7 Best Ski Resorts in Michigan, 2024/25
With roughly 40 ski areas and plenty of snowfall, Michigan offers some of the best skiing in the Midwest. Thanks to the Great Lakes’ lake-effect snow, resorts receive 120–180 inches of snowfall annually, ensuring reliable winter conditions for skiers and snowboarders. No matter where you are in the state, you’re never more than two hours from a ski resort, making Michigan one of the most accessible ski destinations in the U.S. Stay tuned as we break down the best ski areas in Michigan, from top-rated resorts to hidden gems worth discovering!
Known for
One of the best ski resorts in Michigan, offering diverse terrain, ski-in ski-out lodging and year-round activities.
- 65 trails across 415 skiable acres, accessible via 10 lifts.
- Ski-in ski-out accommodations, luxury resorts and family-friendly lodging options.
- An array of off-mountain activities, including an indoor water park, ziplining, ice skating, tubing and a full-service spa.
- A vibrant après-ski scene with bars, restaurants and nightlife options.
- Can get crowded on holiday weekends—consider visiting midweek for fewer crowds.
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: 6 Dec 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
- Closing Date: 20 Apr 2025* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) - 36 miles (1 hour)
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) - 170 miles (4 hours)
Why Ski Boyne Mountain Resort
With 65 trails across 415 skiable acres, Boyne Mountain offers a balanced mix of terrain that are accessible via 10 top-notch chairlifts. Comprehensive snowmaking covers all trails, ensuring reliable conditions throughout the season. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, the resort features Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, ziplining and Michigan’s largest indoor water park, making it a true four-season destination. Resort guests and equipment rental customers receive complimentary beginner lift tickets, providing an affordable way to learn the sport.
Located in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Boyne Mountain is a four-hour drive from Detroit, making it an ideal weekend getaway. Lodging options include ski-in ski-out accommodations, family-friendly resorts and cozy condos, ensuring something for everyone. As one of the best ski resorts in Michigan, Boyne Mountain delivers an unbeatable mix of skiing, lodging and off-mountain entertainment, making it a top choice for families, beginners and adventure-seekers alike.
Known for
The largest ski resort in Michigan, featuring the highest vertical terrain in the Lower Peninsula, family-friendly activities and diverse terrain.
- 55 trails across 435 skiable acres, with three terrain parks.
- Kid-friendly amenities, including ski school, Burton Riglet Park and a dedicated beginner area.
- Convenient on-site lodging, plus a variety of dining options and winter activities like tubing, ice skating and snowshoeing.
- Limited après-ski options, but great for a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: 5 Dec 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
- Closing Date: 16 Mar 2025* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) - 20 miles (30 minutes)
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) – 200 miles (3 hours 30 minutes)
Why Ski The Highlands
Just 30 minutes north of Boyne Mountain, The Highlands at Harbor Springs overlooks Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay and offers a low-key, family-friendly atmosphere. With 55 trails across 435 skiable acres, The Highlands features a variety of terrain, including Michigan’s longest ski run. 550 feet of vertical drop ensures fun for all ability levels. Off the slopes, guests can explore miles of cross-country and snowshoe trails, skate at the ice rink, or enjoy the tubing park. Lodging options range from ski-in ski-out condos to cozy cottages and full-service resorts, making it an ideal weekend getaway. While The Highlands has a quieter après-ski scene, visitors can enjoy casual dining, scenic views and a relaxed winter retreat. As one of the best ski resorts in Michigan, it offers a balance of great skiing, stunning scenery and family-friendly activities.
Known for
One of the top-rated family ski areas in North America, offering night skiing, diverse terrain and full-service amenities.
- 59 trails spanning 102 skiable acres, with 22% beginner, 48% intermediate and 30% advanced terrain.
- Half the terrain is available for night skiing, ensuring more time on the slopes.
- 98% snowmaking coverage guarantees excellent conditions all season long.
- A variety of lodging options, including ski-in ski-out accommodations, condos, cottages and luxury hotels.
- Full-service resort with off-slope activities like a spa, indoor pool and kids’ programs.
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: 6 Dec 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
- Closing Date: 6 Apr 2025* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 26 miles (1 hour)
Why Ski Crystal Mountain
It’s not hard to see why Crystal Mountain earned a spot on Parents Magazine’s 10 Best Winter Resorts for Families. The resort features 102 skiable acres with 58 trails, 22% beginner, 48% intermediate and 30% advanced terrain. Half of these runs are open for night skiing, giving families more time on the slopes. Ski and snowboard lessons start at age 3, and kids ages 6 and under (as well as adults ages 80 and over) ski free anytime, making it an ideal destination for both young and senior skiers.
If skiing isn’t your thing, don’t worry—Crystal Mountain also has an award-winning spa, snowshoeing trails and a tubing park. Located three and a half hours northwest of Detroit, its proximity to Lake Michigan and 98% snowmaking coverage ensure reliable conditions all winter long. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly skiing near Lake Michigan or night skiing in Michigan, this resort offers something for everyone!
4. Mount Holly
Known for
Unbeatable convenience in Southeast Michigan, just an hour from Detroit
- Conveniently close to Detroit and Flint (only a one-hour drive)
- Good instructional programs with group and private lessons available
- Affordable lift tickets and night skiing options
- 100 skiable acres with 16 trails and a 351-foot vertical drop
- 100% snowmaking coverage ensures reliable conditions all season
- Relatively small compared to other Michigan resorts but great for beginners
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: 28 Nov 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
- Closing Date: 20 Apr 2025* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
Why Ski Mount Holly
With 100 acres of terrain, 16 trails and a 351-foot vertical drop, Mount Holly may not be the biggest resort in Michigan, but it’s one of the best ski resorts near Detroit for a quick and budget-friendly ski day. Located just an hour northwest of Detroit and 20 minutes from Flint, it’s a natural choice for a day trip. 100% snowmaking ensures reliable conditions, and night skiing means you can hit the slopes after work or school. The high-speed lift system minimizes wait times, making it easy to maximize your ski time. Whether you're a beginner testing out the sport or an advanced rider looking to get in a few turns, Mount Holly offers a convenient and affordable way to experience winter in Southeast Michigan.
Known for
The best place in Michigan for expert and advanced skiers!
- 585 acres of extreme terrain and tree skiing
- 900-foot vertical drop—the largest in the Midwest
- 273 inches of annual snowfall—deepest powder in Michigan
- No beginner terrain, no grooming no easy trails
- Backcountry-style skiing with cliffs, chutes and hike-to runs
- Slopeside lodging in yurts, cabins and hostels
- Access to Nordic Spa and après-ski bar
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: 15 Dec 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
- Closing Date: 16 Apr 2025* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Houghton County Memorial Airport (CMX)- 39 miles (1 hour)
Sawyer International Airport (MQT) - 130 miles (4 hours)
Why Ski Mount Bohemia
Mount Bohemia unapologetically caters to advanced and expert skiers; it was designed that way from the start. There are no ‘green circle’ slopes here, and no grooming – just loads of natural snow courtesy of Lake Superior. Bohemia offers 900 feet of vertical, and nearly all its runs are black diamond – some are even triple black! Its location on the Upper Peninsula might not be convenient for many. Still, extreme skiers and boarders who think they need to head to Colorado or Utah to get their powder and tree skiing fix should definitely give Mount Bohemia a shot!
6. Ski Brule
Known for
Some of the best snow and longest ski seasons in the Midwest!
- Holds record for longest ski season in the Midwest—182 days!
- 150 inches of snowfall annually, with 100% snowmaking coverage
- 150 acres of skiable terrain, 500 feet of vertical drop and 17 trails
- 11 lifts in total, including 5 chairlifts and 3 magic carpets
- Affordable lift tickets, including night skiing access
- Family-friendly activities: tubing, ski school and sleigh rides
- Cozy slopeside lodging, on-mountain dining and après options
- Due to its remote location, lodging options are limited, so plan in advance.
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: 22 Nov 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
- Closing Date: 6 Apr 2025* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Ford Airport (IMT) - 50 miles (1 hour)
Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) - 115 miles (2 hours)
Why Ski Ski Brule
Just one mile from the Wisconsin state line in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Ski Brule is a top pick for Midwest skiers looking for long seasons and great snowmaking. It’s a bit of a trek for Michigan skiers—closer to St. Paul than Detroit—but the drive is worth it. Thanks to its extensive snowmaking system and precise grooming, Ski Brule often opens earlier and stays open longer than most Midwest ski resorts, sometimes into May. With 17 runs, a terrain park and trails stretching up to a mile long, this resort offers a mix of beginner-friendly slopes, wooded glades for advanced skiers, and a dedicated learning area for newcomers. Affordable lift tickets and a variety of family-friendly activities, including tubing and cross-country skiing, make Ski Brule a great value. Looking for a weekend getaway? Stay in nearby Iron River, Michigan, or book a slopeside cabin for easy access to the lifts.
7. Nub's Nob
Known for
A friendly, family-owned ski area with some of Michigan’s best moguls, an award-winning terrain park and top-tier grooming for a smooth ride.
- Well-maintained terrain, including challenging moguls and a nationally recognized terrain park.
- Expert snowmaking and grooming, making for consistently great conditions.
- Welcoming, laid-back atmosphere perfect for families and first-time skiers.
- No slopeside lodging, but accommodations available in nearby Harbor Springs.
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: 13 Dec 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
- Closing Date: 30 Mar 2025* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) - 15 miles (30 minutes)
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) - 200 miles (3 hours)
Why Ski Nub's Nob
Located minutes from Boyne Highlands, Nub’s Nob is one of the best Michigan ski resorts for families and terrain park enthusiasts. The resort has won multiple national awards for grooming and snowmaking, including accolades from Transworld Snowboarding and Outside Magazine. With 53 trails covering 248 acres, a 427-foot vertical drop, and three terrain parks, the resort caters to all levels. Families will love that kids 8 and under (and seniors 70 and over) ski free, and beginners can take advantage of the free beginner’s area and lift. More experienced skiers and riders can test their skills on Michigan’s best moguls, as ranked by NM3, or shred through the award-winning terrain parks. While Nub’s Nob offers some slope-side condos, dining and nightlife options are limited. However, Boyne Highlands Resort is just next door, providing additional restaurants and accommodations. If you're looking for skiing in the Midwest with top-notch snow conditions and family-friendly perks, Nub’s Nob is a fantastic choice.
