The Enjoyer Guide to Ski Resorts

Boyne Mountain and The Highlands are perfect for a full trip, but a day at Bittersweet or Caberfae could be plenty
Skiiers getting off chairlift

As February rolls in, prime conditions for skiing and snowboarding are approaching, so fire up the hand warmers and throw back a Fireball shooter! This is our Ski Guide for 2025.

Snowy scene at ski resort

The Highlands 

If you go skiing or snowboarding in Michigan, The Highlands needs to be considered when booking your next trip. With over 400 acres of skiable terrain, including three terrain parks and 53 slopes, this spot is pretty sweet for Michigan standards. 

It also has the Rolls-Royce of chairlifts. Known as a bubble chairlift, this baby has six seats, seat warmers, and a shield to block the wind and snow. This resort also has the Ford Model T of chairlifts. Overall, this resort is at the top of our list. 

Snowy scene at ski resort with chairlift
Skiiers on chairlift
Snowy scene at ski resort

Boyne Mountain 

If the conditions and snow are right, this place is a dream, with groomed runs for all skill levels. But the culture here at Boyne is difficult to put a finger on. The area has a small-town northern Michigan thing going on, but the resort doesn’t follow that theme. It has more of a corporate feel, with a tall resort building. 

Who am I to hate, though? This place has an indoor water park, perfect for après ski. Coming in at No. 2, Boyne Mountain might not blow you away, but it’s hard to have a bad time here. 

Snowy scene at ski resort
Snowy scene at ski resort
Snowy scene at ski resort

Caberfae 

The mom-and-pop resort award goes to Caberfae. Limited chairlift lines, good back country, and a parking lot so close you can ski in and ski out from your vehicle. 

This place on a pow day would be some of the better backcountry in Michigan, though I hear Mount Bohemia is great too. For West-siders, this is a day trip. Caberfae is your best choice with only a 90-minute drive from Grand Rapids. This quiet resort off the beaten path comes in at No. 3. 

Snowy scene at ski resort with snowboarders

Bittersweet

Chicagoans and southern Michiganders, this is your homefield. Think of Cannonsburg, but a little more legit. One of the main reasons this resort comes in at No. 4 is due to it’s size. With only 20 runs while fully operational, this hill lacks longer and more advanced trails. Caberfae, the second smallest resort on this list, is double the size of Bittersweet—but that’s enough shade thrown.

If big jumps are your thing, look no further. Bittersweet later in the year is the spot for you. With one of the better terrain parks, I highly recommend this spot to party junkies and beginners.

Snowy scene at ski resort with chairlift

It’s hard to go wrong with any of these spots. When pricing is pretty comparable, it really comes down to how far you are willing to travel. If you’re looking to plan a trip with friends, I would highly recommend The Highlands or Boyne Mountain. These two resorts have the big northern Michigan feel to them. If you only have one day to ski, Caberfae or Bittersweet are good enough.

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