredients such as hops, lavender, and peach, and. Many of the ingredients he used are from this land.
I cannot be grateful enough for the thought that Brett put into his Ridges Hikes and Tours business and the deliberate planning he did for our hike. As a former teacher, he put his lesson plan skills to the test for our tour; and I am confident he can do the same for you! ~ Andee E.
10/10 Amazing Experience and the Best Host!
We had a great time at Ridges in Michigan! We visited from out of state and enjoyed our time in beautiful nature, animals and the super interesting tour. We even got to try the homemade Seltzer in the end. 10/10 amazing experience and the best host!!
I would recommend visiting this place to anyone who visits the region, enjoys hiking, or is interested in history.
A Boutique Ski Experience.
I loved my time with Brett at Ridges. My husband and I have cross-country skiied at destinations around Canada and within Michigan, and I experienced Brett's tour as a unique addition that any lover of this sport will enjoy. Brett's tour is filled with challenging and thrilling downhills, but Brett was attentive to my skill level, offering an overview of upcoming descents, several choices that'd fit my comfort zone, and strategies for navigation. Brett's background as a teacher was evident as he coached me through hills that got my adrenaline and heart rate up. But what makes a tour at Ridges really unique is its narrative. Along the way, Brett tells the story of the land--it's a nostalgic story filled with childhood names for hills, but also a story, surprising and poignant at times, of the German immigrants who first owned the land and whose lives intersected with Brett's. At the end of the tour there was camaraderie and some lovely surprises in the warming cabin. A tour at Ridges is a boutique experience, warm, customized, and personal, a kind of micro-tourism for any cross-country enthusiast interested in what it means to love land.
Ridges Rocks!
Had a trully unique cross country skiing experience unlike any other. Ridges is 160 acres of rolling hills with some challenging downhills, but the highlight is getting the history of the property. There are interesting stories of past owners narrated by Brett the host. Some pleasant surprises as you wrap up your experience!
Great Cross Country Ski Experience
Enjoyed a beautiful afternoon skiing across striking terrain: hills and valleys cloaked in hardwood, glades and streams fringed in evergreen. Energetic and knowledgeable guide provided fascinating insights into the natural and human history of the landscape. The idyllic cabin nestled next to its spring-fed pond that serves as a “warming hut” was a delightful bonus. A variety of established trails should ensure that skiers of all abilities will find runs that offer a fun, scenic workout.
