While I was battling holiday weekend crowds at the ski resort over New Year’s, I read about Dave’s backcountry trek to Hoffmaster State Park and knew that I had to join him when the next opportunity came up. Less than a week later, my wife was tapping out on another long drive up north. This gave me the chance to take Dave up on the offer to earn some turns on the lake shore.

Preparing for Hoffmaster

I wanted to prepare for the trip. On one hand, it’s Michigan and avalanches likely weren’t going to be an issue. However, it’s still the backcountry and things can happen out there: injuries, running out of daylight, or getting in some pickle without cell service or road access. I stopped by a sporting goods store and stocked my backpack up with a camp survival kit, flashlights, extra layers, and warmers. I also brought plenty of fluids and about 3,000 calories of food. In hindsight, it was probably overkill, but I did not want end up in a news story about snowboarders lost or missing in the backcountry — especially in the Midwest!

I may have overestimated some of the risks when preparing for Hoffmaster, but I underestimated how physically demanding it would be to hike the backcountry for a few hours. The worst climb was the first one- mainly because I didn’t know what I was getting into. My hundreds of miles road running were poor preparation for climbing up deep and steeps, sometimes on all fours. I acclimated to the work though, and after shedding three layers, the climbs got easier.

What to Expect

The terrain at Hoffmaster consists of open bowls, rolling snow-covered sand dunes, ridges, and steeper gladed lines. Not all tree lines were great, some are too tight or full of deadfall, but others had potential for us to check next time. Before arriving, Dave had mapped out 5-6 areas of elevation that looked worth checking out on topography maps, each area offering about 200′ vertical drop. This was more of an exploratory trek, and we were limited on how much we could explore in the few hours we had.

Of the six high points, we had time to check out two of them. We found open bowls, fun 5-6′. drops, some natural pyramid jumps, and banks to slash. We also spent some time building up natural jump with a 10′ down gap over cedar bushes. I know we are looking to revisit the cedar gap when we return, but there is still more for us to explore up and down the shoreline.

The most accessible area was the open bowl just under the Dune Overlook Platform uphill from the Gillete Visitor Center. This area was comprised of wide rolling terrain with little side hits sprinkled around. This is also where Dave and I built up the Cedar Gap jump.

After riding the Dune Overlook area and catching up with the folks from Get Powder Surfers, we followed a ridgeline south where we found banked lines, minor drops, a pyramid jump.

Looking Ahead

We barely scratched the surface at Hoffmaster, and we’re already mapping out routes for the next time we get out there. The park spans three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. That’s a lot of acreage for the few hardy souls that are willing to work hard to earn their turns. The reward is spectacular views, a blank canvas to draw your lines, and a calorie deficit that justifies whatever you decide to eat and drink later that night.

Next time you’re bumming about the circus of kooks and lift lines, check the snow pack and consider getting off the groomed path and looking for ways to earn your turns without the lift assists.

Just remember to play it safe, there’s no ski patrol and often you’ll find yourself without cell service. Go with a friend, let people know where you are going and when you will be back, and be prepared because the backcountry is a cruel bitch.