BRIGHTON, Mich. (WJBK) -- It's been a long time coming and although it wasn't easy getting there, for those hitting the slopes, the season's first big snowfall was worth the wait.
"I'm very excited. I've been waiting for a really long time," said one person.
"I'm pretty pumped about this weather. It's a lot better than what we got last year and the year before, so I got out here soon as I could," another said.
Mt. Brighton was packed Wednesday evening with skiers and snowboarders who didn't mind the whipping winds and frigid temperatures. They were eager to put their new snow toys to use.
Santa brought Natalie Bloomingberg a new GoPro, a camera locked to her helmet to capture her every move.
"I was really excited to get it because I've wanted this for a long time because I'm a really big snowboarder," she said. "I'm really happy about the snow, too."
You probably remember we barely had a winter in metro Detroit last year, so when this snow storm started heading our way, snow lovers headed straight to the store.
"I would say probably triple as busy," said Fidel Carino.
He manages Summit Sports in Brighton. He said it is about time we saw snow like this. Business couldn't be better.
"For the majority of our customer, if it's not outside our kitchen window, it is so off the radar they're not even thinking about it. But one inch here and there and just seeing it fall gets them all excited, gets everybody coming in," Carino said.
Like Mark Duncan and his three sons. He outfitted his kids in new gear to get them ready for the season they have been wishing for.
"Season was short last year. It was tough and it made it hard, but this year we started out slow, but it looks like it's getting better," said Duncan.
From the ski hills to the sledding hills, even as night fell at Shepherd Park's Heritage Hill in Oak Park, nothing was going to stop the kids from enjoying some good old fashioned winter fun. They just hope Old Man Winter sticks around for awhile.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:02 AM EDT2013-06-18 13:02:29 GMT
The FBI and local police have teamed up hoping to solve a 38-year-old murder mystery. They are searching an Oakland Township field looking for Jimmy Hoffa.
The FBI and local police have teamed up hoping to solve a 38-year-old murder mystery. They are searching an Oakland Township field looking for Jimmy Hoffa.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 11:26 PM EDT2013-06-13 03:26:44 GMT
Less than 24 hours after a judge bounced Detroit mayoral candidate Mike Duggan from the ballot saying he didn't meet the City Charter's residency requirements, a negative political ad hit the air.
Less than 24 hours after a judge bounced Detroit mayoral candidate Mike Duggan from the ballot saying he didn't meet the City Charter's residency requirements and around the same time Duggan vowed to appeal, a negative political ad hit the air.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 8:49 AM EDT2013-06-12 12:49:07 GMT
This could be a game changer for Detroit's mayoral election. Mike Duggan was yanked from the ballot after a judge said he was not a registered voter in the city for a year before he filed his nominating petitions
This could be a game changer for Detroit's mayoral election. Mike Duggan, who was considered a front runner, was yanked from the ballot after a judge said he was not a registered voter in the city for a year before he filed his nominating petitions. He fell just 14 days short.
Tuesday, June 11 2013 10:38 AM EDT2013-06-11 14:38:08 GMT
It was late last week after the last day of school when parents received an unexpected letter in their email that reads more like more soap opera than something from a school district.
It was late last week after the last day of school when parents received an unexpected letter in their email that reads more like more soap opera than something from a school district.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:03 PM EDT2013-06-20 00:03:28 GMT
"I don't blame the clerk," Mike Duggan said as he ended his mayoral bid. Two courts ruled he cannot be on the ballot because he had not lived in Detroit for a year when he filed.
"I don't blame the clerk," Mike Duggan said as he ended his mayoral bid. Two courts ruled he cannot be on the ballot because he had not lived in Detroit for a year when he filed.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:00 PM EDT2013-06-20 00:00:10 GMT
The Detroit Red Wings and city officials on Wednesday announced a $650 million plan for a new arena development for the NHL team in Detroit's downtown entertainment and sports district.
The Detroit Red Wings and city officials on Wednesday announced a $650 million plan for a new arena development for the NHL team in Detroit's downtown entertainment and sports district.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:41 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:41:47 GMT
FBI agents grabbed shovels and combed through dirt and mud in the search for Jimmy Hoffa's remains or clues to the disappearance of the former Teamsters boss. Once again, the search was futile.
For at least the third time in a decade, FBI agents grabbed shovels and combed through dirt and mud in the search for Jimmy Hoffa's remains or clues to the disappearance of the former Teamsters boss. Once again, the search was futile.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:32 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:32:27 GMT
Lt. Gov. Brian Calley has signed a bill giving local governments in Michigan power to restrict the use of fireworks on the day before, during and after a national holiday.
Lt. Gov. Brian Calley has signed a bill giving local governments in Michigan power to restrict the use of fireworks on the day before, during and after a national holiday.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:24 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:24:16 GMT
Kolcraft is recalling more than 96,000 Jeep Liberty strollers after at least 18 people were injured by tire blowouts, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday.
Kolcraft is recalling more than 96,000 Jeep Liberty strollers after at least 18 people were injured by tire blowouts, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:40 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:40:48 GMT
Nearly a hundred years ago, two girls from Detroit put a message in a bottle and threw it into the waters of the St. Clair River. Now that message is back on dry land after being found by a diver in 30 feet of water.
Nearly a hundred years ago, two girls from Detroit put a message in a bottle and threw it into the waters of the St. Clair River. Now that message is back on dry land after being found by a diver in 30 feet of water.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:45 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:45:33 GMT
Kid Rock has added an eighth date to his "$20 Best Night Ever" tour at DTE Energy Music Theatre. Officials say tickets for the Aug. 20 show will go on sale at 10 a.m. on June 22.
Kid Rock has added an eighth date to his "$20 Best Night Ever" tour at DTE Energy Music Theatre. Officials say tickets for the Aug. 20 show will go on sale at 10 a.m. on June 22.