Winter Adventures: Skiing, Snowboarding, and Cozy Cabins in Michigan
Nestled in the rolling hills just outside Traverse City, the Crystal Mountain Resort offers a quintessential Michigan winter experience. About 30 miles southeast of downtown Traverse City, this resort features over 50 ski runs catering to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. The Summit Run, a favorite among locals, winds through dense pine forests and stretches nearly two miles from the 1,200-foot summit down to the base lodge. What sets Crystal Mountain apart is its panoramic views of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the distant shores of Lake Michigan, visible on clear winter days. The resort’s well-groomed trails and reliable snowfall make it a prime destination from late November through early April, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy Michigan’s fresh powder away from the crowds.
Further north near Gaylord, the Schuss Mountain Ski Area sits roughly three hours north of Detroit and stands as a family-friendly hub for winter sports enthusiasts. Schuss offers 27 downhill trails and a terrain park that appeals to snowboarders eager to practice jumps and rails. The highlight here is the long, cruiser-friendly Main Trail, perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers looking to build confidence on gentle slopes. Because Gaylord lies in Michigan’s snow belt, the area enjoys some of the state’s heaviest lake-effect snow, creating fluffy, consistent conditions throughout the heart of winter. After a day on the slopes, visitors can warm up in the cozy base lodge, which often features local craft beers and hearty comfort food.
In the western Upper Peninsula, near Marquette, the Marquette Mountain provides an adventurer’s dream about 5 miles northwest of the city center on the shores of Lake Superior. The mountain’s summit rises to 1,138 feet and offers a diverse mix of trails, including the challenging “Pine View” and the scenic “Lake View” runs that overlook the vast lake. What truly distinguishes Marquette Mountain is the dramatic contrast between dense northern hardwood forests and the expansive, icy shoreline of Lake Superior seen from the lifts. The UP’s colder, snowier climate typically guarantees powdery slopes well into March, making it a prime spot for those who want to combine skiing with the rugged beauty of Michigan’s north woods.
Just a short drive east from Ann Arbor, about 20 minutes, the Mount Brighton Ski Area is a convenient winter destination for metro Detroit residents. While smaller in size compared to northern resorts, Mount Brighton boasts 23 slopes with a variety of terrain parks that cater especially well to snowboarders and freestyle skiers. The ski area is known for its advanced snowmaking technology, ensuring consistent surfaces even during warmer spells. The relaxed vibe and easy accessibility make it a perfect spot for quick day trips or learning the basics of skiing and snowboarding before heading to more challenging mountains up north.
When winter turns to a quieter pace, the town of Harbor Springs along Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula offers an inviting mix of cozy cabins and charming winter scenery. Situated roughly 40 miles north of Petoskey on Little Traverse Bay, this lakeside village enchants visitors with its historic architecture and snow-blanketed streets. The nearby Boyne Highlands Resort provides access to over 50 ski runs and cross-country trails, but the true appeal here lies in the warmth of cabin life. Many rentals feature stone fireplaces, rustic wood interiors, and easy access to snowshoeing routes through the surrounding forests. The winter evenings here feel magical, with snow falling softly and the quiet lapping of icy waters nearby.
Down in southern Michigan near Holland, the Bittersweet Ski Resort offers a compact but charming winter escape about 30 minutes west of Grand Rapids. Bittersweet’s 17 well-maintained trails range from beginner-friendly runs to steeper hills that challenge experienced skiers. Its intimate size fosters a welcoming community atmosphere, highlighted by evening night skiing under floodlights on select runs. What makes Bittersweet unique is its location in the heart of Michigan’s scenic lakeshore region, where crisp winter air mingles with the scent of pine and fresh snow. Visitors can pair a day on the slopes with a stroll through Holland’s Dutch-inspired downtown, where cozy cafés and festive lights add a warm glow to cold winter nights.
For those seeking a truly rustic cabin experience, the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula delivers unmatched wilderness and quiet. About 70 miles west of Marquette, the park offers miles of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails winding through old-growth forests and along icy rivers. The historic Lake of the Clouds Overlook provides breathtaking views of frozen waterfalls and snow-covered ridges, a highlight for all who venture here in winter. Visitors can rent cabins or stay in the park’s rustic lodges, waking up to the serene sound of snow settling on ancient pines. The remote location and vast wilderness make this park an exceptional destination for those wanting to immerse themselves fully in Michigan’s winter landscape beyond the ski lifts.