Affordable access
The cost varies by ski area but will not exceed $45 per child. Many participating areas charge less.
Learning outside the classroom
School Ski Days
Turn a Michigan winter day into an active, educational field trip students will remember.
A winter field trip
Give students a new way to learn and move
According to the Let’s Move campaign, kids need at least 60 minutes of active and vigorous play each day to stay healthy. Michigan Snowsports Industries Association invites all schools to take a field trip to their nearby ski area for a special experiential learning program and lots of fun outside this winter. A field trip is best suited for kids seven years of age and older.
The School Ski Days field trip program includes:
- A tour of the ski facility.
- An explanation, prior to skiing, of the Skier’s Responsibility Code and safe skiing techniques.
- The use of rental equipment (if needed).
- A ski or snowboard lesson. Children will be divided by ability.
- Information on the science of making snow.
- Free time on the slopes to practice skiing and have fun!
Cost of the Program
The participating ski areas have agreed to provide the School Ski Days program as inexpensively as possible. The objective is to introduce children to skiing and snowboarding and to get them outside, enjoying Michigan’s winter in a fun, safe environment. The cost varies from ski area to ski area but will not exceed $45 per child. Many ski areas charge less. Transportation is not included. If you have children with special needs, please discuss this with the ski area, as we will do our best to accommodate all children.
Enrolling
Please call the representative at the ski area you wish to visit to plan your School Ski Days field trip.
A complete experiential learning day
Each participating ski area builds a safe, welcoming introduction to skiing or snowboarding.
- A guided tour of the ski facility.
- An introduction to the Skier’s Responsibility Code and safe skiing techniques.
- Rental equipment for students who need it.
- A ski or snowboard lesson, with children grouped by ability.
- An explanation of the science behind snowmaking.
- Time on the slopes to practice, build confidence, and have fun.
Program cost and enrollment
Transportation
Transportation is not included. Schools should arrange bus or other transportation directly.
Inclusive planning
Discuss special needs with the ski area when arranging the trip. Participating areas will do their best to accommodate every child.
Participating ski areas
Contact the representative at the ski area you would like to visit to schedule your School Ski Days field trip.
| Ski area | Location | Contact | Connect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bittersweet Ski AreaDownhill skiing and snowboarding | 600 River Rd. Otsego, MI 49078 |
Jayne Peet(269) 694-2820 ext. 71 | |
| The Highlands at Harbor SpringsDownhill skiing and snowboarding | 600 Highlands Harbor Springs, MI 49740 |
Logan Price(231) 526-349 | |
| Boyne MountainDownhill skiing and snowboarding | 1 Boyne Mountain Road Boyne Falls, MI 49713 |
Kayla Potter(231) 549-6203 | |
| Caberfae Peaks Ski ResortDownhill skiing and snowboarding | 1 Caberfae Lane Cadillac, MI 49601 |
Missy Smithwick(231) 862-3000 ext. 164 | |
| Cannonsburg Ski AreaDownhill skiing and snowboarding | 6800 Cannonsburg Rd. Cannonsburg, MI 49317 |
(616) 874-6711 | |
| Cross Country Ski HeadquartersCross-country skiing only | 9435 North Cut Rd. Roscommon, MI 48653 |
Mariah Frye(989) 821-6661 | |
| Crystal Mountain ResortDownhill skiing and snowboarding | 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr. Thompsonville, MI 49683 |
Kyle Peterson(231) 378-2000 ext. 2003 | |
| Forbush Corner NordicCross-country skiing only | 4971 W. County Road 612 Frederic, MI 49733 |
Ann Wagar(989) 614-1955 | |
| Marquette MountainDownhill skiing and snowboarding | 4501 M-553 Marquette, MI 49855 |
Group Sales(906) 225-1155 | |
| Mont RipleyDownhill skiing and snowboarding | 49051 N. Ski Hill Lane Hancock, MI 49930 |
Kristin Delpierre(906) 487-2340 | |
| Mt. Brighton Ski AreaDownhill skiing and snowboarding | 4141 Bauer Rd. Brighton, MI 48116 |
Bill Snyder(810) 229-9581 ext. 312 | |
| Mt. HolidayDownhill skiing and snowboarding | 3100 Holiday Rd. Traverse City, MI 49686 |
Emily Skydowske(231) 938-2500 | |
| Mt. HollyDownhill skiing and snowboarding | 13536 Dixie Hwy. Holly, MI 48442 |
Kurt Payne(248) 634-3249 | |
| Pine Knob Ski ResortDownhill skiing and snowboarding | 7778 Sashabaw Rd. Clarkston, MI 48348 |
Mary Dawson(248) 625-0800 ext. 3 | |
| Shanty CreekDownhill skiing and snowboarding | 5780 Shanty Creek Road Bellaire, MI 49615 |
Julie Clark(231) 533-3000 ext. 3665 | |
| Ski BruleDownhill skiing and snowboarding | 397 Brule Mountain Rd. Iron River, MI 49935 |
(800) 362-7853 | |
| Snow Snake Ski & GolfDownhill skiing and snowboarding | 3407 E. Mannsiding Rd. Harrison, MI 48625 |
(989) 539-6583 | |
| Swiss ValleyDownhill skiing and snowboarding | 13421 Mann Street Jones, MI 49061 |
Sarah Lambert(269) 244-5635 | |
| The HomesteadDownhill skiing and snowboarding | 1 Woodridge Rd. Glen Arbor, MI 49636 |
Kristie Hayes(231) 334-5249 | |
| Timber RidgeDownhill skiing and snowboarding | 07500 23 1/2 Street Gobles, MI 49055 |
(269) 694-9449 | |
| Treetops ResortDownhill skiing and snowboarding | 3962 Wilkinson Rd. Gaylord, MI 49735 |
Alex Hughes(989) 731-8815 |
Ready to plan?
Start with a participating ski area
Choose a destination from the table and contact its representative directly to discuss dates, group size, pricing, equipment, and student needs.
View participating ski areas