Did you know that Detroit is close to some pretty great ski resorts? Yep, it’s totally true! That’s because the ‘lake effect’ from the Great Lakes causes all sorts of snow every winter! While it can be a con of living in Detroit, the snow brings a chilly paradise if you’re into winter sports. We’ve put together a handy checklist for your ski weekend in Michigan. (You’re welcome). Here you’ll find the closest ski resort to Detroit (and some honorable mentions). Plus, some info about how to plan a great ski weekend — Michigan style. So wax those ski’s because it’s time to take advantage of all that powdery goodness!
The #1 Closest Ski Resort to Detroit: Alpine Valley
There are several ski resorts within an hour’s drive of Detroit. Alpine Valley is one of them, and it’s worth the drive! Offering 25 slopes from beginner to expert, you’ll find something for the whole fam. For example, there are three slopes for children. Also, private lessons are available for children under four years old. And check this out! They offer an “Outer Space” themed ski class for kids to learn how to ski even more fun! But don’t get us wrong, Alpine Valley has plenty to challenge experts. At less than an hour’s drive from Detroit, you can easily make a day trip of it!
Alpine Valley
6775 Highland Rd.
White Lake, MI 48383
(248) 887-2180
The #2 Closest Ski Resort to Detroit: Pine Knob Resort
Another excellent ski resort less than an hour from Detroit is Pine Knob. Pine Knob is a family skiing fave! With only 17 runs, it’s a bit smaller than some, but it makes it up with excellent skiing programs. For example, one thing we enjoy is their Junior Development Racing Program. They also offer lessons from toddlers all the way to adults looking to snowboard and snow ski like pros. It’s amazing a ski resort this fantastic is so close to Detroit! Ski weekend Michigan, here we come!
Pine Knob Ski And Snowboard Resort
7778 Sashabaw Rd.
Clarkston, MI 48348
(800) 642-7669
Honorable Mention: Boyne Mountain
100% transparency, Boyne Mountain resort is not the closest ski resort to Detroit. However, it’s only four short hours away. While that might be better for a long weekend, it would certainly be worth the trip! With over 400 acres and 60 amazing ski runs, Boyne Mountain is awesome! You’ll find killer snowboarding. This place has massive drops you have to experience at least once in your lifetime. Also, they offer an indoor waterpark called Avalanche Bay! We recommend staying at Mountain Grand Lodge and Spa. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s also connected to the Avalanche Bay water park! (Trust us, your kids will love it!) The closest ski resort to Detroit? Nope, but definitely one of the best!
Boyne Mountain
1 Boyne Mountain Rd.
Boyne Falls, MI 49713
(231) 549-6000
Honorable Mention: Mt. Holly
Does the thought of flying down the longest run in southeast Michigan send a chill down your spine? If yes, Mt. Holly is the place for you every winter weekend! They’ve got 20 world-class slopes, including nine black diamond runs! They also have beginners and intermediate runs for those who are still learning. Mt. Holly offers Kindersparks sessions where kids from 5 to 10 years old can also learn the basics. The best news about this excellent ski resort? Like most of the other wonderful locations on this list, Mt. Holly is less than an hour outside of Detroit! Every weekend can be a ski weekend, Michigan!
Mt. Holly
13536 S. Dixie Hwy
Holly, MI 48442
(248) 634-8269
Honorable Mention: Mt. Brighton Ski Area
Another fantastic ski resort very close to Detroit, Mt. Brighton Ski Area, is less than an hour away! The skiing here is fantastic, no doubt. However, one of the main attractions is Olympic Gold medalist Lindsey Vonn! She gives specialized instruction at the resort that you won’t find anywhere else! (Getting ski lessons from an Olympic legend? Yes, please!) Frankly, it’s a more family-oriented resort. Therefore, younger and beginner skiers will love it. The good news, however, is they have 25 slopes and plenty of lifts. That means you’ll be out grabbing some air rather than standing in line all day. Also, being this close means you can head over to Mt. Brighton Ski Area for an afternoon! Drive up, hit some powder, and be home for dinner! You can’t do that in Miami!
Mt. Brighton Ski Area
4141 Bauer Rd.
Brighton, MI 48116
(810) 229-9581
How To Plan a Ski Weekend Michigan
Planning a ski weekend in Michigan and Detroit is easy with so many great resorts nearby! Here’s what we recommend:
- Make plans 2 or 3 weeks early, if possible, and reserve lodging.
- Check your ski equipment and make sure it’s in good condition.
- If not, decide to buy or rent your gear.
- Cross your fingers that it snows and gives you some fresh powder!
- Go to the closest ski resort to Detroit that looks best to you!
How To Store Ski and Snowboard Equipment
Above all, skiing and snowboarding equipment can take up a lot of extra space. Therefore, we recommend renting a storage unit in Detroit from iStorage. At iStorage, you can easily and cheaply rent a small storage unit to store everything. Getting in and out is super easy, also! Additionally, our locations around Detroit are clean, safe, and include 24/7 video security.
If you have questions about storing gear, chat with us online! Also, you can easily rent a storage unit online right now! Simply fill in the application, pick the unit you need, and it’ll be ready when you arrive! Ski weekend, Michigan? With excellent resorts this close, that’s a big yes for Detroit!