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Ski and Snowboard season will be upon us before you know it and it’s time to start planning your next family vacation. From the fresh white snow to pine trees that make you feel like you’re in New England, Michigan’s ski resorts have it all. Plus with A+ lodges right at your fingertips, the resorts have everything you need. Head right from the ski hills to your room, but be sure to stop by the resort’s hot tub, if available, to warm up after your long days outside. With so much amazing ski and snow in the state, it’s hard to round up all the top resorts. We’ve tried to help you out in your search with our list of the best ski resorts in Michigan.
1. Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville
This family-friendly resort has everything. From water parks and hiking in the summer months to a ski area to rival even the biggest mountains in the winter months, you and your family will never run out of things to do at Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, Michigan. The mountain here offers skiers and snowboarders access to acres of skiing trails from late November through mid-April. The resort has nearly 60 slopes to choose from, across all levels, making the possibilities for family skiing endless. The resort also has Michigan’s only alpine slide, giving you a way to soar down the mountainside even in the warm summer months.
2. Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne Falls
Head to Michigan’s northern tip to Boyne Falls, where you’ll find Boyne Mountain Resort. Check out the 415 skiable acres across 60 trails. With 140 inches of annual snowfall, Boyne Mountain is a winter wonderland. The trails at Boyne Mountain mainly cater to intermediate level skiers and snowboarders, but there is also a fair amount of beginner and expert level trails, too. Check out the terrain park to try out your skills in the ski jumps and half pipes. Aside from the skiing and snowboarding, this ski resort offers cross-country skiing, fat tire snow biking, horseback riding through the snow, ice skating, snowshoeing, tubing, and ziplining through the mountainside park.
3. Nub’s Nob Ski Area, Harbor Springs
The classic Harbor Springs ski area is calling your name. Nub’s Nob Ski Area is one of Michigan’s best ski resorts, with a vertical drop of 427 feet, 248 skiable acres, snowmaking capabilities of over 5,000 gallons per minute and an annual snowfall of 123 inches. 97% of the resort’s slopes are covered with their award-winning human-made snow, while the gladed runs are covered in natural snow. Trails at Nub’s Nob cover two main ski areas — the front side of the mountain, and the south side which includes Pintail Peak. When the days in the snow come to a close, head back over to the main lodge for a bite and a pint at Nub’s Pub.
4. Boyne Highlands Resort, Harbor Springs
Harbor Springs’ other main resort is Boyne Highlands, not to be confused with Boyne Mountain. The 55 perfectly maintained runs cover a total of 435 acres, with a vertical drop of 552 feet. The area has 16 beginner areas and 4 terrain parks, giving everyone something to love on the mountains. Don’t know how to ski? Not to worry! Boyne Highlands offers up a ski school for beginners of all ages to learn the skills. The Snowsports Academy at Boyne Highlands Resort is taught by professional skiers and snowboarders, so you can rest assured that you’ll be learning from the very best.
5. Ski Brule, Stambaugh Township
Hit the fresh powder at this iconic Michigan spot, located in the northern part of the state by the Wisconsin border. The resort is known as one of the Midwest’s best spots, with the longest ski season in the region. Open from November through April, Ski Brule gives you plenty of time to hit the slopes. The Homestead side of Ski Brule is perfect for the whole family, while other trails, including Double Doodle, will take you out of the sun and into the tree covered forest. Aside from downhill skiing and snowboarding, Ski Brule has tons of activities for anyone and everyone to enjoy. From snowshoeing, to fat tire biking, to the snow tubing park, the fun never ends.
6. Big Powderhorn Mountain, Bessemer
Big Powderhorn Mountain, located in Michigan’s northern tip, is a classic ski and snowboard spot in the American Midwest. Check out the 45 trails ranging from beginner to expert level runs. Elsewhere, the Snowsports school can help you learn all the moves to get you down the white mountains, but if you learn better one-on-one, the mountain offers private lessons too. The mountain staff is well trained and extremely friendly and helpful.