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:
- Skiing and snowboarding
- 25 slopes (44% easy, 24% intermediate, 32% expert), three terrain parks, and a 350' half pipe
- Snowmaking: 100% of area
- 300 ft. vertical drop
- Longest Run: 2,000 feet
- Nine chairlifts, four tow ropes and a magic carpet
- New rental skiis in 2010
Claim to Fame: Alpine Valley claims to be the largest ski resort in southeastern Michigan with the most beginner runs.
Word on the street: The lodge is pretty old, but the runs are good for families and intermediate skiers.
Rates for all-day lift ticket:
$31 weekday
$48 weekend
Kids: Lessons start at age 4
Mt. Brighton
Location: Brighton off of M-23
Facilities: The Bauery Restaurant and Bar (sit-down with view)
Cafeteria with picnic benches
Outdoor snack bar
Trails:
- 26 runs (30% easy, 40% intermediate, 30% expert) and two terrain parks
- 250 ft. vertical drop
- Longest run: 1500 feet
- 100% snowmaking
- Seven chairlifts and 11 surface lifts
- 11:30 p.m. to 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 and families. There are lots of snowboarders and the resort is good for all levels of skiers, but there may be a problem with service.
Rates for all-day lift ticket: $31 weekdays / $36 - 46 weekends
Kids: Group lessons start at age eight. Mogul Mouse lessons start at age five.
Mt. Holly
Location: Holly
Facilities: The resort has two cafeterias, a lounge and a fireplace room.
Trails:
- 19 slopes (21% easy, 32% intermediate, 36% expert)
- 350 ft. vertical drop
- Longest run: 2100 feet
- Seven chairlifts, five tow ropes and two magic carpets
- Nine black diamond runs and a terrain park with a half-pipe
Claim to fame: Mt. Holly has southeast Michigan's longest run.
Word on the street: Mt. Holly is great for families with beginner and intermediate skiers. It also gets good marks for the speed of its lifts.
Rates for all-day lift ticket:
$31 weekday
$38 weekend
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) and three terrain parks
- 300 ft. vertical drop
- Longest run: 1620 feet
- 100% snowmaking
- Six chairlifts, four tow ropes and two magic carpets
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:
$31 weekdays
$38 weekends (eight-hour pass)
Kids: Ski lessons start at age 5
Sources:
- Resort websites
- OntheSnow.com (reviews)
- Skiresortsguide.com
- Skireport.com
