• PURE MICHIGAN SKI GUIDE 
• GO SKI MICHIGAN DOWNHILL SKI AREAS
• GO SKI MICHIGAN CROSS COUNTRY SKI AREAS

UPPER PENINSULA

Big Powderhorn – Bessemer

Big Powderhorn, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, is a favorite in the Upper Midwest, and there's infinite variety in the runs. The vertical is a solid 622 feet, one of the highest in the Midwest. Lodging at the area features an array of chalets and condos, and a family friendly ski village means there’s plenty to see and do. 

Vertical Drop: 622'
Lifts: 11
Terrain: 35% novice, 35% intermediate, 30% expert.
Trails: 33
Cross Country: 17km
Snowboards: 2 terrain parks, Oxbow and Powderkeg
Information: (906) 932-4838, 1-800-501-7669.
Website: www.bigpowderhorn.net 

Big Snow Resorts   

Blackjack and Indianhead Mountain Resort have merged operations. The two are now offering the BIG PASS, an interchangeable, all access pass to both mountains. Together, these two resorts offer 410 skiable acres, 54 trails, 15 lifts, and 4 terrain parks.
Website: www.bigsnowresorts.com

Blackjack – Bessemer

Blackjack Ski Resort is located in the beautiful Black River Valley in the Lake Superior snowbelt of Michigan's western Upper Peninsula. 

Vertical Drop: 465’
Lifts: 6
Terrain: 20% novice, 40% intermediate, 40% expert.
Trails: 19
Snowboards: 2 Parks and 3 Pipes
Information: 906-229-5115
Website: www.skiblackjack.com 

Indianhead Mountain – Wakefield

Indianhead Mountain Resort in Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula offers 195 acres of skiable terrain and wide open runs reminiscent of the Rockies. The base lodge and facilities are actually at the top of the mountain, which treats guests to stunning vistas. Snowmaking and grooming are a specialty of the resort, which typically opens earlier and stays open later than most other ski areas in the region. A great health and recreation club facility is also open to guests.

Vertical Drop: 638’
Lifts: 9
Terrain: 21% novice, 37% intermediate, 42% expert.
Trails: 29
Snowboards: Terrain Park and Olympic-size Halfpipe
Information: 800-3-INDIAN
Website: www.indianheadmtn.com

Marquette Mountain – Marquette

Known as a skier’s mountain, Marquette Mountain features a great race program and plenty of challenging terrain. The area contains a 4,000’ alpine terrain park and two legal tree runs. A new terrain park opens this season. The city of Marquette, the home of Northern Michigan University, is only five minutes away, so there are many lodging and dining options near the resort.

Vertical Drop: 600'
Lifts: 4 
Terrain: 15% novice, 65% intermediate, 20% expert.
Trails: 25
Snowboards: 3 terrain parks all designed by ability: lite weight, big air, all natural. 1 halfpipe, 13 rails.
Information: 800-944-7669.
Website: www.marquettemountain.com

Mont Ripley – Houghton

Mont Ripley is operated by Michigan Tech University provides a comfortable chalet featuring a cafeteria and lockers as well as a ski shop and ski school. The terrain is varied, with something for beginners and experts alike. New this year Mt. Ripley’s website features a virtual tour interactive trail map, where viewers can experience every trail from many different vantage points, including that of a drone. This new product is the mastermind of two former Michigan Tech students who started a company called Trail Genius.

Vertical Drop: 440'
Lifts: 3
Terrain: 28% novice, 30% intermediate, 31% advanced, 11% expert.
Trails: 24
Snowboards: Terrain Park and Pipe
Information: 906-487-2340
Web Site: www.aux.mtu.edu/ski/ 

Mt. Bohemia – Keweenaw

Located in the Keweenaw Peninsula, Mt. Bohemia boasts the state’s highest vertical and steepest terrain. Mt. Bohemia offers the biggest vertical drop in the Midwest, featuring expert slopes and some cliff-like drops on some of the steeper runs, a true western experience. The area also has the largest skiable glade between the Rockies and Eastern resorts, extreme back country terrain, and upwards of 300 inches of powder per winter. Bohemia is undoubtedly the most unique ski experience in the entire Midwest.

Vertical Drop: 900'
Lifts: 2 
Terrain: 7% novice, 39% intermediate, 54% expert.
Trails: 81
Snowboards welcome on all slopes and glades.
Information: 231-420-5405
Website: www.mtbohemia.com

Norway Mountain – Norway

Skiers recognize Norway Mountain for its varied terrain and friendly staff. The lodge and trailside condos are located on the summit of the mountain, making for easy access to the ski runs. The resort now has a new owner and for the 2014-2015 season the resort has been freshly renovated. With 3 lift chairs, 3 handle tows, a new groomer and improved snowmaking, Norway Mountain is better than ever.

Vertical Drop: 500'
Lifts: 6
Terrain: 30% novice, 35% intermediate, 35% expert
Trails: 17
Cross Country: 5km; 3km snowshoeing.
Snowboards: Terrain Park and Pipe
Information: 906-583-9700; 800-272-5445
Website: www.norwaymountain.com 

Pine Mountain – Iron Mountain

Pine Mountain is one of the Upper Peninsula’s most famous ski resorts. It’s main lodge is a classic and the resort also offers a selection of condos. Resort spa facilities are open to all guests. While there, don’t miss a visit to Famers, the location of the Upper Peninsula sports Hall of Fame. Pine Mountain Resort is located next to Timberstone Golf Course rated by "Golf Digest" Magazine as one of the top courses in the US.

Vertical Drop: 500'
Lifts: 5
Terrain: 30% novice, 40% intermediate, 30% expert
Trails: 27
Snowboards: Terrain Park and Pipe
Information: 906-774-2747
Website: www.pinemountainresort.com 

Porcupine Mountains – Ontonagon

Porcupine Mountains ski area is located in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan's largest state park. The park is in Ontonagon County, at the western edge of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The park harbors the last extensive tract of old-growth hemlock forests, and is one of the Midwest's most extensive wilderness areas. The Porkies are home to one of the first alpine ski areas in the Midwest as well as some of the most scenic Nordic ski trails in the entire Great Lakes region. The chalet offers ski and snowboard rentals, pro shop, rest rooms, 3 fireplaces, and cafeteria.

Vertical Drop: 787'
Lifts: 2 
Terrain: 21% novice, 50% intermediate, 29% expert.
Trails: 42
Cross Country: 42km
Information: 231-420-5405
Website: www.porkiesfun.com  

Ski Brule -- Iron River

Ski Brule is always the first ski resort in Michigan to open and the last to close. The resort really caters to families and children with an array of ski programs and deals. Ski Brule has added an Acrobag and its use is included with a lift ticket purchase. The ACROBAG is an air pillow that cushions the landing after going off a jump. There are new lodging properties available this winter, Big Bear and Beaver Lodge duplex chalets located in the Brule Village.

Vertical Drop: 500'
Lifts: 11
Terrain: 30% novice, 35% intermediate, 35% expert
Trails: 17
Cross Country: 23km
Snowboards: Snowboarders welcome on all runs, but Snowshoe and Rapids are dedicated snowboard terrain: halfpipe, whales, spines, table tops, and kickers.
Information: 800-DO-BRULE; 906-265-4957
Website: www.skibrule.com

Mt. Zion – Ironwood

Mt. Zion is run by the ski management school of Gogebic Community College and is the oldest winter recreation complex in Big Snow Country. With ski and snowboard rentals, a snow tubing park, free cross country skiing, and a snack bar, the area is a popular spot for families.

Vertical Drop: 300’
Lifts: 1 
Terrain: 25% novice, 50% intermediate, 25% expert
Trails: 10
Cross Country: 3km
Snowboards: Terrain Park and Pipe
Information: 906-932-4231, ext. 269
Website: www.gogebic.cc.mi.us/studentinfo/mtzion 

More Ski Areas

Al Quaal – Ishpeming – 906-486-6181

Gladstone Sports Park – Gladstone – 906-428-9130

NORTHERN LOWER PENINSULA

Boyne Highlands – Harbor Springs

Boyne Highlands is one of Michigan’s best family resorts. The area is well-known for its excellent ski school and children’s programs. The terrain is expansive, and the lift structure is one of the most efficient in the region. With three base lodges, plenty of ski in/ski out condos, and three hotels, the resort has plenty of capacity, and the outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs are a big favorite. This winter, skiers and snowboarders can get even more time in on some favorite terrain as the Interconnect and North Face chairlifts are expanding to daily operations. The Tubing Park will offer more excitement with an expansion from two side-by-side lanes to six individual lanes. The resort’s Burton Riglet Park, specially designed for 3-6 year olds, is being enhanced with new features and moving to the Camelot beginner slope.

Vertical Drop: 552'
Lifts: 8 
Terrain: 37% novice, 29% intermediate, 31% expert
Trails: 54
Cross Country: 35km
Snowboards: Terrain park and pipe
Information: 800-GO-BOYNE
Website: www.boyne.com 

Boyne Mountain – Boyne Falls

Boyne Mountain, the dean of Midwest ski resorts, was the first North American resort to install a six-seat chair lift, and it’s where the triple and quad lifts were invented. Always known as a place with challenging and varied terrain, the Mountain also boasts a wide variety of lodging options, the Austrian/American ski school, and the best apres ski in the Midwest, featuring the legendary Snowflake Lounge. Don't miss Avalanche Bay, the state's largest indoor water park located at the base of the slopes. For this winter glade clearing has continued which accounts for approximately 30% of Boyne Mountain’s total 415 skiable acres.

Vertical Drop: 500'
Lifts:10
Terrain: 29% novice, 41% intermediate, 30% expert
Trails: 60
Cross Country: 35 km
Snowboards: Terrain park and pipe
Information: 800-GO-BOYNE
Website: www.boyne.com 

Mountain Run at Boyne - Boyne Falls

One of the most popular lodging options in Boyne Mountain Resort is Bluegreen's Mountain Run at Boyne. The luxurious timeshare suites are the perfect accommodations to relax in after a day on the slopes. Each unit offers skiers a private balcony, a fireplace, a complete kitchen and a large whirlpool tub. Avid skiers have the option of upgrading to villas which offer ski in/ski out access at the base of one of the mountain's most popular runs. Guests who are taking a break from the resort's 67 ski trails can relax with friends in the on-site restaurant or at the Solace Spa in the Mountain Grand Lodge. All in all, this is a highly recommended choice for snow and ski lovers everywhere. It's got something for everyone and features some of Boyne Mountain's most comfortable suites. Now available for sale and rent at up to 60% off retail prices on SellMyTimeshareNow.com.

Information: 877-815-4227
Website: www.sellmytimesharenow.com

Challenge Mountain – Boyne Falls

Challenge Mountain is the only ski resort in the United States devoted entirely to physically and mentally challenged skiers. The area offers every type of adaptive ski gear and a dedicated staff of volunteer instructors, and all of its services and equipment are provided free of charge to special needs skiers. Challenge Mt. is open most weekends and by appointment.

Vertical Drop: 370’
Lifts: Paddle tow and snowmobiles (for certain adaptive equipment)
Terrain: 100% novice
Trails: 3
Snowboards: Available this year for the first time.
Information: 231-535-2141
Website: www.challengemt.org 

Caberfae Peaks – Cadillac

Caberfae Peaks just keeps getting better. The South Peak and North Peak developments have totally changed the skiing at Caberfae Peaks in recent years. The resort now boasts some of the biggest vertical drops and longest and best ski runs in the Midwest. Other new additions include a rental building, a beautiful day lodge, and paved parking. Last winter The Outback was added for a true off piste experience. For this winter improvements include a new triple chair lift on North Peak.

Vertical Drop: 485'
Lifts: 6
Terrain: 39% novice, 29% intermediate, 32% expert.
Trails: 34
Cross Country: 15km
Information: 231-862-3000, 800-YOU-SKII
Website: www.caberfaepeaks.com

Crystal Mountain – Thompsonville

Crystal Mountain offers lodging for over 1,200 people, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, and a myriad of skier services in the Crystal Center. But where the resort excels is in family skiing, with solid terrain choices and excellent programs. Crystal's Totem Park is designed exclusively for first-timers and beginners to improve their skiing and snowboarding skills. This winter the slope count is increased by two with the addition of Last Call and Jester’s Alley. Last Call is a glades run that begins on North Face and wanders back to the front-side slopes. A second Skier/Boarder-Cross course has  been added to the Ridge slopes. The resort also has one of the best cross country ski touring centers in Michigan.

Vertical Drop: 375'
Lifts: 8
Terrain: 24% novice, 53% intermediate, 23% expert
Trails: 45
Cross Country: 40+ km
Snowboards: Halfpipe and 4 Parks
Information: 231-378-2000, 800-YOUR-MTN
Website: www.crystalmountain.com 

Hanson Hills – Grayling

Publicly owned and operated, Hanson Hills is really a winter sports park. The area offers alpine skiing and some of the best cross country skiing in the state. Hanson Hills hosts many Michigan Cup XC races.

Vertical Drop: 200’
Lifts: 3
Terrain: 50% novice, 50% intermediate
Trails: 11
Cross Country: 35km
Snowboards: Terrain Park
Information: 989-348-9266; 888-876-2196
Website: www.hansonhills.org 

Hickory Hills - Traverse City

Hundreds of youth in the area who have grown up on the hill. The City’s small, but mighty, hill has served as an authentic sense of home and will continue to do so for generations to come. It's a popular spot for locals and has a rich history of producing ski racers. The area boasts a new lodge. 

Vertical Drop: 237'
Lifts: 7
Trails: 16
Snowboards: Terrain Park
Information: 231-947-8566
Website:https://www.traversecitymi.gov/government/city-departments/hickory-hills/

Mt. Holiday - Traverse City

Mt. Holiday overlooks East Bay and is only minutes from downtown Traverse City. It has a great old time lodge and restaurant staffed with plenty of super friendly locals. The skiing is mainly intermediate, so this is a great place for lessons and family outings. This winter the ski area will open a new glade run and mogul slope as well as providing additional features in the terrain park. Mt. Holiday recently added a Zipline Challenger Course.

Vertical Drop: 200'
Lifts: 5
Terrain: 50% intermediate, 40% novice, 10% expert
Trails: 12
Snowboards: Terrain Park
Other: Tube Run
Information: 231-938-2500
Website: www.mt-holiday.com

Nub’s Nob – Harbor Springs

Nub’s Nob is an excellent family ski area famous for its excellent snow, award winning day lodge, and superb cafeteria. This is a ski-only operation, with no lodging on site, but the varied terrain keeps skiers coming back. Trails face all directions of the compass and spill off two peaks, and spectacular vistas of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay are a treat and a 4,000 sq. foot warming house and restaurant on top of Pintail Peak overlooks it all.  For this winter Nubs is adding 10 new in-house designed and manufactured snow guns to its fleet, bringing the total to 292 snow guns. The resort was named to the Top 5 Midwest Resorts for 2015 by Transworld Snowboarding magazine

Vertical Drop: 427'
Lifts: 10
Terrain: 30% novice, 50% intermediate, 20% expert
Trails: 53
Cross Country: 28km
Snowboards: Top to bottom terrain park and 450’ halfpipe
Information: 231 526-2131, 800 SKI-NUBS
Website: www.nubsnob.com 

Otsego Ski Club - Gaylord

Opened in 1939, Otsego Club is America's oldest ski club with its own facility. The club is private, but the public is invited to ski the area at selected times of the winter. The ski facilities include 27 slopes, 5 chair lifts including high speed quad, 2 snowboard half-pipe parks, and miles of marked cross country ski trails. The Club's elevation is the highest point in the famed Michigan Snow/Sun Belt, and assures exceptional skiing throughout the season.

Vertical Drop: 358’
Lifts: 5 
Trails: 31
Cross Country: Miles of marked trails.
Snowboards: Terrain Parks, 2 halfpipes, numerous terrain features
Information: 989-732-5181
Website: www.otsegoclub.com 

Shanty Creek – Bellaire

Shanty Creek is a four-season resort located on 4,500 acres. The complex includes two ski mountains and three villages, all tied together with a transit system. Skiers can ski both the Summit Slopes and the Schuss Slopes on one Superticket. The area also offers tubing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and 30 km of the finest cross country skiing in Michigan. A new ski rental facility, a new ski school registration center and a new beginner ski area are the big changes at Shanty Creek Resorts

Vertical Drop: 450'
Lifts: 12
Terrain: 37% novice, 30% intermediate, 33% expert
Trails: 53
Cross Country: 30km
Snowboards: 2 Parks and Pipe
Information: 800 678-4111
Website: www.shantycreek.com 

The Homestead – Glen Arbor

The Homestead is unique because it rests on the western shores of Lake Michigan, overlooking the Sleeping Bear Dunes. The trails loom high over Lake Michigan and lead down to a charming Village and resort neighborhoods, all close to resort activities and amenities. Children will love the Tamarack Children’s Center. Guests can also enjoy a snowshoe in the woods, savor fine dining, or travel to nearby villages and explore shops, galleries, museums and historical sites. For this winter the resort has as completed one of the most ambitious remodeling efforts in its history. The updates have transformed the Stony Brook Lodge into the most modern, yet warm and rustic, lodging option at the Resort.

Vertical Drop: 375’
Lifts: 5
Trails: 16
Cross Country: 18km
Snowboards: Terrain Park
Information: 231-334-5000
Website: www.thehomesteadresort.com

Treetops – Gaylord

Treetops Resort, in the heart of Northern Michigan's snowbelt, is a perfect family getaway. Located outside "The Alpine Village" of Gaylord, Treetops has a hotel at the top of its ski hill and a good selection of condos. The ski trails wind their way through the majestic hardwood forests that cover the slopes while state-of-the-art snowmaking and grooming make skiing here a joy. The excellent ski school also is a favorite with kids and families. This winter Olympic Snowboard Coach Tom Hutchinson will return to Treetops as an instructor. Treetops will open a natural Terrain Park this year that will peak the interest of more experienced riders. In addition, the resort will periodically feature a Boarder X course and will again have the BIG AIRbag training device for riders to perfect their tricks before taking them to any of the parks.

Vertical Drop: 225'
Lifts: 3
Terrain: 30% novice, 50% intermediate, 20% expert
Trails: 23
Cross Country: 20 km
Snowboards: Terrain Park and Halfpipe
Information: 888-TREETOPS, 517-732-6711
Website: www.treetops.com

CENTRAL LOWER MICHIGAN

Apple Mountain – Freeland

Apple Mountain offers every skier and snowboarder - beginner to advanced - the opportunity to enjoy their favorite winter sport just a few miles from the heart of the tri-cities (Saginaw, Bay city, Midland). 

Vertical Drop: 220'
Lifts:1 chair, 5 Surface)
Terrain: 40% novice, 40% intermediate, 20% expert
Trails: 12
Snowboards: Terrain Park and Pipe
Information: 888-781-6789
Website: www.applemountain.com 

Snow Snake – Harrison

Snow Snake has carved out a reputation as a great place for families and students. The ski area packs a lot of fun into its 40 acres, everything from skiing and snowboarding to snow tubing. Excellent lift ticket and rental prices are a big plus for the area. This winter a Magic Carpet lift has been added on the beginner hill.

Vertical Drop: 220’
Lifts: 7
Terrain: 30% novice, 50% intermediate, 20% expert
Trails: 13
Cross Country: 5 km
Snowboards: Terrain Park
Information: 989-539-6583
Website: www.snowsnake.net

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN

Bittersweet -- Otsego

Southwest Michigan's Bittersweet is in the scenic Kalamazoo River Valley. Come and features the "SWEET EXPRESS" High Speed Detachable Quad chair lift, a first for SW Michigan. The Snowberry Ski Shop has a complete line of skis, boots, and poles as well as the latest in skiing apparel and accessories. The Winner's Circle Lounge is the place to go for food and drink. 

Vertical Drop: 350'
Lifts: 15
Terrain: 30% novice, 60% intermediate, 10% expert
Trails: 20
Snowboards: Terrain Park and Halfpipe.
Information: 616-694-2820, 616-694-2032
Website: www.skibittersweet.com

Cannonsburg Ski Area – Cannonsburg

Cannonsburg Ski Area, just north of Grand Rapids, offers slopes of great variety close to home. Continuous grooming and snowmaking assures every skier from the unsteadiest beginner to the advanced racer that the best snow conditions are always at Cannonsburg. With a quad, triple, and double chair, T-bar and rope tows, Cannonsburg has plenty of capacity to move skiers up the hill. The area also has a top-notch ski school and popular adult and junior racing programs.

Vertical Drop: 250'
Lifts: 5
Terrain: 40% novice, 40% intermediate, 20% expert
Trails: 17
Snowboards: Terrain Park and Pipe
Information: 616-874-6711
Website: www.cannonsburg.com 

Swiss Valley – Jones

Swiss Valley is a popular destination for Michigan skiers as well as skier’s from Indianapolis to Chicago. The area specializes in group outings, with an outstanding ski school and children’s program. Swiss Valley is also home for one of the best freestyle training programs in the country, the Swiss Valley Extreme Team. With alpine themed buildings and a nifty mountain top restaurant, Swiss Valley has a lot to offer. 

Vertical Drop: 225'
Lifts: 7
Terrain: 20% novice, 60% intermediate, 20% expert
Trails:11
Snowboards: Terrain park with table tops, spines, picnic tables, kickers, floaters, and a 36’ dragon rail called “Nessie.”
Information: 269-244-5635
Website: www.skiswissvalley.com

Timber Ridge – Kalamazoo

Timber Ridge has proudly offered skiing and snowboarding in southwest Michigan for over four decades. The trails cascade over beautifully wooded hills. The area also features the Snowshoe Bar with huge windows overlooking the slopes, which come in handy for watching the many race programs sponsored by the resort. The Ski Patrol is one of the best in the country, and patrollers put on slope side barbeques every Saturday, a “don’t miss” attraction.

Vertical Drop: 250'
Lifts: 10
Terrain: 20% novice, 70% intermediate, 10% expert
Trails: 15
Snowboards: Terrain Park and Pipe
Information: 616-694-9449, 800 253-2928
Website: www.timberridgeski.com

More Ski Areas

Pando Winter Sports Park – Rockford – 616-874-8343

SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN

Alpine Valley – White Lake

A short drive from Detroit or Ann Arbor brings you to the largest ski area in southern Michigan. This family-oriented ski area features 25 scenic slopes. When you're ready to unwind after a fun-filled day or night of challenging snowy runs, you can relax in front of one of the many massive stone fireplaces in the spacious lodge, complete with two cafeterias and snack bars. 

Vertical Drop: 300'
Lifts: 14
Terrain: 39% novice, 26% intermediate, 35% expert
Trails: 25
Snowboards: Terrain park and halfpipe
Information: 248-887-2180, 248-887-4183
Website: www.skialpinevalley.com 

Mt. Brighton – Brighton

After a $10 million renovation of the lodge, ski school, chair lifts, terrain park and snow making system last winter, Mt. Brighton in Brighton is at it again for the 2014-2015 season with Phase Two of its improvements. Purchased by Vail Resorts in 2013, Mt. Brighton underwent a top-to-bottom facelift last year that took its dated, 1960s look and feel into an aesthetically pleasing and technologically advanced ski area. This season Mt. Brighton will introduce an expanded Children’s Center, a new beginner surface lift (for a total of three), new programs including Lindsey Vonn’s Ski Girls Rock, Women’s Ski Academy and Women’s Race Academy and a new terrain park layout.

Vertical Drop: 230'
Lifts: 12
Terrain: 30% novice, 40% intermediate, 30% expert
Trails: 26
Snowboards: Terrain Park and Pipe
Information: 810-229-9581
Website: www.mtbrighton.com

Mt. Holly – Holly

Nestled in beautiful Groveland Valley, Mt. Holly is just one hour north of Detroit and 15 minutes south of Flint. The area offer slopes for the whole family, and uphill capacity that includes a high speed quad. Skier friendly Mt. Holly offers night skiing, complete snow making and grooming, and a helpful staff. The sprawling lodge has some great dining spots, like a pizza room and the Lift Lounge. For this winter the Mt. Holly has added 10 new “TOPGUN” snow machines to add to the fleet of 130. In addition, Mt. Holly has also added a brand new PARK BULLY GROOMER to its grooming fleet!

Vertical Drop: 350'
Lifts: 14
Terrain: 22% novice, 39% intermediate, 39% expert
Trails: 19
Snowboards: Terrain Park
Information: 248-634-8269, 800-582-7256
Website: www.skimtholly.com 

Pine Knob -- Clarkston

Pine Knob is close to Detroit, but has an “up north” feel. The slopes offer a lot of variety, including the double black “Wall.” The day lodge is one of the classiest in Michigan, with huge windows overlooking the slopes. Beginners flock to the ski school each winter, and the Adult Racing League is one of the most active in the state. For this winter, earthmoving, excavation and a new chairlift highlight the changes at Pine Knob. Crews removed chairlift #3 and replaced the older chairlift with a brand new Skytrack variable speed triple chairlift that goes to the very top of the existing hill, unloading between the Phase One Chair and the Quicksilver Chair. The loading area at the bottom of the hill is located in roughly the same area as before but is now considerably lower. These changes result in a longer and consistently steeper run adding an additional 40 vertical feet.

Vertical Drop: 300'
Lifts: 12
Terrain: 30% novice, 35% intermediate, 35% expert
Trails: 17
Snowboards: Terrain Park
Information: 248-625-0800, 800-642-SNOW
Web Site: www.skipineknob.com

Blue Mountain – Collingwood, Ontario

Although not “technically” a Michigan ski area, so many Michigan skiers trek to Blue Mt. each winter it ranks as a close cousin. With a whopping 728’ vertical and a mountain that’s 2.5 miles wide, Blue is immense. The resort is so huge it encompasses 4 distinct base areas, but the Village at Blue is the most impressive. Anchored by the stately Grand Georgian Hotel, the Village contains shops, restaurants, and a town square. 

Vertical Drop: 728’
Lifts: 12, including 4 high speed lifts
Terrain: 15% novice, 32% intermediate, 52% expert
Trails: 40
Snowboards: 4 terrain parks, 1 halfpipe, 2 Superpipes
Information: 705-445-0231
Website: www.bluemountain.ca