South Branch Township near Cadillac in Wexford County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Caberfae Ski Resort

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 25, 2023

1. Caberfae Ski Resort Marker

Inscription. Snow trains brought hundreds of ski enthusiasts to the Cadillac area to celebrate the opening of Caberfae on January 16, 1938. Caberfae, whose name comes from the Gaelic word meaning “stag’s head,” was a joint project of the U. S. Forest Service, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the Cadillac Chamber of Commerce and local volunteers. They cooperated to build a winter sports facility that would provide more than the existing snow shoe trails to the public. The CCC cleared ski and toboggan runs, and built a shelter and access roads. Skiers made five dollar contributions and volunteers used the money to construct the first rope tow in 1940. By the 1950s Caberfae had become one of the Midwest’s largest ski resorts. Caberfae’s success encouraged further growth of Michigan’s winter sports industry.

Erected 1989 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number 1601.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is January 16, 1938.

Location. 44° 14.708′ N, 85° 43.133′ W. Marker is near Cadillac, Michigan, in Wexford County. It is in South Branch Township. Marker is on Caberfae Lane, 0.6 miles south of West 38 Road, on the left when traveling

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south. It is between the parking lot and the Lift & Rental Tickets building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Caberfae Ln, Cadillac MI 49601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Monumental Highway (approx. 4.4 miles away); First Wexford County Courthouse (approx. 12½ miles away).

Also see . . . Caberfae Peaks History. Article by Jim Neff in Michigan Skier. Excerpt:

Caberfae Peaks near Cadillac, Michigan stands alone as the first destination ski resort in Michigan history and one of the first in the country. [Opened in 1937], making it the fourth oldest ski resort in the United States, it has been a touchstone for thousands of Midwest skiers spanning generations. ...

The first official opening of Caberfae was held in January of 1937. In 1939, operation and control of the area was turned over to a newly created group, the Caberfae Winter sports Club, Inc., which was formed by the Caberfae Ski Club and the Cadillac Chamber of Commerce. The new group was issued a non-profit permit to operate the ski area by the U.S. Forest Service. Five hundred and eighty acres were set aside for development of a year round recreation area, including the prime highlands with steep and heavily forested north and west facing slopes for skiing.

Vestiges of those early efforts still remain today. The first run carved from
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 25, 2023

2. Caberfae Ski Resort Marker
The ticket office is just behind the historical marker. The skier drop off area and the Guest Parking lot is directly behind the photographer.
the forest, Number One, now comprises the lower left side of North Peak. An area then known as “The Bowl” is now the site of South Peak.

(Submitted on October 29, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.)

East Peak Triple Chair Line image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 25, 2023

3. East Peak Triple Chair Line

One of the four chairlift lines at the resort, it is directly behind the ticket office and next to the Blackmer Day Lodge, which contains a cafeteria, a snack shack, and a pub. Also nearby is the MacKenzie Lodge, with more dining options and overnight accommodations.

The Rental and Demo Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 25, 2023

4. The Rental and Demo Center

Behind and to the left the Skyview Day Lodge can be glimpsed.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 44 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 29, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.