List of Metro Detroit Downhill-Skiing Resorts and Areas

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:

• Resort websites
• Skiresortsguide.com
• Skireport.com