A full rundown on the best Michigan ski resorts…
The downhill ski and snowboard trails of Michigan offer some of the most exciting, diverse terrains in the Midwest with resorts offering runs for all skill levels and ski schools and lessons available for all ages, plus pristine slopes and spellbinding views.
There’s a huge number of ski areas in the state.
Here’s our review of 10 of the best ski resorts in Michigan…
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Crystal Mountain
By Patrickneil (CC BY-SA 3.0 licence)
The family owned Crystal Mountain ski resort, just a short trip away from massive Lake Michigan, has 103 acres of skiable terrain and a 375 foot vertical drop.
The Crystal mountain slopes enjoy consistent Lake Effect snowfall and 100% snowmaking, and terrain to suit all ability levels with 58 downhill trails with a good mix of beginner to advanced terrain, with 29 of the trails being lit for night skiing.
The ski area is also popular for cross country skiing and boasts more than 25 kilometers of groomed cross country trails.
This incredibly family friendly resort has wide open groomed slopes connected via a modern 8 lift chairlift system.
11% of runs are suitable for beginners, and there’s an excellent children’s ski program for ages three and up. 47% of runs are intermediate, and 26% are advanced.
Three terrain parks features banks, rollers and moguls, park rails, tubes, bumps and boxes.
Away from the slopes there’s plenty of fun to be had too, with ice skating, horse drawn Surrey rides, a luxury spa, shopping, and a good choice of restaurants and bars.
The Clipper Cfe inside The Lodge dishes up burgers, salads, fries and more, and the Wild Tomato Restaurant & Bar offers an excellent buffet breakfast.
For fine dining with a laid back atmosphere head to the Thistle Pub & Grille, or for some tasty craft beer and live music try the Vista Lounge.
Where to Stay: Crystal Mountain
The 3 star Crystal Mountain resort lodging offers rooms, condos and townhouses to rent right at the heart of all the action.
Rooms feature en suite bathroom, microwave, flat screen TVs, refrigerator and coffee machine. Condos and townhouses have full kitchens, dining areas, fire places and jetted tubs.
Guests benefit from the use of the indoor pool, fitness center, and on site restaurants and bars, as well as discounted spa treatments during their stay.
- Close to slopes and ski lifts
- Pool
- Fitness center
- Spa
- Restaurant
- Bar
Marquette Mountain
Marquette Mountain, in Michigan’s snowy Upper Peninsula offers 169 acres of terrain with a vertical drop of 650 feet. 35% of the 35 runs are in a back country ski zone ideal for advanced skiers and boarders.
The rest of the trails are divided into 15% beginner and 50% intermediate runs, and there are 3 terrain parks for freestyle fun.
A large portion of runs are lit for night skiing, and nearly all of the trails at Marquette Mountain are covered by snowmaking.
The on site White Water Café and “T” Bar to get some food and beverages and relax after a hard day’s skiing or snowboarding.
Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain
By Steven Depolo (CC BY 2.0 licence)
Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands are two of northern Michigan’s foremost winter resort destinations.
Combined the two Boyne resorts boast more than 115 alpine trails spanning over 850 acres of skiable terrain serviced by 18 chairlifts, an acclaimed Boyne SnowSports Academy, 10 terrific terrain parks, first rate snowmaking and more than 70 kilometers of professionally-maintained cross-country and snowshoe trails.
The two mountains see an average yearly snowfall of 140 inches, and Boyne Highlands has a vertical drop of 552 feet with Boyne Mountain having a slightly smaller vertical drop of 500 feet.
On Boyne Highlands, trails are divided almost evenly with 36% green beginner trails, 31% blue intermediate trails and 33% black advanced trails including a double black diamond run.
On Boyne Mountain, the terrain rates as 29% beginner, 41% intermediate, and 30% expert.
Boyne ski resorts offer a wealth of winter activities to enjoy including kids and teen camps, tubing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice skating, and dog sledding.
For après ski entertainment there’s an excellent selection of eateries and bars, including award winning dining at the Aonach Mor Moonlight Dinner, where guests are transported to the top of the slopes by sleigh to the top of the slope to enjoy a candlelit dinner accompanied by live acoustic music, and the lively Slopeside Lounge where you can enjoy excellent craft cocktails.
If you just want to kick back and relax, the resort also benefit from a luxury spa.
Where to Stay: Bluegreen Vacations Mountain Run at Boyne, Ascend Resort
Just a stone’s throw from Boyne Mountain airport, the 3 star Bluegreen Vacations Mountain Run at Boyne, Ascend Resort offers direct access to 14 ski lifts and more than 50 trails on Boyne Mountain, with some villas benefiting from ski in and ski out access.
Chalet style accommodations feature fireplaces, full kitchens, living and dining areas, private bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs, cable TV and DVD players, and terraces.
On site there is a seasonal outdoor pool and indoor hot tub, in addition to a well equipped fitness center and the Snowflake Lounge, where guests can enjoy drinks and live entertainment.
- Close to ski trails
- Luxury accommodations
- Pool
- Indoor hot tub
- Bar
- Close to airport
Caberfae Peaks
Caberfae Peaks Ski Resort has some of the highest lift-served peaks in Michigan, along 200 acres of exceptional and varied terrain for downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, skating, or snowshoeing, including extensive groomed trails, tree filled glades, and some of the state’s biggest vertical drops up to 485 feet.
A dedicated novice area and ski school, as well as 35% of the 35 runs are ideal for beginners. 35% of the terrain is intermediate, and there is 29% of challenging terrain for advanced skiers and boarders.
Trails are covered by 100% snowmaking to ensure plenty of powder, and the resort also boasts 2 terrain parks.
Slope side entertainment includes a ski shop and cafeteria, restaurants and bars. R’Dub’s pub is the perfect place for an for an apres ski drink or two as well as tasty snacks and burgers. Beatie’s Bar & Grill offers a breakfast buffet, dinner, and the chance to sample a rotating selection of Michigan micro brews on tap in front of big screen TVS.
Warm up in front of the roaring fireplace at the Blackmer Lodge Cafeteria and tuck into some hearty fare such as chicken chilli, french fries and cheeseburgers, all with a great view of the slopes.
Where to Stay: Caberfae Peaks Ski & Golf Resort
Rooms at the 3 star Caberfae Peaks Ski & Golf Resort each benefit from 2 double beds, private bathrooms and flat screen TVs, and some rooms have private balconies with views.
Guests are invited to enjoy the use of the all year round outdoor heated pool and hot tub, and the outdoor firepit.
Ski lifts to the top of the mountain are just metres away from the accommodation.
The lodge also offers individual lockers matched to your room key for equipment storage, with a built-in ski & snowboard boot drying system.
- Ski-in/ski-out accessibility to trails
- Heated outdoor pool
- Hot tub
- Fire pit
- Bar / restaurant
Ski Brule
This premier ski resort located just over the Wisconsin Michigan boarders has the longest snow season in the Midwest, with 150 acres of skiable terrain with something for everyone of all levels of ability, including skiing and snowboarding, tubing, cross country trails and more.
The family focused resort has a vertical drop of 500 ft, 40 acres of night skiing, snowmaking covering all trails, and 3 terrain parks. The 17 runs are well divided.
The 35% green runs are great for beginners, who also get to benefit from a Learn To Ride program that’s free for first-timers aged 10 and up.
35% of the trails are blue runs, 24% advanced, and 6% are double black diamonds for the experts.
Ski Brule resort has a couple of shops, as well as a small selection of family friendly restaurants and bars where you can wind down after the days excitement.
The Brule Café is open all day and offers breakfasts, lunchtime snacks including grilled sandwiches, soups and salad bar, and evening meals.
The Brule Saloon offers hot and cold beverages, light snacks and family oriented evening entertainment.
The elegant Homestead Lodge features a BBQ grill and an all you can eat barbecue dinner.
Where to Stay: AmericInn by Wyndham Iron River
Conveniently located in the center of town along the Iron River on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula just 15 minutes drive from Ski Brule, this 3 star inn has rooms and suites with cable HDTV, private bathroom, refrigerator, microwave and coffee making facilities, with some rooms featuring jacuzzi tubs.
Guests at AmericInn by Wyndham Iron River can enjoy a complimentary homestyle breakfast every morning, relax in the indoor saltwater pool, hot tub, and sauna, workout at the fitness center, or grab a hot beverage at 24/7 coffee bar.
- Free breakfast included
- Indoor swimming pool
- Hot tub
- Sauna
- Fitness center
- Pet friendly
Nub’s Nob
248 skiable acres with trails for all abilities of skiers and snowboarders on three separate peaks are on offer at Nub’s Nob, a family run Michigan ski resort.
The vertical drop at Nub’s Nob is 427 feet, with all 53 trails having full snowmaking coverage, and 160 acres being lit for night skiing.
30% of runs are green and ideal for beginners, and the Nubs Nob Ski School is well known for their highly successful private ski and snowboard lessons, with a special program for children.
Open glade skiing, groomed trails, faces, and cruisers ad a Race Arena slope are divided into 50% blue intermediate runs and 20% advanced runs.
The resort’s 3 terrain parks has something for all levels of ability, with a halfpipe, jibs, boxes and jumps.
Nub’s Nob Award winning day lodge has a cafeteria serving freshly prepared food and excellent drinks for apres ski fun. There is also full service rental and repair available.
Where to Stay: Terrace Inn and 1911 Restaurant
The historical Terrace Inn and 1911 Restaurant has 38 rooms, ranging from cozy cottage style rooms to King suites with kitchenettes and jetted tubs. All rooms have private bath, cable TV, and Wi-Fi.
There is also a pet friendly apartment with private entrance and garden access. All rooms come with complimentary full buffet breakfast and daily maid service.
Located in Petoskey town, the Inn is close to amenities, restaurants and entertainments.
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Breakfast included
- Pet friendly
- Close to town
Big Powderhorn
By Jhansonxi (CC BY-SA 3.0 licence)
One of the favorite ski resorts in the Upper Midwest, Big Powderhorn boasts incredible views of Upper Peninsula forests, 17 feet of average natural snowfall plus 93% snowmaking, a drop of 622 vertical feet, and 253 skiable acres serviced by 10 lifts.
45 alpine skiing runs are split into 27% beginner, 40% intermediate with well groomed runs, 31% advanced, and 2% expert which include Vertical Drop black diamond runs.
There are also 2 terrain parks and a great snow sports school.
For some downtime the resort has a few shops and 3 restaurant / bars. The Caribou Lodge serves lunches at dinners, and for those looking for nightlife it features DJs and live music on weekends.
The Hideout Grill & Bar is a great place to grab a wholesome meal, and the Black River Valley Pub is a favorite spot for evenings, serving drinks, burgers, pizzas, salads and more.
Where to Stay: AmericInn by Wyndham Ironwood
Only 8km from Big Powderhorn Mountain, the 2 star AmericInn by Wyndham Ironwood also offers guests direct access to a snowmobile trail direct from the inn.
Rooms and suites have cable HDTV, microwave and mini-refrigerator as well as coffee and tea making facilities and en suite bathrooms.
A complimentary homestyle breakfast of waffles, eggs, fruit, coffee, and more awaits guests each morning, and after hitting the slopes they are invited to take a relaxing swim in the pool, or unwind in the hot tub and sauna.
- Indoor swimming pool
- Hot tub
- Sauna
- Complimentary breakfast
- Pet friendly
Mt. Bohemia
Mount Bohemia ski resort offers extreme skiing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula near the shores of Lake Lac Labelle and surrounded by forests.
The average annual snowfall is 273 inches, and skiers and snowboarders have access to 900 feet of vertical drop, and 585 skiable acres with 102 runs serviced by 2 ski lifts.
This resort is excellent for advanced and expert skiers, with 90% of trails being back expert runs, which are included in the extreme backcountry section of the mountain, with a half mile wide forest full of challenging chutes and cliff drops. and the lake effect snow creates deep powder which is left ungroomed for a truly thrilling skiing experience.
Big Snow Resorts
The Big Snow Resorts include Indianhead Mountain and Blackjack Mountain overlooking the Ottawa National Forest, and you can now ski and snowboard both great mountains on one lift ticket.
Indianhead offers 29 downhill skiing slopes, snowboarding and an average of 17 feet of snow per year with a 638 foot vertical drop. 32 runs are spread over 220 acres of terrain served by nine lifts and tows.
There are 19% green runs, 31% intermediate runs, 41% advanced runs, and 9% expert runs. Indianhead Mountain is also home to The Big Chief Natural Terrain Park for advanced riders.
On top of the mountain, Indianhead boasts a ski and repair shop, plus award-winning dining, a saloon bar, and live entertainment for après ski fun.
Blackjack Mountain ski resort benefits from 204 inches of average annual snowfall plus state of the art snowmaking system and exceptional attention to grooming, a 465 foot vertical drop, 26 runs over 170 skiable acres, and two terrain parks with features for learners, and also larger rails, boxes, and jibs for more advanced riders.
There are 16% beginner runs, 32% intermediate runs, 44% advanced runs, and 8% expert runs for a superior skiing and boarding experience for all ability levels. Blackjack Ski Resort also features SnoCross.
Shanty Creek
Shanty Creek ski resort is fun for the entire family and for all ranges of ability.
The resort’s 5,000 acres contain Cedar Village, Schuss Mountain Village and Summit Village, which offer both downhill skiing and Nordic skiing.
The two peaks offer distinctly different environments, with Schuss Mountain having longer, steeper slopes for intermediate and advanced skiers and an award winning terrain park, and Summit Mountain being gentler and less crowded for beginners and intermediates, as well as having an Alpine Tubing Park.
Shuss Mountain has a vertical drop of 450 feet, 42 trails split into 31% beginner, 26% intermediate, and 43% advanced, and 70 acres of skiable terrain with 100% snowmaking and night skiing.
Summit Mountain also features a 450 foot vertical drop, and 11 runs right on top of the mountain of which 18% are green, 45% blue, and 36% advanced.
Summit Village’s Lakeview Restaurant boasts breathtaking sunset lake views, and dishes up innovative regional fare and fine wines.
The River Bistrohas a laid back atmosphere with pool tables and pub games, mixed cocktails and spirits, and many regional and international beers.
Ivan’s Cafe at the base of the mountain is the place to be for après-ski entertainment, with cocktails, craft beers and shots to get the party started, as well as a range of gourmet snacks, salads, pizzas, soups and pizzas.
Where to Stay: Ski and Tee Penthouse – Schuss Mountain Shanty Creek Resort
This luxurious self catered 3 bedroom 2 bathroom chalet just 5km away from Shanty Creek Resort features a pleasant garden, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, state of the art flat screen, hot tub, BBQ area, private swimming pool, and scenic balconies and terrace.
Guests can enjoy a delicious continental or buffet breakfast, as well as the opportunity to make the most of the resort’s spa and wellness center, hot tub, and sauna.
- Close to ski lifts (450 metres)
- Premier self catering accommodation
- Garden with terrace and BBQ
- Hot tub
- Private swimming pool
- Spa and wellness center
- Sauna
Which do you think are the best Michigan ski resorts?
