Northern Michigan offers skiing from late November through March. After sharpening their edges, checking their bindings, and finding the perfect wax, Michigan downhill skiers head north for some great Thanksgiving downhill skiing. Some downhill skiers even venture to Searchmont just north of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

This year the ski resorts have some fabulous seasonal rates like the Homestead, which is offering season passes as low as $99.00. Skiers should check the other popular resorts, like Treetops/Sylvan near Gaylord, for other lift ticket specials.

Downhill skiers should be making their December holiday reservations now. Schuss and Shanty Creek have great slopes for everyone from the beginner through the expert with lots of après ski activities. Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville has wonderful accommodations and lots of activities for children. Beginners find Crystal a great place for lessons while the experts are drawn to the slopes with black diamonds and challenging trails. Treetops/Sylvan Resort is an easy destination for travelers on I-75. Skiers, who prefer Boyne Highlands, Boyne Mountain, and Nubs Nob, always have a great time during the holidays at those resorts.

In January, all of the downhill ski resorts have mid-week specials and fabulous lodging with pools, Jacuzzis, and room style choices from rooms to suites. They also have special entertainment and dining packages. For skiers from the southern regions of Michigan, there are some interesting downhill ski resorts within an hour drive from the metropolitan areas for mid-week, after work get-a-ways-and a relaxing change of pace.

February downhill skiing in Michigan is the best in the mid-west. Crystal Mountain, Shanty-Schuss, the Boynes, Nubs Nob, Treetops, and Caberfae have one-day, mid-week, and weekend specials. Additionally, they have Valentine's Day, Martin Luther King, and Presidents' Day events that all skiers enjoy.

Because March is the end of the Michigan downhill ski season, many of the ski resorts have carnivals, festivals, and silly relays. The ski resorts also have great end of season sales.

Snowboarders must remember that most downhill ski resorts allow snowboarding and have special runs for people who want to learn to snowboard.

Many Michigan downhill ski resorts are near quaint northern Michigan towns and villages with great restaurants, shopping, and, in some cases, gaming. For example, Crystal Mountain is near Manistee. Skiers at Shanty-Schuss can find gaming only minutes away from Turtle Creek Casino and the Grand Traverse Resort. Other skiers in northern Lower Michigan can find gaming in Petoskey at Odawa.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula also has some incredible ski areas.  Marquette Mountain offers runs for the beginner to the experienced.  Just minutes outside of Marquette, are plenty of great lodging and shopping opportunities.  Marquette Mountain has recently added a new chair lift, allowing for three skiers to ride to the top in comfort, as well as a new kid's area and many other improvements.

Farther to the north, in the Copper Country, is Mount Bohemia, located near Copper Harbor, as well as Mount Ripley, literally a two minute ride from the Houghton Hancock area.  Also located near Michigan Technological University, there is plenty of accommodations to suit your travel needs. 

The western Upper Peninsula is also a skiers dream, with resorts aplenty:  The Porcupine Mountains located near Ontonagon, Pine Mountain and Norway Mountain located near Iron Mountain, Indian Head Mountain located near Wakefield, Blackjack Mountain located near Bessemer, as well as Big Powder Horn Mountain located near Ironwood.  All these areas offer plenty of places to stay, as well as plenty of places to shop. 

With all this skiing available, you might just want to move here!