Michigan has the second-most ski spots in the U.S., right behind New York. You get about 40 ski hills, 250 lifts, and close to 1,000 runs. The Great Lakes shoot snow over the slopes, so most hills see 120 to 273 inches each winter. That means you can ski from late November to April, and you never have to drive more than two hours to find a hill. If you want steep powder or a gentle bunny slope, Michigan has it and the price is low.
Best Ski Resorts in Michigan
- 1. Mount Bohemia
- 2. The Highlands at Harbor Springs (Boyne Highlands)
- 3. Boyne Mountain Resort
- 4. Crystal Mountain
- 5. Nub’s Nob
- 6. Snowriver Mountain Resort
- 7. Big Powderhorn Mountain
- 8. Shanty Creek Resorts
- 9. Marquette Mountain
- 10. Caberfae Peaks
- 11. Ski Brule
- 12. Treetops Resort
- 13. Porcupine Mountains
- 14. Pine Mountain
- 15. Mont Ripley
- 16. Norway Mountain
- 17. Otsego Club
- 18. Mount Holly
- 19. Pine Knob
- 20. Alpine Valley
- 21. Mount Brighton
- 22. Bittersweet Ski Resort
- 23. Cannonsburg Ski Area
- 24. Timber Ridge
- 25. Swiss Valley
- 26. Mount Holiday
- 27. Snow Snake Mountain
- 28. The Homestead
- 29. Apple Mountain
- 30. Hanson Hills
- 31. Hickory Hills
- 32. Mount Zion
- 33. Mulligan’s Hollow Ski Bowl
- 34. Challenge Mountain
- 35. Voodoo Mountain
- Michigan Ski Resorts Comparison Table
- How to Choose the Right Michigan Ski Resort
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Mount Bohemia
Mount Bohemia won USA Today’s vote for best ski resort in North America. It sits on the Keweenaw Peninsula and gives you the biggest drop in the Midwest at 900 feet. The hill gets 273 inches of snow each year, and every run is blue or harder. No grooming, just raw powder. Two chairlifts and four shuttle buses move you around.
The resort spans 585 acres with 102 runs. There are no green circle trails here. Every run rates blue, black, double black, or triple black diamond. Mount Bohemia does not groom its slopes, leaving powder untouched for a true backcountry experience. Two chairlifts and four shuttle buses transport skiers across the terrain.
Location: Mohawk, MI (Keweenaw Peninsula)
Vertical Drop: 900 feet
Skiable Acres: 585
Trails: 102
Lifts: 2 chairlifts
Annual Snowfall: 273 inches
Best For: Expert skiers seeking powder and steep terrain
2. The Highlands at Harbor Springs (Boyne Highlands)
The Highlands owns the most acres in the Lower Peninsula with 435 acres and 55 trails. It also has the biggest drop down here at 552 feet. The North Peak Pass is 1.25 miles long, the longest run in the state.
Eight lifts move 17,800 skiers every hour, including the first six-seat bubble lift in the Midwest. The hill is 37% beginner, 29% intermediate, and 34% expert. You can ski 150 acres under lights at night. Snow falls about 140 inches a year, and snow guns cover 93% of the hill.
Location: Harbor Springs, MI
Vertical Drop: 552 feet
Skiable Acres: 435
Trails: 55
Lifts: 8
Pass: Ikon Pass
Best For: Families and destination skiers seeking varied terrain
3. Boyne Mountain Resort
Boyne Mountain built the first six-seat chair in North America and invented the triple and quad. Today you get 415 acres and 65 trails with a 500-foot drop.
Ten lifts, including two new Doppelmayr chairs, serve the hill. The split is 31% beginner, 32% intermediate, 28% advanced, and 9% expert. Avalanche Bay, Michigan’s biggest indoor waterpark, sits at the bottom. A Boyne pass links this hill with The Highlands for 850 acres total.
Location: Boyne Falls, MI
Vertical Drop: 500 feet
Skiable Acres: 415
Trails: 65
Lifts: 10
Pass: Ikon Pass
Best For: Families wanting ski-in/ski-out lodging and waterpark access
4. Crystal Mountain
Crystal Mountain began as a high-school geography project in 1956. Now you can ride 59 runs on 102 acres with a 375-foot drop. Six chairlifts and two magic carpets feed three terrain parks and six gladed tree lines.
The family-owned hill is 32% beginner, 37% intermediate, 24% advanced, and 7% expert. Annual snow averages 122 inches. You can also visit the LEED spa, Michigan Legacy Art Park, and stay in slope-side condos.
Location: Thompsonville, MI
Vertical Drop: 375 feet
Skiable Acres: 102
Trails: 59
Lifts: 8
Pass: Indy Pass
Best For: Families and spa enthusiasts
5. Nub’s Nob
Nub’s Nob spreads 53 runs across 248 acres on three faces. The family hill has blown 315 guns over 240 acres, so the snow feels fresh even when Mother Nature is lazy.
Ten lifts move 18,275 riders every hour. The drop is 427 feet and the longest run is almost a mile. The split is 30% beginner, 50% intermediate, 20% expert. Kids 8 and under and seniors 70+ ski free.
Location: Harbor Springs, MI
Vertical Drop: 427 feet
Skiable Acres: 248
Trails: 53
Lifts: 10
Annual Snowfall: 130 inches
Best For: Intermediate skiers and families seeking value
6. Snowriver Mountain Resort
Snowriver blends two old U.P. hills: Jackson Creek Summit and Black River Basin. Together you get 400 acres, 56 trails, and 538 feet of drop with 200+ inches of snow.
A new high-speed six-pack, the only one in the U.P., went in during 2023. The owners have spent over $15 million since 2022. Black River Basin keeps powder stashes in eight gladed runs.
Location: Wakefield, MI
Vertical Drop: 538 feet
Skiable Acres: 400
Trails: 56
Lifts: 11
Annual Snowfall: 200+ inches
Best For: Powder seekers wanting two mountains on one pass
7. Big Powderhorn Mountain
Big Powderhorn won Men’s Journal “Mom & Pop” resort of the year. The little Bavarian village in Bessemer gives you 253 acres, 45 trails, and 622 feet of drop. Lake effect drops about 17 feet of snow each winter.
Nine chairlifts split the hill evenly: 35% beginner, 35% intermediate, 30% expert. You also get two terrain parks and 17 km of cross-country trails. Condos and chalets sit right on the snow.
Location: Bessemer, MI
Vertical Drop: 622 feet
Skiable Acres: 253
Trails: 45
Lifts: 9
Pass: Indy Pass
Best For: Families seeking authentic small-resort atmosphere
8. Shanty Creek Resorts
Shanty Creek covers 5,500 acres in four villages: Summit, Schuss, Hawk’s Eye, and Cedar River. Two peaks give you 53 downhill runs, five parks, and 30 km of Nordic track. Schuss Mountain drops 450 feet.
The terrain mix is 36% beginner, 29% intermediate, 35% expert. Eight chairlifts serve the slopes, and a six-lane tubing hill keeps kids busy. The resort also owns five golf courses, including Arnold Palmer’s The Legend.
Location: Bellaire, MI
Vertical Drop: 450 feet
Skiable Acres: 80
Trails: 53
Lifts: 8
Pass: Indy Pass
Best For: Groups wanting diverse activities and lodging
9. Marquette Mountain
Marquette Mountain sits five minutes from downtown and Northern Michigan University. The hill gives you 25 trails on 169 acres with a 600-foot drop. Four chairlifts split the snow 15% beginner, 65% intermediate, 20% expert.
A backcountry zone runs from Weasels Gulch to Supreme and includes Freefall, where the pitch hits 40-60%. Night skiing runs Wednesday to Saturday 4-8:30 PM. New owners have added more tree lines.
Location: Marquette, MI
Vertical Drop: 600 feet
Skiable Acres: 169
Trails: 25
Lifts: 4
Best For: Intermediate skiers near Lake Superior
10. Caberfae Peaks
Caberfae Peaks opened in January 1938, one of the oldest hills in the U.S. The drop is 485 feet, the biggest served by a lift in the Lower Peninsula. Ski Magazine calls it “Michigan’s #1 Ski Value” and the “Alta of the Midwest.”
Thirty-four runs cover 200 acres. The split is 35% beginner, 35% intermediate, 29% advanced. North Peak stays smooth for new riders, while South Peak and The Outback serve powder and steeps.
Location: Cadillac, MI
Vertical Drop: 485 feet
Skiable Acres: 200
Trails: 34
Lifts: 6
Pass: Indy Pass
Best For: Value-conscious skiers seeking big vertical
11. Ski Brule
Ski Brule usually opens first in Michigan, sometimes in October, and closes last in spring. The family hill owns 17 trails with a 500-foot drop.
Eleven lifts split the snow 30% beginner, 35% intermediate, 35% expert. You can jump into an Acrobag air bag, ski 23 km of Nordic track, or ride a snowboard park with halfpipe, whales, spines, and kickers. First-time snowboarders age 10+ get free lessons.
Location: Iron River, MI
Vertical Drop: 500 feet
Trails: 17
Lifts: 11
Best For: Early and late season skiing, families
12. Treetops Resort
Treetops sits on a ridge above the Sturgeon River valley near Gaylord. The hill gives you 24 runs, 225 feet of drop, and 80 acres. Three lifts split the snow 17% beginner, 49% intermediate, 39% advanced.
You also get four terrain parks, a tubing hill, and 20 km of Nordic trails. Olympic snowboard coach Tom Hutchinson teaches here. The “Cool School” package bundles lodging, lifts, lessons, and food from $155 a night per person.
Location: Gaylord, MI
Vertical Drop: 225 feet
Skiable Acres: 80
Trails: 24
Lifts: 3
Best For: Families seeking all-inclusive packages
13. Porcupine Mountains
This hill sits inside Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan’s biggest state park. You get 320 acres and a 641-foot drop with views of Lake Superior.
Fifteen groomed trails and four glade runs wind through old hemlock forest. Two chairlifts and surface lifts serve mostly intermediate and advanced riders. You can also ski 20 miles of cross-country track. A lift ticket costs about $45, one of the cheapest around.
Location: Ontonagon, MI
Vertical Drop: 641 feet
Skiable Acres: 320
Trails: 19
Lifts: 4
Best For: Nature lovers and budget-conscious skiers
14. Pine Mountain
Pine Mountain is the only full-service ski-in/ski-out resort in the U.P. Twenty-seven trails drop 500 feet and split 30% beginner, 40% intermediate, 30% expert.
Five lifts serve the hill, which also hosts huge ski-jump contests. Updated chalet rooms and a banquet hall sit at the base. Next door, Timberstone Golf Course ranks among America’s best public courses.
Location: Iron Mountain, MI
Vertical Drop: 500 feet
Trails: 27
Lifts: 5
Best For: Destination skiers wanting ski-in/ski-out convenience
15. Mont Ripley
Mont Ripley is Michigan’s oldest ski area, run by Michigan Tech. Hancock, the city it calls home, gets over 250 inches of snow a year, the most in the Midwest.
Three lifts serve 22 trails on 112 acres. The split is 28% beginner, 30% intermediate, 31% advanced, 11% expert. The terrain park is the biggest in the U.P. with 30 rails and jumps. A deck overlooks the frozen Keweenaw Waterway.
Location: Hancock, MI
Vertical Drop: 440 feet
Skiable Acres: 112
Trails: 22
Lifts: 3
Best For: College students and park riders
16. Norway Mountain
After closing in 2017, Norway Mountain reopened for 2024-25 under new local owners, the Hoppes. They fixed the lifts, added snowmaking, and cut new trails.
The hill gives you about 90 acres and 400 feet of drop. Groomed corduroy and a cozy lodge welcome you back to this U.P. favorite.
Location: Norway, MI
Vertical Drop: ~400 feet
Skiable Acres: 90
Lifts: 5
Best For: Skiers wanting a classic UP experience
17. Otsego Club
Otsego Club opened in 1939 and is America’s oldest ski club with its own hill. You get about 400 feet of drop and 136 acres with 32 runs. A high-speed quad is among the five lifts.
The club sits in the snow-belt near Gaylord, so snow is steady. Stay in hotel rooms or condos. Two halfpipes and miles of cross-country trails round out the fun.
Location: Gaylord, MI
Vertical Drop: 400 feet
Skiable Acres: 136
Trails: 32
Lifts: 5
Best For: Private club atmosphere with public skiing
18. Mount Holly
Mount Holly owns the biggest drop in Southeast Michigan at 350 feet and 100 acres. Seven chairlifts include the only high-speed detachable quad in the region.
The split is 39% advanced/intermediate and 22% beginner. You can ski every run at night. The hill also builds snowguns for other Wisconsin Resorts hills, so snow is reliable.
Location: Holly, MI
Vertical Drop: 350 feet
Skiable Acres: 100
Trails: 16
Lifts: 7
Pass: Wisconsin Resorts Multi-Area Pass
Best For: Detroit-area skiers seeking quality terrain
19. Pine Knob
Just 30 minutes from Detroit in Clarkston, Pine Knob gives you 17 runs and 300 feet of drop on 80 acres. A new Skytrack triple added 40 feet of vertical.
The hill is 20% beginner, 20% intermediate, 40% advanced, 20% expert. The Wall is a real black diamond with sharp turns. Three terrain parks feed freestyle riders. Phase 1 and Shaboom are the longest, steepest blacks in Metro Detroit.
Location: Clarkston, MI
Vertical Drop: 300 feet
Skiable Acres: 80
Trails: 17
Lifts: 12
Best For: Detroit-area park riders and after-work skiing
20. Alpine Valley
Alpine Valley in White Lake is the closest hill to Detroit. You get 25 runs and 100 acres with about 300 feet of drop. A new Skytrac triple replaced two old lifts for 2023-24.
The split is 34% beginner, 36% intermediate, 30% advanced. The terrain park has won national awards. Upstairs, the Hornet’s Nest bar feels like a real ski bar.
Location: White Lake, MI
Vertical Drop: 300 feet
Skiable Acres: 100
Trails: 25
Lifts: 7
Pass: Wisconsin Resorts Multi-Area Pass
Best For: Detroit-area residents and terrain park enthusiasts
21. Mount Brighton
Mount Brighton opened in 1961 with man-made hills and 230 feet of drop across 130 acres. Vail now owns the place. Twenty-five trails are served by 5 chairlifts and 7 surface lifts. Your Epic Pass works here.
The hill is 30% beginner, 40% intermediate, 30% advanced. The resort showed up in the 1993 movie “Aspen Extreme.” It sits halfway between Detroit and Lansing and is less than 30 minutes from Ann Arbor, so it’s an easy learner hill.
Location: Brighton, MI
Vertical Drop: 230 feet
Skiable Acres: 130
Trails: 25
Lifts: 12
Pass: Epic Pass
Best For: Beginners and Epic Pass holders
22. Bittersweet Ski Resort
Bittersweet drops 350 feet, the biggest in southwest Michigan. Twenty runs cover 100 acres and split 30% beginner, 40% intermediate, 30% advanced.
A new Snow Flyer high-speed lift gets you up faster. Two terrain parks and night skiing on every run keep you busy. The hill sits right off U.S. 131, so Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo skiers can zip over.
Location: Otsego, MI
Vertical Drop: 350 feet
Skiable Acres: 100
Trails: 20
Lifts: 6
Pass: Wisconsin Resorts Multi-Area Pass
Best For: Southwest Michigan skiers and night skiing
23. Cannonsburg Ski Area
Cannonsburg opened in 1965 and claims the tallest drop in West Michigan at about 250 feet on 100 acres. Seventeen runs are served by 3 chairlifts and 9 surface lifts.
Most trails favor beginner and intermediate riders. The Mountain Minnies program teaches girls ages 3-5. The hill is minutes from Grand Rapids, so it’s a quick trip for city families.
Location: Belmont, MI
Vertical Drop: 250 feet
Skiable Acres: 100
Trails: 17
Lifts: 12
Best For: Families near Grand Rapids
24. Timber Ridge
Timber Ridge is 60 years old, the oldest area in southwest Michigan. You get 16 runs, 250 feet of drop, and 50 acres. The split is 44% beginner, 38% intermediate, 19% expert.
Eight lifts include a triple, two doubles, and a quad. The resort hosts a 40-year-old Ski and Snowboard Swap every fall. New TechnoAlpin guns, including the big TR10, keep the snow soft.
Location: Gobles, MI
Vertical Drop: 250 feet
Skiable Acres: 50
Trails: 16
Lifts: 8
Best For: Families near Kalamazoo
25. Swiss Valley
Swiss Valley is Michigan’s southernmost hill. Eleven runs drop 225 feet on 60 acres. The split is 36% beginner, 36% intermediate, 27% advanced. Night skiing covers every run.
The hill is one hour from millions of people in Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois. Three lifts and four rope tows keep lines short. The summit is the highest point in southwest Michigan.
Location: Jones, MI
Vertical Drop: 225 feet
Skiable Acres: 60
Trails: 11
Lifts: 7
Best For: Skiers from Chicago and northern Indiana
26. Mount Holiday
Mount Holiday started in 1949 and became a volunteer non-profit in 1999. Sixteen runs range from beginner to advanced with 200 feet of drop. Five lifts serve the slopes, split 50% intermediate, 40% novice, 10% expert.
New snowmaking gear includes a bigger pond, new hydrants, and more guns. A 10-station zipline gives two-hour tours on 4,000 feet of cable.
Location: Traverse City, MI
Vertical Drop: 200 feet
Trails: 16
Lifts: 5
Best For: Families in the Traverse City area
27. Snow Snake Mountain
Snow Snake has welcomed families from Harrison since 1949. The hill gives you 10 runs on about 60 acres, from beginner to advanced.
Six lifts keep you moving. The spot is handy for skiers in Saginaw, Midland, and Mount Pleasant. The season runs November to March when the weather allows.
Location: Harrison, MI
Trails: 10
Lifts: 6
Best For: Mid-Michigan families
28. The Homestead
The Homestead is a four-season beach resort on Lake Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Bay. Bay Mountain gives you 16 acres and 375 feet of drop with lake views.
Five lifts access terrain that is 25% beginner, 55% intermediate, 20% advanced. You can also cross-country ski, snowshoe, book a spa day, and stay in cottages or big lodges.
Location: Glen Arbor, MI
Vertical Drop: 375 feet
Skiable Acres: 16
Trails: 12
Lifts: 5
Best For: Couples seeking romantic resort experience
29. Apple Mountain
Apple Mountain gives you 11 trails and 200 feet of drop on 44 acres. Six surface lifts serve mostly beginner and intermediate slopes. A terrain park and halfpipe add freestyle hits.
The hill keeps prices low on rentals and tickets. Staff love to help first-timers and kids. Located in central Michigan’s flatlands, it’s an easy place to learn.
Location: Freeland, MI
Vertical Drop: 200 feet
Skiable Acres: 44
Trails: 11
Lifts: 6
Best For: Beginners and families near Saginaw
30. Hanson Hills
Hanson Hills is a hidden gem near Grayling. You can downhill ski, board, tube, and snowshoe. Over 35 km of groomed Nordic trails weave through the woods.
The focus is affordable, family-friendly winter fun. Fat-bike trails join the cross-country network.
Location: Grayling, MI
Best For: Nordic skiing enthusiasts and families
31. Hickory Hills
Thousands of riders hit Hickory Hills each winter for boarding, alpine skiing, cross-country, and snowshoeing in Traverse City. The community hill keeps prices low for locals.
A warming house offers a fireplace, snack bar, and board games you can borrow. It’s an easy first taste of winter sports for Traverse City families.
Location: Traverse City, MI
Best For: Local families and beginners
32. Mount Zion
Mount Zion is a public hill on Gogebic Community College’s campus in Ironwood. The college runs a famous Ski Area Management Program. You get 10 trails and 300 feet of drop.
One chair and two rope tows serve the slopes. Free cross-country trails, cheap rentals, group rates, and learn-to-ski programs make this the spot where many local kids first slide on snow.
Location: Ironwood, MI
Vertical Drop: 300 feet
Trails: 10
Lifts: 3
Best For: Budget learners and ski industry students
33. Mulligan’s Hollow Ski Bowl
Mulligan’s Hollow in Grand Haven is a former WWII Coast Guard camp turned community hill. Five rope tows serve six runs with about 130 feet of drop on 10 acres.
The hill is open Thursday to Sunday and school holidays. Ticket prices are among the lowest in the state. Parents ski free when they ride with their kids. The goal is cheap snow fun for everyone.
Location: Grand Haven, MI
Vertical Drop: 130 feet
Skiable Acres: 10
Trails: 6
Lifts: 5
Best For: Budget-conscious families and beginners
34. Challenge Mountain
Since 1984, Challenge Mountain has offered the first independent adaptive program in northern Michigan. The non-profit gives year-round recreation to people living with disabilities.
The 160-acre site near Boyne City offers adaptive downhill, boarding, cross-country, snowshoeing, and sledding. The drop is 370 feet, and all terrain is set up for adaptive needs.
Location: Boyne City, MI
Vertical Drop: 370 feet
Skiable Acres: 160
Best For: Adaptive skiing programs
35. Voodoo Mountain
Voodoo Mountain is Michigan’s only cat-skiing operation, run by Mount Bohemia. You get 200 acres, 26 runs, and 700 feet of drop. The terrain is 50% advanced, 50% expert, zero beginner.
Snowcats run twice a week and carry up to 20 people to fresh lines. A day costs $150 and gives you Midwest-exclusive cat skiing. The area sits just north of the main Bohemia hill.
Location: Mohawk, MI (near Mount Bohemia)
Vertical Drop: 700 feet
Skiable Acres: 200
Trails: 26
Best For: Expert skiers seeking cat skiing adventure
Michigan Ski Resorts Comparison Table
| Resort | Location | Vertical (ft) | Acres | Trails | Lifts | Annual Snow (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Bohemia | Mohawk (UP) | 900 | 585 | 102 | 2 | 273 |
| Porcupine Mountains | Ontonagon (UP) | 641 | 320 | 19 | 4 | 200+ |
| Big Powderhorn | Bessemer (UP) | 622 | 253 | 45 | 9 | 204 |
| Marquette Mountain | Marquette (UP) | 600 | 169 | 25 | 4 | 200+ |
| The Highlands | Harbor Springs | 552 | 435 | 55 | 8 | 140 |
| Snowriver | Wakefield (UP) | 538 | 400 | 56 | 11 | 200+ |
| Ski Brule | Iron River (UP) | 500 | — | 17 | 11 | 180+ |
| Boyne Mountain | Boyne Falls | 500 | 415 | 65 | 10 | 117 |
| Pine Mountain | Iron Mountain (UP) | 500 | — | 27 | 5 | 180+ |
| Caberfae Peaks | Cadillac | 485 | 200 | 34 | 6 | 144 |
| Shanty Creek | Bellaire | 450 | 80 | 53 | 8 | 160 |
| Mont Ripley | Hancock (UP) | 440 | 112 | 22 | 3 | 250+ |
| Nub’s Nob | Harbor Springs | 427 | 248 | 53 | 10 | 130 |
| Otsego Club | Gaylord | 400 | 136 | 32 | 5 | 150+ |
| Crystal Mountain | Thompsonville | 375 | 102 | 59 | 8 | 122 |
| The Homestead | Glen Arbor | 375 | 16 | 12 | 5 | 150 |
| Mt. Holly | Holly | 350 | 100 | 16 | 7 | 50 |
| Bittersweet | Otsego | 350 | 100 | 20 | 6 | 80 |
| Pine Knob | Clarkston | 300 | 80 | 17 | 12 | 50 |
| Alpine Valley | White Lake | 300 | 100 | 25 | 7 | 50 |
| Mt. Zion | Ironwood (UP) | 300 | — | 10 | 3 | 200+ |
| Timber Ridge | Gobles | 250 | 50 | 16 | 8 | 80 |
| Cannonsburg | Belmont | 250 | 100 | 17 | 12 | 80 |
| Mt. Brighton | Brighton | 230 | 130 | 25 | 12 | 50 |
| Swiss Valley | Jones | 225 | 60 | 11 | 7 | 60 |
| Treetops | Gaylord | 225 | 80 | 24 | 3 | 140 |
| Apple Mountain | Freeland | 200 | 44 | 11 | 6 | 50 |
| Mt. Holiday | Traverse City | 200 | — | 16 | 5 | 120 |
Source: Data compiled from OnTheSnow, Michigan Snowsports Industries Association, and individual resort websites
How to Choose the Right Michigan Ski Resort
For Expert Skiers
Go to Mount Bohemia. Nine hundred feet of drop, no grooming, and 273 inches of snow give you the steepest, deepest feel in the Midwest. Add Voodoo Mountain’s cat skiing for fresh tracks you can’t find anywhere else nearby.
For Families
Pick Crystal Mountain, Boyne Mountain, or Big Powderhorn. All have ski school, gentle beginner areas, places to stay, and fun off the snow like pools or tubing. Nub’s Nob lets kids 8 and under and seniors 70+ ski free, so your bill stays small.
For Detroit-Area Skiers
Alpine Valley, Pine Knob, Mount Holly, and Mount Brighton are all within an hour of the city. Every one keeps the lights on for night skiing, so you can ride after work or school. A Wisconsin Resorts pass links four of these hills plus Bittersweet and Searchmont in Canada.
For Budget Skiers
Porcupine Mountains charges about $45 a day. Mulligan’s Hollow lets parents ski free with their kids. Mount Zion gives free lessons and cheap rentals. The Indy Pass covers Caberfae Peaks, Crystal Mountain, Big Powderhorn, Shanty Creek, and Snowriver for one low price.
For Destination Trips
The Highlands and Boyne Mountain give you the full package: slopeside rooms, restaurants, spas, and 850 shared acres. Both are on the Ikon Pass. Snowriver has fresh lifts and new snowmaking after a $15 million makeover, so it’s becoming a new hot spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best ski resort in Michigan?
Mount Bohemia won USA Today’s reader vote for best resort in North America. If you want the best mix of terrain and services in the Lower Peninsula, head to The Highlands for 435 acres and 552 feet of drop.
How much do Michigan ski lift tickets cost?
Small community hills like Mulligan’s Hollow charge $15-25. Big resorts such as The Highlands ask $85-105. Most mid-size hills land at $50-75 for an adult day ticket. Buy online early and you usually save 10-20%.
When is the best time to ski in Michigan?
Mid-January to mid-February gives you the most reliable snow. U.P. hills like Ski Brule can open in October and stay open until April. Lower Peninsula resorts usually run late November to early April.
Does Michigan have good skiing compared to out West?
Michigan snow is softer, tickets are cheaper, and you never worry about altitude. Mount Bohemia’s 273 inches beat many western totals, and its ungroomed steeps draw experts from across the country.
What ski passes work in Michigan?
Ikon Pass works at Boyne Mountain and The Highlands. Epic Pass works at Mount Brighton. Indy Pass covers Caberfae Peaks, Crystal Mountain, Big Powderhorn, Shanty Creek, and Snowriver. Wisconsin Resorts pass links Mount Holly, Pine Knob, Alpine Valley, Bittersweet, and Searchmont.
Which Michigan ski resorts have night skiing?
Most do: Mount Holly, Pine Knob, Alpine Valley, Bittersweet, Swiss Valley, Timber Ridge, Caberfae Peaks, Crystal Mountain, and Marquette Mountain all light the slopes. Night skiing usually ends around 9-10 PM.
Are there ski resorts near Detroit?
Four resorts sit within an hour: Alpine Valley (closest), Pine Knob, Mount Holly, and Mount Brighton. All rent gear, teach lessons, and turn on the lights for night skiing.
What is the closest ski resort to Chicago?
Swiss Valley in Jones, Michigan is about 90 minutes from downtown Chicago. Bittersweet in Otsego is another easy drive at roughly two hours.
Which Michigan ski resort has the most snow?
Mount Bohemia averages 273 inches a year, the most in the Midwest. Mont Ripley sits in Hancock, the third-snowiest city in the U.S., and gets over 250 inches. U.P. resorts usually see 200+ inches, while Lower Peninsula hills get 50-150.
Are Michigan ski resorts good for beginners?
Yes. Crystal Mountain, Treetops, Shanty Creek, and Boyne Mountain all have magic-carpet learning zones, patient instructors, and gentle slopes. Most resorts sell learn-to packages that bundle a lesson, rental gear, and a beginner lift ticket for one low price.