Mt. Brighton battles ski business blues as skiers and snowboarders wait for snow and cold

BRIGHTON, Mich. (WXYZ) - Business has been down hill for ski operators in southeast Michigan so far this season but it's not at all positive.

The lack of snow and absence of consistently cold temperatures have made it difficult to keep the slopes open at Mt. Brighton and other ski areas.

Mt. Brighton had only two runs open on the day after Christmas but Joe Bruhn is keeping a hopeful eye on the weather forecast. for Tuesday.  Bruhn is president of the ski and golf facility, which is located in Livingston County.

"Normally this time of the year we're almost fully open and this year we're struggling a bit," he said.

Bruhn's family has operated Mt. Brighton for nearly 50 years so they've experienced all kinds of Michigan winters.

"You can't get too down when it's bad and you can't get too up when it's up because you never know what tomorrow may bring," said Bruhn.

He's hopeful the year will still prove to be positive after two very successful years.

The forecast for 1-3 inches of fresh snow Tuesday will be followed by colder temperatures for the remainder of the week.  Bruhn says that will also allow for Mt. Brighton to make snow, making for improved conditions on the slopes.