Michigan ski resorts just may surprise you. You've thought and thought about where to plan your next ski vacation. You are narrowing down your selections, but wait! Have you considered skiing Michigan as one of your destinations? If you haven't, then maybe you should. Skiing in Michigan is a delight, and with over 40 ski resorts and properties offering award-winning services, grooming, value and family activities, it's easy to see why Ski Magazine named Michigan the Midwest's Top Ski Destination. It's time you explored your options for skiing in Michigan. And there are plenty of trails for the cross-country enthusiast as well.

Let's be honest, there are many places to go skiing or snowboarding in the Midwest, but how many offer vertical drops over a couple hundred feet? Not too many, and while those who love skiing should enjoy wherever they are, there's just more fun to be had when you can find the appropriate runs to fit your level. Michigan answers the call for skiers and snowboarders who want, and maybe need, that extra edge when looking for skiing in the Midwest. Sometimes as well, it's as much about the scenery and the lodges found in ski town settings that make the experience, and in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula you get the mix you are looking for.

Among the many resorts and properties for Michigan skiing, you might decide to start with a few of the highly adorned spots when planning your trip. At Crystal Mountain skiing Michigan is done the way it's supposed to be. The list of awards for Crystal Mountain Resort is lengthy, with some of the mentionables coming from Ski Magazine. In 2005, the publication went on to deem Crystal Mountain #1 Resort in the Midwest, #1 for Lodging, and #1 for Dining on-mountain food. In 2002-2004 it was also listed #1 for Families, and the awards keep coming. Not only a place of excellence during the Winter, Crystal Mountain is a place to come in the Summer as well. The resort has a development plan through 2010 to add to its village and overall amenities. With 45 ski or snowboard runs, terrain parks, a half-pipe, a snowsports school, and daily NASTAR races, it's the perfect place for families, individuals, and groups looking for a mix of great skiing and great accommodations with award-winning dining. Crystal Mountain Michigan is also the state's only IACC-approved four star resort, making it a great place for business, special events and banquets.

Michigan Map

That's just the beginning of the amazing options for skiing Michigan, where winter truly is a wonderland. Another top destination is Boyne Mountain, at the Boyne Mountain Resort. It's another example of the dedication to Michigan skiing that is worthy of a visit. A four star resort, here you'll find 111 runs across two mountains for both the beginner and the advanced skier. It features the longest super-pipe in North America, and among its many high speed lifts, you'll find the only six-person chair lift in North America. A full staff of dedicated instructors from the U.S. and Austria are there to get you going in case you need some tips. Among the quality of skiing and snowboarding, you'll find many winter activities and attractions from sleigh rides, to ice skating, to snowshoeing and so much more. There are also various spas in the area to keep your spirit feeling rejuvenated and fresh.

Skiing in Michigan isn't reserved for the lower half of the state. In the Upper Peninsula, Michigan skiing is set among the UP's picturesque scenery. Try Big Powderhorn Mountain for your next ski trip. Among the great options in the UP, it offers incredible views, a dose of healthy snowfall each season, a great staff and ski school and a charming Bavarian setting with a complimentary shuttle. Or head to Marquette Mountain or Ski Brule; at any of these, the settings will have you wondering if you're still skiing Michigan rather than Europe.