MAIN Sports Ski Resorts Michigan Ski Resorts & Snowboarding Areas

While most noted for its Great Lakes beaches in summer and winery tours and fall foliage in autumn, Michigan in winter is no less spectacular. With 42 ski areas, 40 terrain parks and more than 3,000 miles of cross country skiing trails, the Wolverine State has it all.

Starting in southern Michigan, the gently rolling hills of snow gives way to beginner and family fun at Alpine Valley near Pontiac. Although not very large, Alpine Valley boasts a convenient location to the state's largest metro areas - Detroit, Dearborn and Ann Arbor - for a quick day trip out on the slopes..

Or, head southwest for an even more casual day out in the snow at Mt. Brighton featuring a ski school and kid's programs.

Heading north, the real action begins in the Lower Peninsula offering 8 different ski resorts with a smorgasbord of activities to suit every taste including skiing, snowboarding, tubing, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing.

With 11 feet of snow per year on average, it's no surprise that Crystal Mountain has become a regional favorite offering 45 downhill slopes, cross-country trails, and accolades as one of the top ski resorts in the Midwest.

The Nubs Nob Ski area is another popular Michigan winter crossroads, usually rated tops among such diverse groups as daredevil snowboarders as well as parents with kids in tow.

Head further north and find Michigan's Big Snow country where the snowfall is measured in hundreds of feet and where ski resorts like Indianhead offer acres of fine powder including 2 snowboarding terrain parks with an Olympic size half pipe.

Or try your skills at nearby Big Powderhorn featuring 253 acres of skiable terrain, 33 trails, 9 lifts and - after a hard day out on the slopes - a heated indoor pool and sauna.

More about Michigan ski resorts and snowboarding areas around the Web:

Michigan Ski Resorts - Find the motherlode of information on Michigan ski areas and resorts with statistical comparisons, snow reports, visitor ratings, photo galleries.

Ski Michigan, Ski and Snowboard Resorts - This is a good directory of all major ski resorts throughout the state by region, including photos and related blogs, message boards.

Go Ski Michigan.com - Here's the state industry association with facts and photos promoting the sport with information on Michigan ski areas, snow reports, hotels & resorts, with related news and press releases.

Ski Upper Michigan - Stay up to date with the latest news and blog entries, snow reports, information on featured area ski resorts, maps.