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List of Metro Detroit Downhill-Skiing Resorts and Areas

Places to Go Downhill Skiing

By Laura Sternberg, About.com

Michigan has a lot of ski resorts and areas, but our biggest hills/mountains are up north. In the Metro Detroit Area, there are four ski areas available. They are listed below. Their current snow and trail conditions can be found at Weather Underground.

Alpine Valley

Location: White Lake

Facilities: The resort has a lounge with dancing and a great view.

Trails:
  • 25 slopes (39% easy, 26% intermediate, 35% expert)
  • 300 ft. vertical drop
  • Longest Run: 2,000 feet
  • Ten chairlifts, ten tow ropes and a new Wondercarpet
  • 2 a.m. skiing on Saturday nights
Claim to Fame: Alpine Valley claims it is the largest ski resort in southeastern Michigan. It definitely has the most beginner runs. It also has a snowboarding area for experts with a half pipe. In addition to snow skiing and boarding, it offers snow-blading lessons.

Word on the street: The lodge is pretty old.

Rates for all-day lift ticket:
$30 week day
$45 week end (some day divisions)
Season pass available

Kids: Child care is available
Lessons start at age 4

Mt. Brighton

Location: Brighton off of M-23

Facilities: The Bauery Restaurant and Bar is a sit down restaurant with a great view. The resort also has a cafeteria with picnic benches and a snack bar with outside tables.

Trails:
  • 26 runs (30% easy, 40% intermediate, 30% expert)
  • 250 ft. vertical drop
  • Longest run: 1350 feet
  • Seven chairlifts and ten tow ropes
  • Terrain board park
  • 2 a.m. skiing on Saturday nights
Claim to Fame: Mt. Brighton has the most runs in southeast Michigan.

Word on the street: It is a good resort for beginners. There are lots of snowboarders.

Rates for all-day lift ticket (divided into morning/evening sessions):
$25 weekdays
$30 weekends

Kids: Group lessons start at eight years old, but Mogul Mouse lessons start at age five

Mt. Holly

Location: Holly

Facilities: The resort has two cafeterias, a lounge and a fireplace room.

Trails:
  • 18 slopes (22% easy, 39% intermediate, 39% expert)
  • 350 ft. vertical drop
  • Longest run: 2100 feet
  • Seven chairlifts, five tow ropes and two Wondercarpets
  • Nine black diamond runs and a terrain park with a half-pipe
Claim to fame: Mt. Holly has southeast Michigan's longest run and the highest percentage of intermediate and expert runs.

Word on the street: Mt. Holly has the best terrain in southeast Michigan and the fastest lift. The food is not very good. The resort's snow/run conditions may not be accurate.

Rates for all-day lift ticket:
$28 weekday
$35 weekend
Season pass available

Kids: Lessons start at age five

Pine Knob

Location: Clarkston off of I-75

Facilities: Restaurants include the Quicksilver Cafe (a cafeteria), Off the Wall Lounge and Pinery Snack Bar

Trails:
  • 17 runs (30% easy, 35% intermediate, 30% expert, 5%double diamond)
  • 300 ft. vertical drop
  • Longest run: 1620 feet
  • Six chairlifts, four tow ropes and two Wondercarpets (conveyor belts)
  • Double black diamond and terrain runs
Claim to fame: The resort has double-diamond runs and race leagues. It also prides itself on its snow-making equipment and prowess.

Word on the street: The staff is young and the ski lift is fast.

Rates for all-day lift tickets:
$40 weekdays
$50 weekends

Kids: Ski lessons start at age 5

Sources:

Explore Detroit

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