Michigan is known for many things and skiing is definitely one of them. A standout ski destination in the Midwest, there are a wide range of ski resorts in Michigan both in the famous Upper Peninsula as well as in the southern parts of the state near Detroit.
Tucked in the Great Lakes region, many of the best ski resorts in Michigan offer some of the best powder in the country and with relatively low elevations. With diverse resorts, levels of snowfall, and terrain, you’re sure to find a place that’s perfect for you, whether you’re a park rat, powder seeker, or family of skiers.
Don’t fly over Michigan just because it’s not known for sprawling mountain ranges, because these ski resorts have a lot to offer. Who knows? One might just become your new favorite spot.
Here is our list of 7 ski resorts in Michigan worth visiting:
1. Boyne Mountain Resort and Boyne Highlands
Acreage: 850 acres (415 and 435)
Highest elevation point: 1,325 ft
Number of runs: 115 (60 and 55)
Best for: park, all-levels, long weekends, Ikon Pass Holders
With 850 acres between two mountains, Boyne Mountain Resort and Boyne Highlands are at the top of our resort list, just a 40 minute drive from one to the other. These two spots make up the perfect weekend trip for you and your family or group.
These two ski resorts offer 115 trails together, offering up some of the most fun, diverse terrain in Michigan. It’s also home to the longest ski run in Michigan, just over a mile long. Even with a fairly low peak elevation of 1,200 feet, Boyne Mountain offers 11 terrain parks, making it a great spot for intermediate skiers who like to spend their days in the park. This is also a great destination for families and new skiers, with plenty of terrain for practice and entry level skiers looking to progress.
2. Crystal Mountain
Acreage: 103 acres
Highest elevation point: 1,132 ft
Number of runs: 58
Best for: families, park skiers, day trips, Indy Pass holders
For those looking for an easy-going ski resort experience in Michigan, look to Crystal Mountain. While only 103 skiable acres, Crystal Mountain has 58 runs and 3 terrain parks, with a spread of trail for all levels. Boasting a reliable snowfall and varying terrain, Crystal Mountain is worth the trip.
They also feature a spa and wellness program specifically designed for recovery and relaxation after winter sports. This makes it a fun and enjoyable option for groups and those traveling in Michigan with non-skiers.
3. Mount Bohemia
Acreage: 585 acres
Highest elevation point: 1,500 ft
Number of runs: 95
Best for: intermediate to advanced, powder, backcountry
If you’re looking for Rocky Mountain levels of shred but a little closer to home, check out Mount Bohemia located at the far east edge of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Peaking at 1,500 feet with a 900-foot vertical drop, boasting over 22 feet of snowfall, and with an expansive 585 skiable acres – Mount Bohemia is an anomaly of Midwestern resort skiing. You’ll find intense backcountry terrain featuring cliff bands and thick woods, making this the most adventurous ski resort in Michigan.
It was rated the top ski resort in America for intermediate skiers. Even for experienced mountain skiers, Mount Bohemia is sure to push limits and is worth a visit. Just be sure to read up on backcountry ski code and safety protocols before arriving. To help you recover from the intensity, Mount Bohemia also offers a Nordic Spa designed to rejuvenate using hot and cold methods.
4. Ski Brule
Acreage: 150 acres
Highest elevation point: 1,860 ft
Number of runs: 17
Best for: park skiers, beginners, day trips, spring skiing
No list of the best ski resorts in Michigan would be complete without Ski Brule. Even for a relatively small resort of 150 acres, Ski Brule is most often the last Midwestern ski resort to close, sometimes as late as mid-May!
This is a great option for nearby skiers looking to lengthen their ski season by up to a few weeks or develop their technical skills. Ski Brule offers 17 trails and 3 terrain parks. While admittedly small, the elevation is one of the highest in Michigan, standing at a tall 1,860 feet, and the park scene and charm will keep you coming back for more. For those with kids or non-skiers or snowboarders in their group, Ski Brule also offers snow tubing with great deals for groups.
5. Big Snow Resort
Acreage: 400 acres
Highest elevation point: 1,935 ft
Number of runs: 56
Best for: long weekends, intermediate to advanced, groups
For skiers looking for a wide variety of trails and heavy powder, go to Big Snow. This ski resort earns its name with over 17 feet of annual snowfall. Big snow boasts two mountains, with a combined 400 acres of skiable terrain, impressive for a Midwest resort. This resort is closer to Wisconsin than to larger metro areas in Michigan, but it’s worth the trip!
One lift ticket gets you access to both Blackjack Mountain (1,675 feet) and the taller Indianhead Mountain (1,935 feet). Both mountains offer a large spread of runs, 56 total, with something for everyone. Indianhead is more advanced with 15 black diamonds compared to Blackjack which has 9 black diamonds. The large size of the resort and the option for more challenging terrain makes this spot a great option for groups with varied levels of riding abilities. If you’re looking for a true Midwestern experience off the slopes, enjoy a snowmobiling ride or snowshoe expedition. With all that powder, you’re guaranteed a good time.
6. Pine Mountain Ski Resort
Acreage: 160 acres
Highest elevation point: 1,850 ft
Number of runs: 27
Best for: weekend trips, families, ski jumpers, Indy Pass holders
For out-of-town families looking for a ski resort in Michigan that’s easy to get to, Pine Mountain is a solid option. Built near several major highways, this is just a few hours’ drive from many Midwestern cities. A respectable 160 skiable acres with 27 runs and 500 feet, it’s hardly a compromise. Pine Mountain is also known for having one of the best jumping areas and some of the longest standing ski jump records in the US.
7. Mount Holly Resort
Acreage: 100 acres
Highest elevation point: 1,105 ft
Number of runs: 19
Best for: close to Detroit, all-levels, day trips
For Michigan metro area residents looking to get into skiing, we recommend Mount Holly. It’s less than an hour away from Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Lansing while still offering 19 trails at various ski levels, including 8 black diamonds. While only at 1,105 feet of elevation, the relaxed atmosphere, amenities, and close proximity to major cities, this is a metro favorite. Mount Holly also has a massive 4,200 square foot heated paved patio with a fireplace, making it a great place for those as interested in socializing and après ski as skiing, making this a great day trip for metro dwellers.
