The Highlands at Harbor Springs

Harbor Highlands, a ski area in Harbor Springs, was founded by 10 local businessmen, and opened with one slope and a rope tow during the 1955/56 season. Through the next few years, Harbor Highlands expanded adding more trails, uphill transportation, and a small day lodge. But the owners soon ran out of money, amassed considerable debt, and were forced to close. When Kircher decided to buy the property, he insisted on paying off the creditors as well as making sure that all the shareholders recovered their full investments. He said at the time, "I&s;d like to go into the area with everybody feeling happy about the deal and about Boyne."