It’s true that most of the well-known ski resorts in the U.S. are out west in places like Colorado and Utah. But there are some excellent places to hit the slopes and embrace the winter season in the Midwest too. Michigan is a popular winter destination around this time of year because of its outdoor recreation and cozy resorts that provide guests with everything they need to be comfortable and have fun. Here are the top winter and ski resorts in Michigan to check out this year.
Mount Bohemia
For extreme skiing in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Mount Bohemia is an excellent choice. This resort caters to skiers and snowboarders looking for pure adventure with plenty of high vertical and deep powder. There’s also night skiing on select nights for those who want to continue the mountain fun. This is also a prime spot for backcountry skiing and boarding. The average snowfall per year on the Keweenaw Peninsula is about 273 inches, and there are two chairlifts here to access the 585 skiable acres of terrain. There are numerous lodging options here to keep you close to the slopes, including the Aqua Log Cabins, the Inn on Lac Labelle, and the Marina Cabin. You can also make reservations online for trailside cabins, trailside yurts, or the new log cabin hostel. For dining, you can grab a bite to eat at the Log Cabin Italian Bistro or North Pole Bar and Restaurant.
Big Snow Resort
Big Snow Resort has something for everyone who loves the snow, including snowboarding, skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, food, and live music. The resort encompasses two mountains, Indianhead Mountain and Blackjack Mountain, and both mountains are included with your lift ticket. Indianhead has the greater vertical drop (638 feet), a higher base and top elevation, a larger skiable area, and a terrain park. Big Snow offers skiing lessons, night skiing, and lodging too. Choose between the hotel rooms in the main lodge of Indianhead, trailside condos, or the cozy village chalets here. A free shuttle bus takes you between the two mountains on weekends and holidays. Bars, restaurants, and cafeterias are located at both mountains, with live music at select times.
Marquette Mountain
Located in Marquette, Michigan, this winter resort comes at an affordable rate of $20 for a daily lift ticket and $130 for an adult season pass. This ski resort does not have its own lodge, but many hotels in the area offer special skier rates. Some of the hotels that are less than five miles from the ski resort here include the Cedar Motor Inn, Comfort Suites, Days Inn, and Econo Lodge. Many of these accommodations include breakfast at the nightly rate. For food, snow lovers can stop by T-Bar.
Nub's Nob
This Harbor Springs resort has 53 ski slopes and trails on three peaks. There’s a ski school here that offers lessons for kids as adults, too, as well as race training. Nub’s Nob has a vertical drop of 427 feet, 248 acres of skiable terrain, and the average annual natural snowfall is about 123 inches. There are at least 58 lodges, hotels, and condos that you can stay at, with over 3,000 rooms within a 15-mile radius of the resort. These include Bay Harbor Vacation Homes, Highland Hideaway Bed & Breakfast, and the Bay Inn of Petoskey. Top places to eat around the resort include the Barrel Back Restaurant, City Park Grill, and Palate Bistro.
Crystal Mountain
Crystal Mountain is a four-season Midwestern resort in Benzie County, Michigan, with excellent skiing and accommodations. Here you’ll find 58 downhill slopes, three terrain areas, a learning area at Totem Park, and eight chair lifts. This is also a great place to go cross-country skiing on the 15.5 miles of terrain and a lighted section for night skiing. Lodging options include the Bungalows at Crystal Glen, Cottages at Water’s Edge, Crystal Colony, and the Inn at the Mountain. The accommodations here sleep between two and 18 guests, and some of them are pet-friendly. Kids 17 and under sleep free anytime, and kids six and under ski, sleep and eat breakfast free. Childcare is also available for kids ages 12 and under.
Schuss Mountain at Shanty Creek Resorts
Schuss Mountain at Shanty Creek Resorts is another Northern Michigan resort destination that’s fun to visit for a ski vacation. In addition to lift tickets, you can rent equipment, attend ski school, go Nordic skiing, and check out the terrain park when you’re here. Stay-and-play packages are available if you want to stay onsite and bundle your lodging with a discounted lift ticket. Various accommodation options are available at Summit Village, Cedar River Village, and Schuss Village, including the Lakeview Hotel, slopeside condos, and the Lodge at Schuss Mountain.
Ski Brule
Located in Iron River, Michigan, Ski Brule is a Northern Michigan ski resort and snowboard park with tubing, fat bike trails, and cross-country trails too. This is a good resort for families with kids’ programs, sleigh rides, snowshoe trails, and affordable prices. The adult daily lift ticket is $49. Here you’ll find 11 lifts, 150 acres of terrain, three terrain parks, two terrain trails, and 150 inches of average annual snowfall. Lodging is available at Brule Village, including chalets and condos with up to six bedrooms. Specials are offered for lodging for events like the Super Bowl, College Week, and Spring Break.
Pine Mountain Resort
The Pine Mountain Resort offers excellent groomed slopes and terrain to suit all levels of skiers. There are 27 runs, a terrain park here, night skiing, three ski lifts, and two surface tows. Lodging is available at this four-season resort among the tall pine trees. The lodge has renovated hotel rooms, there are ski-in/ski-out condos with kitchens and fireplaces, and Farmers Restaurant serves all meals daily.
Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort
This resort has about 17 feet of snowfall each year, 45 trails, 622 vertical feet, and 253 acres of skiable terrain. There’s a snow sports school here for all ages, as well as private lessons and year-round lodging. You can stay in a condo or ski-in/ski-out chalet here at nearby accommodations, including Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort Lodging LLC. Dining options include the Caribou Lodge, Hideout Grill & Bar, and Black River Valley Pub.
