Michigan offers an impressive selection of ski resorts that cater to both beginners and experienced skiers. With its stunning natural beauty and consistent snowfall during the winter months, the state has become a go-to destination for skiing enthusiasts from across the country. Whether you’re looking for challenging slopes, family-friendly activities, or picturesque views, Michigan’s ski resorts have something for everyone.
Notable options include the Boyne Mountain Resort, which boasts a wide variety of terrain and convenient lodging options, as well as Mount Bohemia Ski Resort in the Upper Peninsula, known for having the biggest vertical drop in the Midwest. The state also takes pride in Boyne Highlands, featuring the longest ski run in Michigan at 1.25 miles. With a vast array of ski resorts to explore, visitors are spoilt for choice while charting their winter sports adventures in Michigan.
Top Ski Resorts
Michigan is home to numerous ski resorts, offering a combination of beautiful natural settings and diverse terrain, catering to skiers of all skill levels. In this section, we will explore some of the top ski resorts in Michigan: Mount Bohemia, Crystal Mountain, Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne Highlands, and Nub’s Nob.
Mount Bohemia
Mount Bohemia, located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is known for its challenging and diverse terrain. With the highest vertical drop in the Midwest at 900 feet, this resort is ideal for advanced skiers seeking a thrilling experience. It offers:
- 585 acres of skiable terrain
- Over 100 trails
- Deep powder snow
Mount Bohemia’s lodging options include cabins, yurts, and on-site hostels, providing a unique experience for those visiting the resort.
Crystal Mountain
Situated in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, Crystal Mountain is a family-friendly ski resort with a variety of terrain catering to both beginners and advanced skiers. The resort features:
- 58 trails across 102 acres
- Vertical drop of 375 feet
- Affordable lodging options
Crystal Mountain also offers additional winter activities such as snowshoeing, fat-tire biking, and a 2023-mile cross-country ski trail system.
Boyne Mountain Resort
Another popular destination in the Lower Peninsula, Boyne Mountain Resort boasts a wide range of amenities and activities for visitors to enjoy. The resort has:
- Over 60 trails across 415 acres of skiable terrain
- A vertical drop of 500 feet
- Lodging options include ski-in/ski-out accommodations
Visitors can also enjoy off-slope activities such as snow tubing, ice skating, and spa services.
Boyne Highlands
Boyne Highlands, located not far from Boyne Mountain Resort, is a well-known ski destination in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. This resort offers:
- 55 trails spread across 435 acres
- The longest ski run in Michigan at 1.25 miles
- Various lodging options, from hotel rooms to condos
Additionally, Boyne Highlands provides opportunities for activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
Nub’s Nob
Nub’s Nob, situated in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, has been a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its excellent grooming and comfortable facilities. It features:
- 53 trails covering 248 acres
- A vertical drop of 427 feet
- Day lodge for relaxation between runs
While Nub’s Nob does not offer on-site lodging, there are numerous nearby accommodations in the surrounding area.
Family-Friendly Resorts
Crystal Mountain
Located close to the mighty Lake Michigan, Crystal Mountain boasts special terrain features for skiing and snowboarding, making it ideal for families. The resort offers a dedicated ski school and various beginner slopes for those just starting out, while more experienced skiers can enjoy the challenging slopes available. Additionally, Crystal Mountain has a popular tube park and provides snowshoeing opportunities for those seeking a break from skiing.
Boyne Mountain Resort
Boyne Mountain Resort is another Michigan family favorite, offering a wealth of activities for all visitors. Skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts can take advantage of the diverse ski trails while first-timers can enroll in the resort’s ski school to learn the basics. Apart from skiing and snowboarding, families can enjoy the on-site tube park and venture out into the snow on snowshoes for a unique outdoor experience.
Shanty Creek
Nestled within the picturesque surroundings, Shanty Creek is a family-friendly resort that caters to different skill levels for skiing and snowboarding. They provide a helpful and experienced ski school for beginners, while more advanced skiers can explore the challenging slopes. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Shanty Creek has a tube park for endless fun, and snowshoeing opportunities throughout the beautifully maintained trails.
Night Skiing and Snowboarding
Mt. Brighton
Mt. Brighton, located in southeast Michigan, offers excellent opportunities for night skiing and snowboarding. Visitors can enjoy the well-lit, groomed trails from the late afternoon until the evening, extending their skiing enjoyment well into the night. The resort has multiple lifts, providing seamless access to the trails and ensuring a pleasant night skiing experience.
Nub’s Nob
Nub’s Nob ski resort, situated in northern Michigan, is another great destination for night skiing and riding. Known for its well-maintained and diverse terrain, Nub’s Nob provides a variety of trails that cater to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Additionally, their state-of-the-art snowmaking system ensures that the trails have optimal conditions, even during the night.
Bittersweet
Bittersweet Ski Resort, located in western Michigan, offers night skiing and snowboarding options for those looking to extend their time on the slopes. The resort features a range of trails, accommodating both beginners and advanced skiers. It is well-equipped with lighting and trail maintenance, ensuring a safe and enjoyable night skiing experience for everyone.
Lodging and Accommodations
Mountain Lodges
A variety of mountain lodges can be found in ski resorts throughout Michigan, offering cozy and rustic options for staying close to the slopes. At Caberfae Peaks near Cadillac, guests can enjoy the convenience of Caberfae Peaks Ski & Golf Resort which features comfortable accommodations and easy access to skiing activities. Similarly, Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire offers Schuss Mountain lodging options that provide both comfort and proximity to the ski mountain.
Condos
For travelers seeking a more spacious and private option, condominiums are available at several Michigan ski resorts. These condos typically include a living room, kitchen, and multiple bedrooms, allowing you and your group to unwind after a day on the slopes. Some popular ski resorts with condo accommodations include Boyne Mountain Resort and Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, as described in SnowPak.
Rooms
In addition to mountain lodges and condos, traditional hotel rooms are available across Michigan ski resorts. One notable option is the Pine Mountain Resort in the Upper Peninsula, which offers both spacious and comfortable rooms. Moreover, ski hotels like the Delta Hotels by Marriott Kalamazoo Conference Center cater to guests seeking the familiar amenities found in chain hotels.
Whether you’re looking for the rustic charm of mountain lodges or the convenience of condominiums and hotel rooms, Michigan’s ski resorts offer a wide array of lodging options to suit your needs and preferences.
Ski and Snowboard Rentals
When visiting ski resorts in Michigan, many travelers seek out reliable ski and snowboard rental options to make their trip convenient and enjoyable. This section provides information about equipment rental services available at some of the top ski resorts in the state, making your decision easier as you plan your Michigan skiing adventure.
Equipment Rental Services
Boyne Mountain Resort offers a variety of rental equipment options for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Their rental shops provide a wide range of gear, including skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, and more. Conveniently located at the heart of the resort, these rental facilities ensure that you have everything you need to hit the slopes with ease.
At Shanty Creek Resorts, you can find quality ski and snowboard equipment at their rental centers. With options for both day rentals and multi-day packages, visitors can choose the gear that best fits their needs and duration of stay. Additionally, Shanty Creek offers lesson packages that include equipment rentals for beginners looking to learn the ropes of skiing or snowboarding during their vacation.
Ski Brule boasts a well-stocked rental center where visitors can find all the necessary equipment for their skiing or snowboarding adventures. Not only do they offer a comprehensive selection of gear but also take extra care in ensuring that each guest is fitted with the right size and type of equipment for their skill level and preference. Ski Brule’s rental center makes it a breeze for visitors to rent everything they need to have a memorable day on the slopes.
While these are just a few examples, most ski resorts in Michigan offer on-site rental services to help visitors make the most of their time on the ski runs. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a first-time skier, having easy access to well-maintained, high-quality rental equipment is essential for a smooth and enjoyable experience on the slopes.
Getting There
Travel Information
Michigan is home to several top ski resorts that are easily accessible from various cities. Grand Rapids and Traverse City are two popular starting points for ski enthusiasts looking to explore the snowy terrain of Michigan.
Grand Rapids, located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, is well connected by Gerald R. Ford International Airport, making it convenient for travelers coming from other states or countries. From Grand Rapids, many ski resorts are just a short drive away, such as Crystal Mountain and Boyne Mountain Resort.
Traverse City, a popular destination near the tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, can be reached via Cherry Capital Airport. Ski resorts such as Shanty Creek are nearby, providing an excellent base for skiers and snowboarders looking to make the most of their trip.
For those interested in skiing near Lake Superior, Mount Bohemia Ski Resort in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers the biggest vertical drop in the Midwest. To get there, fly into Houghton County Memorial Airport and then drive to Mount Bohemia. This ski resort is particularly appealing for skilled skiers seeking more of a challenge, as mentioned by MyMichiganBeach.
When planning your trip to Michigan’s ski resorts, consider the following options for transportation:
- Car rental: Renting a car is a popular choice for exploring Michigan’s skiing destinations, as it provides flexibility and convenience. Make sure to book a vehicle with appropriate winter tires and four-wheel drive for the best experience on snowy roads.
- Shuttle services: Some ski resorts offer shuttle services from nearby airports, which could be a convenient option if you prefer not to drive.
- Public transportation: While public transportation might be limited in some areas, it’s worth checking local bus routes and schedules to see if they can help you reach your desired ski resort.
Remember to organize your travel arrangements well in advance and stay informed about local weather conditions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ski trip.