Ski Areas in Lower Peninsula Michigan
Most of the ski areas in Lower Peninsula Michigan are not as large as the resorts in other parts of the state. They do, however, offer an affordable option for families on a tight budget.
About Ski Areas in Lower Peninsula Michigan
The ski areas in Lower Peninsula Michigan vary in their lift ticket prices, available activities and ambiance. All of the Lower Peninsula Michigan resorts, like most North American ski areas, now permit snowboarding.
In some areas, the addition of snowboarding is an odd contrast between the old and the new. For example, some of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula resorts operate only with rope tows. They do not have chairlifts. This is reminiscent of the ski areas of the 1930s. These small, community-run ski areas do not offer the thrills and excitement of the larger resorts, but they do have a friendly, intimate atmosphere.Crystal Mountain Ski Resort in Michigan
Crystal Mountain is located in Thompsonville, in the northwest section of Lower Peninsula Michigan. It has a base elevation of 750 feet and a summit elevation of 1132 feet. One quad chairlift, two triple chairs, two double chairs and two rope tows transport skiers and snowboarders up its 45 runs. The resort has 65 acres of terrain. Its terrain mix makes it a suitable ski area for beginners and intermediates.
- 19 percent of the terrain is marked green for beginners
- 51 percent of the terrain is marked blue for intermediate
- 30 percent of the terrain is marked black for expert
The Crystal Mountain ski resort season usually begins in December and ends in March or April, depending on snow and weather conditions. The area gets and average of 125 inches of snow. When Mother Nature fails to cooperate, the resort management gives her a hand with their 98 percent snow-making capacity. Night skiing is available seven days a week.
The runs at the Crystal Mountain ski resort tend to be short. This means that the lift lines are long. If possible, avoid this area on weekends, holidays and Spring Break.Caberfae Peaks Ski Resort
The Caberfae Peaks resort is located in Cadillac, Michigan. Like Crystal Mountain, Caberfae is another northwest lower peninsula resort. The Caberfae Peaks ski resort has a base elevation of 1060, which rises to a summit elevation of 1545 feet. It has one quad lift, one triple lift, two double lifts and two rope tows. The Caberfae Peaks resort terrain mix is suitable for all levels of ski and snowboard proficiency. Ski lessons are available.
- 35 percent of the terrain is marked green for beginners
- 33 percent of the terrain is marked blue for intermediate
- 32 percent of the terrain is marked black for expert
The resort usually opens in December and closes in April. Its 200 acres receive about 150 inches of snow each year, which is helped by the resort's 100 percent snow-making capacity.
Mulligan's Hollow Ski Area, Michigan
Mulligan's Hollow can hardly be considered a resort, but it offers a unique, retro-skiing experience for anyone who is doing business in the Grand Rapids area. This charming little hill is located in Grand Haven, Michigan.
Its ten acres of terrain sit at a base elevation of 570 feet, and rise to a summit elevation of 700 feet. It has two rope tows, which are operated by the local community. If you are looking for chairlifts, look elsewhere, but at $8 a ticket, this may be an interesting experience. The terrain is divided into 50 percent beginner and 50 percent intermediate. Night skiing is available.Mt. Holiday
Mt. Holiday is a non-profit ski area located in Traverse City. It is supported by donations. The area was created as a means of offering affordable snow sport activity for the local youth. It has two double chairs, two t-bars and three rope tows.
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