05 Dec What’s new on Michigan’s ski slopes and trails for the 2024/25 winter.
The reopening of an iconic Michigan ski area, more hi-speed lifts and the induction of two women into the Michigan Ski Hall of Fame top the list.
Get Ready for a Stellar Season!
“Whether you’re a seasoned skier, a first-time snowboarder, or just in it for the après-ski vibes, Michigan’s ski resorts are ready to welcome you with fresh upgrades, unforgettable experiences, and a true passion for winter fun,” says Mike Panich, Executive Director of the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA). “From the Upper Peninsula to downstate favorites, Michigan’s slopes are calling—so grab your gear, hit the trails, and make this winter your best one yet!”
Below is a rundown of the upgrades on Michigan’s slopes and trails:
After several years of anticipation, Norway Mountain is reopening for the 2024-2025 season. This legendary Upper Peninsula resort has been closed since 2017, but under new ownership, it’s back with a bang. The Hoppes, a local couple, are bringing Norway Mountain to its former glory with improved lifts, snowmaking, and terrain expansion. Expect to see this beloved spot regain its reputation as a top family-friendly destination in the Midwest.
Meanwhile, downstate at Mt. Holly, the new Lightning Express lift is set to make your time on the slopes faster and smoother than ever. This high-speed quad chairlift will give skiers quicker access to the backside of the mountain, cutting down wait times and increasing fun times. It’s the second high-speed quad lift and the only ski area in southeast Michigan with that designation.
The Highlands of Harbor Springs is poised for the 2024/25 winter season, with a host of upgrades and new offerings designed to enhance the guest experience. A brand-new Interconnect triple chairlift will provide improved access to the North Peak region’s family-friendly terrain, significantly reducing lift wait times and maximizing skiing fun. The Highlands is also introducing a flexible ticket option with the SnowFlex Family Pack, allowing families the freedom to ski without blackout dates. With expanded seasonal programs for all ages, guests can participate in a variety of activities, from skiing lessons for young children to advanced programs for adults.
In addition to these enhancements, The Highlands is set to elevate its dining experiences, welcoming back Prime & Vine for its second year, along with new casual options at the Day Lodge, including a Brew Bar and Ramen Bar. Guests can also indulge in fresh waffles at the Waffle Cabin and unwind at the new Blue Bird Bar. The beloved Enchanted Trail returns this winter, featuring special visits from Santa and festive holiday cheer.
Check out the Michigan Ski Hall of Fame display at the Clare Welcome Center, on exhibit from December 2024 through April 2025! This showcase celebrates the pioneers and influencers of Michigan snowsports, including two newly inducted women: Dorie Sarns one of the founders of Nubs Nob in Harbor Springs and Mickey MacWilliams, president of the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association. Can’t make it in person? Explore the virtual Hall of Fame at www.goskimichigan.com for a deep dive into the rich history of Michigan skiing.
Other Notable MSIA Member Updates:
Alpine Valley in White Lake has made upgrades aimed at enhancing both the skiing experience and the resort’s infrastructure by adding another 20+ snow guns to their slopes. Alpine Valley has invested in a terrain park expansion and upgraded its fleet of rental gear.
Focused on improving its already renowned guest experience, Big Powderhorn Ski Area in Bessemer has made updates to the resort’s snowmaking systems and is focusing on maintaining its reputation as a family-friendly resort in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Southwest Michigan’s Bittersweet Ski Resort in Otsego has made notable improvements, including expanded snowmaking capabilities and upgrades to the lodge facilities, aimed at providing a more comfortable environment for visitors. Additionally, they have increased their rental inventory, ensuring that guests have access to the latest gear.
Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls, is opening for the season with an array of upgrades and experiences. Among the highlights, the return of “Lights in the Sky” on SkyBridge Michigan. Over 100,000 lights will illuminate the 1,200-foot pedestrian bridge. With expanded snowmaking capabilities, including new SMI Super PoleCat snow guns, the resort is poised for an extended season and plans to create the “Victor Glacier” on its signature Victor slope. A new, music-synced tubing hill and nearly 18 acres of enhanced glade skiing at Disciples Ridge add to the excitement. The refreshed Team Boyne program and reservable cabanas at Avalanche Bay further cater to all interests.
Cadillac’s Caberfae Peaks continues its dedication to improvements, making major enhancements to snowmaking and guest accommodations. The resort has increased its snowmaking capacity by 33% with a powerful new pump, additional well, and expanded electrical circuits, allowing for more efficient and extensive coverage. On the slopes, Caberfae has added nine new SMI Super PoleCat snow machines and refurbished twelve others, promising top-tier snow quality and longer-lasting conditions. Off the slopes, guests can enjoy renovated rooms featuring custom-made furniture, offering a fresh and cozy retreat after a day of adventure.
Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville is gearing up for an exciting winter season with several improvements. Snowmaking begins in November, with the addition of another SMI Grizzly snow gun, bringing their total to 178 machines, alongside upgrades to snowmaking pipes on the Buck complex for better snow quality and early coverage.
Other updates include the addition of over 400 new sets of rental skis and 55 snowboards, ensuring a variety of equipment for all skill levels. Après-ski takes a cozy turn with new rooftop igloos at the Level4 Lounge, offering heated comfort and scenic views. Guests staying slopeside will also enjoy newly renovated rooms in the Hamlet Hotel, while Nordic skiers can explore expanded trail loops and new rental gear at the Cross-Country Learning Center.
Forbush Corner Nordic in Frederic is expanding its snowmaking capabilities for the season, adding another kilometer to its cross-country ski trails. This brings the total to nearly 3.5 km of snowmaking-equipped trails, including a new beginner loop designed for first-time skiers. SMI Snowmakers of Midland is installing 31 additional snow sticks, boosting the system’s efficiency.
In addition to the ski trail upgrades, Forbush Corner has expanded its snowshoe trails, now offering 8 km of dedicated snowshoeing paths. These improvements ensure a consistent experience for both skiers and snowshoers this winter.
Traverse City’s Hickory Hills will include a rental helmet with all Alpine equipment rentals for the upcoming ski season. Recognizing the importance of helmet safety and a newly formed partnership with Munson HealthCare’s Chill Out for Winter Safety Program, they have added a brand-new fleet of HEAD rental helmets. Additionally, they are incorporating White Peaks Technologies software to enhance their ski management operations.
Superior views abound at Marquette Mountain, Marquette. After an action-packed summer, with everything from thrilling downhill mountain biking and intense gravity series races to unique events like the wife-carrying contest, endurance hill climb, an art fair, and even a quirky cheese roll. Now, as the weather turns colder, they’re starting with a brand-new Winter Fest to kick off the season. The excitement doesn’t stop there—they’re launching SkiMo races, an adult race league, and a freestyle series. Fans of classic Marquette Mountain events won’t be disappointed either, as favorites like World Telemark Day, the legendary two-day Spring Carnival, and the big closing weekend bash will all be back to make the season unforgettable.
Ranked again as a Top 10 Resort in the Country, Mount Bohemia in Lac LaBelle, is bringing some exciting updates, starting with the addition of the “Far East” section. Located beyond the Middle Earth area, this new terrain offers four glade runs that weave through rocky gorges and valleys in the far eastern part of the property. These long, wooded runs lead to the base of the mountain, where Bohemia’s backcountry buses shuttle skiers back to the front side every five minutes.
The resort’s Nordic Spa, Michigan’s only one of its kind, is also expanding. New features include a cold rain mist room inspired by Iceland’s Sky Lagoon, a Turkish steam room with an ancient Rasul treatment, an exfoliation room, and a bio sauna with heat, color therapy, and aroma to promote deep relaxation. Guests can also enjoy the new Crystal relaxation room, featuring heated loungers overlooking the hot tub. The spa is free for Mount Bohemia lodging guests and season passholders, with daily admission available for $49.
Located in Brighton, Mt. Brighton is serving up a new menu at the Ore Creek Mountain Grill. Skiers and snowboarders can now enjoy offerings like brisket quesadillas, pulled pork nachos, BBQ chicken salad sandwiches, and more. The resort is also enhancing its terrain park, ensuring that visitors can hit the snow earlier in the season. For those looking for fun off the slopes, Mt. Brighton is hosting signature events like the Duct Tape Derby, where guests can create their own sleds from cardboard and duct tape, and Sunday S’mores, perfect for warming up by the fire pit.
A comprehensive range of upgrades as part of the Summer 2024 Mountain Improvement Project at Mt. Holiday in Traverse City, made possible by the generous support of the local community. Key enhancements include significant electrical upgrades that have improved lighting in Oleson’s and the Tubing Areas, now featuring energy-efficient LED systems. A new booster station has been engineered and installed, along with the construction of a wet pit, which incorporates environmental measures like revegetation and water aeration. The pumphouse has undergone extensive development, complete with new wiring, insulation, and control panels. The snowmaking system has also received a full overhaul, including the installation of new steel piping, air release vaults, and snowmaking hydrants, along with essential electrical. The snowmaking capabilities have been enhanced with the addition of new equipment, including Super PoleCat mobile snowmakers and Grizzly low-e sticks. Additional improvements feature a reshaped pond reservoir, a new wet well, and over 6,000 feet of underground piping and 8,000 feet of power cable, alongside 36 new HTM hydrants and 12 SMI snow guns. With these enhancements now complete, Mt. Holiday poised to be ready for a snowy winter on the slopes.
“Where Skiers Go”, Nub’s Nob located in Harbor Springs has invested in facility upgrades for the season. The resort has added five new snow guns to boost snowmaking and installed 100 LED lights to enhance night skiing. On the service side, Nub’s Nob continues to offer the popular Ski Odyssey program for beginners while introducing two new initiatives: Women-Ski-Wednesdays, a women-only lesson program, and Birch Run Racers, a race training program for local league skiers.
Pine Knob Ski & Snowboard Resort in Clarkston, Michigan, has upgraded its snow grooming and snowmaking technology to ensure high-quality snow conditions across its trails, enhancing the ski experience for all visitors.
One of the closer “Up North” areas, Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire is gearing up for an exciting winter season with several new updates aimed at enhancing the guest experience. Upgraded snowmaking systems ensure optimal coverage on the slopes, even in less-than-ideal weather, while the introduction of MSnow technology on chairlift loading ramps will improve control and reduce the need for constant snow grooming. Additionally, private ski and snowboard lessons now include evening sessions, offering more flexibility for guests.
Shanty Creek also introduces a new 18km cross-country trail system through Schuss Village, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a scenic, heart-healthy workout. For those looking to enjoy the resort without skiing, the new Alpina Snow Glider offers a relaxing, hour-long ride through the picturesque 5,500-acre resort. With a range of winter activities across its four villages, Shanty Creek is set to deliver memorable experiences for every winter adventurer.
Iron River’s Ski Brule has made key upgrades, enhancing both the mountain and guest facilities. They’ve added SMI Snowmaking Machines, new snowmaking pipes, a groomer, and a snowmaking valve house to improve snow conditions. The Brule Main Lodge received new siding and windows, while the Rental Center underwent bathroom renovations and new flooring. Additionally, Ski Brule expanded its rental fleet with new skis and snowboards, ensuring an even better experience for visitors this winter.
Snow Snake Ski & Golf in Harrison is enhancing its snowmaking capabilities with a new large well. The resort has also introduced online ticketing for snow tubing, making it easier for guests to plan their visits. Additionally, Snow Snake is launching Ski and Snowboarding Skill Academies. This season features a variety of events and promotions, including an Adult Race League, Youth Race Academy, and an After School Program for kids. Guests can enjoy Free Lesson Sundays and live music every Saturday in the Avalanche Lounge. Snow Snake is also offering weekly deals, including Military Day on Tuesdays, BOGO Lift Tickets on Wednesdays, and Student Day on Thursdays.
Raising the bar with a series of impressive improvements designed to enhance the guest experience, SnowRiver Mountain Resort located in Wakefield has added thirteen new TechnoAlpin snowguns and four additional SMI Standard Polecats with onboard booster pumps, ensuring more reliable snow coverage in key areas. To streamline lift access, the resort has introduced new Axess gates for direct-to-lift entry. Guests will also enjoy upgraded amenities, including a new fitness center in The Lodge at Jackson Creek and a new patrol treatment room in the Sugar Maple Chalet. Additionally, SnowRiver has expanded its fleet of performance demo skis, offering more options to enhance the on-mountain experience.
When you pull into Swiss Valley located in Jones this season, the first thing you’ll notice is the newly resurfaced parking lot (a late 2023 upgrade) and a fresh coat of paint on the classic Swiss-style architecture. On the slopes, Shanda’s Lap Terrain Park and the beginner’s area will be running smoother with brand-new ropes, while both quad lifts have received new haul ropes over the offseason. Quad 83, the first chairlift experience for many beginners at Swiss Valley, now offers a much gentler descent thanks to a redesigned off-ramp. In the rental department, there’s a new fleet of children’s snowboards, along with updated kids’ skis, boots, extra helmets, and poles. Snowmaking capabilities have also been boosted with two new SMI snow guns and the installation of additional electrical lines, increasing production and coverage. The Swiss Valley Ski & Board Shop features new gear from Nidecker, Flow, and Salomon.
Exciting news for skiers at Treetops Resort, located in Gaylord, this winter with the off-season expansion of two new trails. The first, “Razzle Dazzle,” just off Jumpin’ Judas and Ridge Run, promising a thrilling new experience for those who love gladed slopes. The second, “Woodsplitter,” adds a fresh new route between Kathryn’s Way and Lookout, offering another option to explore Treetops’ scenic terrain.
Cross Country Ski Headquarters in Higgins Lake is celebrating 50 years of Nordic skiing this winter. Since 1974, it has offered groomed trails through beautiful evergreen forests, creating a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. Now a nationally recognized destination, the Headquarters combines skiing, events, and a specialty retail shop with consciously crafted meals and drinks at the Stone Turtle Café.
This season’s events include the Bavarian Ski Festival on January 25, a 50th Anniversary Ribs and Blues celebration on February 22, and the Michigan Cup Relays on March 9. With free beginner lessons every Saturday and sustainable, locally sourced food, Cross Country Ski Headquarters continues to deliver an authentic winter experience.
Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) was formed in 1991 as the trade association for the ski and snowboard industry in our state. Our main purpose is to increase awareness of snowsports such as skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing in Michigan and to introduce new individuals to the sport.