The 9 best ski resorts in Michigan

Whether you gravitate towards the après-ski drink or you’re ready to hit the big slopes, here are the best ski resorts in Michigan to explore this winter. 

There are two types of people in Michigan: the people who were basically born on the slopes and those of us who have no idea how to ski whatsoever. Being firmly in the latter category, I was excited when my fourth grader recently brought home information about the Cold is Cool Passport, which allows fourth and fifth graders in Michigan to get free ski lift tickets at 29 participating ski areas in the state (with a paying adult). 

Our family plans on taking advantage of the Passport to finally try skiing for the first time, but because I have no idea where to start, I had to do some research about the best ski resorts in Michigan. Here are some of the rankings I found—and don’t forget, if you’re using the Cold is Cool ski Passport, be sure to check the resort you’re planning to visit participates before you book your tickets.  

Last but not least, we fully recognize that ski resort rankings can be subjective and dependent on what you’re looking for in a ski resort, so we encourage you to do your own research and let us know if we got any of these rankings wrong. Happy ski season, everyone!

• Best overall: Boyne Mountain
• Best for pros: Mount Bohemia
• Best on a budget: Caberfae Peaks Ski & Golf Resort 
• Best for couples: Crystal Mountain
• Best for beginners: Mt Holly Ski and Snowboard Resort
• Best for a day trip: Bittersweet Resort
• Best for night skiing: Pine Knob 
• Best for families: Mulligan’s Hollow
• Best off-hill activities: Treetops Resort

Best overall: Boyne Mountain

Boyne Falls

Boyne Mountain is the No. 1 ski resort in Michigan for a variety of reasons: it has multiple hills to cater to different ski levels, extensive activities to enjoy off the ski hills—including a huge waterpark—restaurants, bars, lodging, and a large amount of acreage so even in high-traffic times, skiing can be an enjoyable experience.

“For terrain and varying ability levels, it’s hard to beat the two Boyne hills for total skiable acreage (each is just over 400 acres) or Nubs (just under 300 acres),” notes one Redditor. “They offer some really long green runs for beginners and each has some decent steeps and terrain parks, if that’s your thing. I also like how those three hills can spread people out – even on crowded days, you can usually find a lift without too much of a line, you just need to get away from the base area.”

Boyne Mountain Resort also partners with Challenge Mountain and hosts an adaptive skiing program throughout the winter months. You can find more information about that here. 

Photo courtesy of Boyne Mountain

Best on a budget: Caberfae Peaks Ski & Golf Resort 

Cadillac, MI

Described as the best “bang for your buck,” one Redditor notes that this Cadillac, MI ski and golf resort has a “good amount of ‘Midwest’ vertical” with “lots of terrain options,” plus a “tailgating vibe” to the rustic lodging. 

The resort has beginner slopes, expert hills, and 10 miles of cross-country skiing trails. It’s also an all-in-one destination with everything you need to either learn how to ski or hit the slopes, with rental equipment, lessons, seasonal lockers, lodging, and five different dining options. 

Best for pros: Mount Bohemia

Mohawk, MI

According to many skiers, Mohawk, MI, is a hidden gem for those looking for mega hills in the Midwest. “It’s the only ‘big mountain’ experience you can have in the Midwest. But it is NOT for a wide range of skiing abilities,” one Redditor explained. 

Mount Bohemia is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The resort says it has the “longest runs” with the “highest vertical and deepest powder” in the entire Midwest, dubbing it a “hidden secret” and “true treasure.” Be warned: it is a drive, and there’s not much else around, so this is best for advanced skiers only. 

Mount Bohemia explains that Keweenaw Peninsula sees an average snowfall of 273 inches and receives lake-effect snow that the resort doesn’t touch, making it ideal for first tracks in the morning. There are several lodging options near Mount Bohemia, plus a Nordic Spa with hot and cold plunge water therapy. 

Best for couples: Crystal Mountain

Thompsonville, MI

If you’re hitting the slopes child-free, you may want to check out Crystal Mountain, as some Reddit skiers find the wide variety of trails and runs easier to navigate without little ones in tow. Plus, Crystal Mountain can be a romantic getaway for couples, with on-site spa services, including full-body treatments, facial services, and massages. 

The resort also has plenty of dining options, ranging from picking up food at the on-resort shop to cook back at your cabin to a fine-dining restaurant to enjoy with your sweetie. 

Photo courtesy of Crystal Mountain.

Best for beginners: Mt. Holly Ski and Snowboard Resort

Holly, MI

Located in—you guessed it–Holly, Mt. Holly is a southeastern Michigan ski resort that might be especially friendly for beginners. (In fact, this is the ski resort I’m personally eyeing for my kids!) Some of the beginner-friendly features include a beginner lift, a dedicated Ski School for beginners, and plenty of lifts to avoid bunching up. It’s accessible enough to visit for a day trip to get started and slowly work your way up as you improve. 

The resort is also opening a new high-speed quad chairlift, The Lightning Express, making Mt Holly the only resort in Southeast Michigan with two high-speed chairlifts.

Photo courtesy of Mt Holly Ski and Snowboard Resort.

Best for a day trip: Bittersweet Resort

Ostego, MI

Located near the west side of the state, 6 miles from US Highway 131, Bittersweet Resort is family-owned and ideal for a day trip because it’s centrally located yet still offers a lot of variety. (It’s also just north of South Bend, so it’s popular with people coming from Indiana.) For instance, the resort has 20 runs, a 350 vertical feet hill, 6 chair lifts, wonder carpets, and rope tows. Some Redditors have complained that Bittersweet’s prices have increased over the years, so it might be worth checking on those free passes if you have a fourth or fifth-grader. 

Best for night skiing: Pine Knob 

Clarkston, MI

With a convenient location close to the town of Clarkston, Pine Knob is known for its nighttime skiing, with late hours through the week, weekends, and even holidays. The resort is open until 10:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and until 9:00 p.m. Sunday, as well as until 10:00 p.m. on holidays throughout the ski season. 

The resort also has a very popular ski school with instructors certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA), the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI), and the United States Ski Association (USSA). 

Best for families: Mulligan’s Hollow

Grand Haven, MI

Located in Grand Haven, Mulligan’s is an ideal place for families because parents can join their kids for free on the slopes. The community ski resort is volunteer-run and operated, making it a haven for locals who are dedicated to keeping it running. The ski bowl of Mulligan’s is actually a former WWII boot camp training site of the U.S. Coast Guard. There are six total trails and 5 rope tows, making it very family-friendly on top of being very affordable. Because it’s a community effort, Mulligan’s Hollow also has a ski school, partnerships with local schools, and even scholarships to help kids learn how to ski. 

Best off-hill activities: Treetops Resort

Gaylord, MI

If you want a ski resort to book over the holidays or enjoy as a winter escape that offers more than just skiing, Treetops Resort is a great pick because it offers a ton of off-hill activities, too. For instance, they have a resort-wide scavenger hunt for the kids, sleigh rides complete with hot cocoa and a group fire, tubing, snowshoeing, and even winter rafting. The resort is also near downtown Gaylord, which offers experiences like the Alpine Chocolat Haus, where you can enjoy handmade treats like chocolate-dipped apples and caramel corn. 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.