2023 Winter Sports: Northern Michigan Snowshoeing

1) Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire

Northern Lower Peninsula Michigan

Snowshoeing at Shanty Creek Resort
Forge your own trail (the trail less traveled is the one you make) or head over to the groomed 3km multi-purpose trail at Schuss Village.

Rental equipment is available from the Nordic Center at Schuss Village.

More About Shanty Creek Resort
Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire, Michigan is a large northern Michigan ski resort set on nearly 5,000 acres.

The resort is broken into three distinct villages: Summit, Schuss, and Cedar River. Each village offers lodging, dining, golf, downhill skiing, and cross-country trails.

Their mountain & village setup makes this one of the best-value ski resorts in Michigan.

At This Destination: Snow Tubing, Dog Sledding, Snowmobiling, Fat Tire Biking, Downhill Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Snowboarding, Lodging

2) Boyne Mountain Ski Resort in Boyne Falls

Northern Lower Peninsula Michigan

Snowshoeing at Boyne Mountain Ski Resort
4 km of dedicated snowshoeing trails.

Equipment rentals are available at the Nordic Center.

More About Boyne Mountain Ski Resort
Boyne Mountain is a favorite when it comes to Michigan ski resorts.

Located in Boyne Falls, this family destination has a lot to offer.

In addition to 60 downhill ski runs on 415 acres of skiable terrain, Boyne Mountain also has other winter activities to keep you busy, like cross country skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire snow biking, and even a winter zipline course.

Beyond that, you'll find fun at Avalanche Bay, Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark, or at their spa.

In the summer, two golf courses, disc golf, lift-serviced mountain biking, and beach activities are a big draw.

At This Destination: Snow Tubing, Fat Tire Biking, Downhill Skiing, Snowboard Ski Lessons, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowboarding, Ice Skating, Lodging

3) Hanson Hills Recreation Area in Grayling

Snowshoeing at Hanson Hills Recreation Area
Rentals available, first come first serve.
Snowshoeing is permitted on all Hanson Hills property except the downhill slopes and cross-country trails.

The Easy Rider loop is approximately 2 miles in length that is fairly flat with a couple of intermediate size climbs.

The Overlook Trail is approximately 2.9 miles and leads you uphill to our "Overlook" that offers a great view of Grayling from the top of our main hill ridge.

More About Hanson Hills Recreation Area
Hanson Hills Recreation Area Offers a variety of Outdoor, year-round recreational activities.

Winter Time Activities include: Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding, Cross Country Skiing, and TUBING!!
Summer Time Activities include: Mountain Biking/Hiking, and Softball Leagues. They also have two Disc Golf Courses.

At This Destination: Snow Tubing, Fat Tire Biking, Downhill Skiing, Snowboard Ski Lessons, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowboarding

4) Treetops Resort in Gaylord

Northern Lower Peninsula Michigan

Snowshoeing at Treetops Resort
Choose between going on your own or opt for a guided snowshoe hike with Treetops' professional and trained staff.

Guided Snowshoe Hike will traverse up the hill to the look out across from the tubing hill where guests will be able to gather around a fire for a few minutes before the hike back. The experience will take about 45 minutes, limited to 20 people per hike. There will be headlamps available for those that wish to have them.

A valid trail pass is required. Limited spots on guided hike.

Rentals available.

Kids ages six and under always ski and stay for free at Treetops.

More About Treetops Resort
Established in 1954. Located in northern Michigan.

Treetops Resort is home to ski hills, golf courses, restaurants, a spa & salon, and numerous lodging options.

In the winter, they offer a big variety of cold-weather activities.

At This Destination: Snow Tubing, Dog Sledding, Snowmobiling, Downhill Skiing, Snowboard Ski Lessons, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowboarding, Sleigh Rides, Winter Event, Lodging

5) Mt. McSauba Recreation Area in Charlevoix

Snowshoeing at Mt. McSauba Recreation Area
Trails are moderately paced and connect to Lake Michigan. While exploring the Mt. McSauba Recreation Area, climb to the top of the sand dunes to capture an awe-inspiring sunset. This trail system has a .7 mile loop to explore.

Experience the magic of snowshoeing or hiking (or cross country skiing) on candle-lit trails. You set your own pace on this self-guided journey at Mt. McSauba. Follow the candle light to our fire and warm up with some hot cocoa

More About Mt. McSauba Recreation Area
Rated one of the top three small ski areas in the U.S. by Ski Magazine, Mt. McSauba offers truly affordable family skiing. More than just a ski slope, Mt. McSauba is a winter recreation playground.

There is a skating rink with a warming cabin on the south side, a lighted sledding hill on the north side and behind the towering dune, a cross-country ski trail.

At This Destination: Sledding, Snow Tubing, Downhill Skiing, Snowboard Ski Lessons, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowboarding, Ice Skating

6) The Highlands at Harbor Springs (Formerly Boyne Highlands Resort) in Harbor Springs

Northern Lower Peninsula Michigan

Snowshoeing at The Highlands at Harbor Springs (Formerly Boyne Highlands Resort)
Snowshoe-only trails begin at the Cross Country Center and lead into a natural wonderland. Breathe deeply, and experience the aroma of mature spruce and pine on the chilled winter air.

Rentals available.

More About The Highlands at Harbor Springs (Formerly Boyne Highlands Resort)
Michigan’s largest ski resort and the highest vertical terrain in the Lower Peninsula!

The Highlands at Harbor Springs is a family-owned, four-season ski resort offering the most skiable acreage in Michigan. It's a perfect destination for beginner and intermediate skiers.

With many special events and a great laid-back vibe, the Highlands is a family favorite.

At This Destination: Snow Tubing, Fat Tire Biking, Downhill Skiing, Snowboard Ski Lessons, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Lodging

7) Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville

Northern Lower Peninsula Michigan

Snowshoeing at Crystal Mountain
Snowshoeing is permitted on all Crystal Mountain property except the downhill slopes and cross-country trails.

A guided snowshoe hike and snowshoe rentals are available as well.

More About Crystal Mountain
Families love Crystal Mountain Resort in Benzie County.

This 1500 acre golf, ski & spa resort destination is just over a two hour drive from Grand Rapids, MI, or approximately 30 miles southwest of Traverse City, MI.

The skiing is good, the staff is friendly and accommodating, and the amenities consistently provide what families need to relax and have fun together.

If you’re looking for a Northern Michigan family ski vacation, Crystal Mountain should be on your list.

At This Destination: Fat Tire Biking, Downhill Skiing, Snowboard Ski Lessons, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowboarding, Sleigh Rides, Ice Skating, Lodging

8) Nub's Nob Ski Area in Harbor Springs

Snowshoeing at Nub's Nob Ski Area
Hike the cross-country trails or the dedicated snowshoe loop. The loop starts near pole 3 of the purple chairlift, winding through the woods and up to the top of JB Arena.

Snowshoers can hike the lit cross-country trail.

Rentals available

More About Nub's Nob Ski Area
Nub’s Nob offers 53 ski slopes and trails on 3 separate peaks, friendly staff, fresh homemade food, an award winning lodge and the most highly decorated snow making and snow grooming Crew in the Midwest.

At This Destination: Downhill Skiing, Snowboard Ski Lessons, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowboarding

9) The Homestead in Glen Arbor

Northern Lower Peninsula Michigan

Snowshoeing at The Homestead
Snowshoe trails wind through the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. One of the trails, Bay View, is just steps from the resort’s Village. There are also several other snowshoe trails just a short drive away.

Rentals available

More About The Homestead
It may be small when it comes to skiable terrain, but The Homestead (near Sleeping Bear Dunes and situated on Lake Michigan) has one of the best ski resort views in the state.

The Homestead is a beachfront resort offering a wide range of unique lodging choices supported by luxurious facilities designed for romantic getaways, family vacations, weddings, reunions and corporate meetings.

At This Destination: Downhill Skiing, Snowboard Ski Lessons, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowboarding, Ice Skating, Lodging

10) Forbush Corner Nordic in Frederic

Snowshoeing at Forbush Corner Nordic
Over 10 km of dedicated snowshoe trails
Snowshoe rentals for on-site usage
Ski Shop, Warming Room, and **NEW** Yurt for changing and taking a break
Variety of snacks and drinks for purchase

More About Forbush Corner Nordic
Forbush Corner Nordic is a recreational non-profit 501(c)(3) cross country ski facility where you and your family can enjoy miles of rolling, wooded trails that are designed for all ability levels.

At This Destination: Snowboard Ski Lessons, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing

11) Ludington State Park in Ludington

Snowshoeing at Ludington State Park
Guided snowshoe walks are held throughout the winter.
You can bring your own snowshoes or borrow one of 40 pairs available on a first-come first-served basis at the state park.
All walks begin and end at the warming shelter complete with picnic tables--and plenty of heat!
The Ludington State Park also offers annual snowshoe making classes during November and December.

More About Ludington State Park
5,300 acres just north of town, known as the Ludington State Park. Here you'll discover sand dunes with spectacular views, hardwood forests, marshlands, and nearly seven miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.

At This Destination: Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing

12) Grand Traverse Resort in Acme

Northern Lower Peninsula Michigan

Snowshoeing at Grand Traverse Resort
Enjoy snowshoeing right here at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa (weather dependent).

Groomed trails

Bring your own or rent ($15- 2hr or $30/day) * Based on snow conditions.

More About Grand Traverse Resort
Our 900-acre property is located 10 miles northeast of downtown Traverse City and features 3 golf courses, spa, private beach club and more.

At This Destination: Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Ice Skating, Lodging

13) Vasa Pathway in Willamsburg

Snowshoeing at Vasa Pathway
The entrance to the Vasa Snowshoe Trail is across from the grooming barn. It meanders up through the Acme Creek Valley on the west side, loops around the Headwaters, and returns down the east side. The approximate total distance is 2.5 miles. It consists of three stacked loops: orange loop is 1.5 miles; green-yellow loop is 0.6 mile, red loop is 0.25 mile.

The loops are marked by snowshoe blazes that are painted on trees on the right side of the trail approximately every 25 paces. The blazes are angled when the trail changes direction. They are painted in both directions.

Please stay to the side of the groomed trail and step over (not on) the classic tracks. Dogs on leashes are welcome on the snowshoe trail. Please pick up after your furry friends.

More About Vasa Pathway
Located on state forest land, the Vasa Pathway features a series of loops (3K, 5K, 10K, 25K) that offer users a variety of challenges from easy to difficult.

At This Destination: Fat Tire Biking, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing

14) Cross Country Ski Headquarters Trails in Roscommon

Snowshoeing at Cross Country Ski Headquarters Trails
Enjoy over 11 miles (18 km) of trails suitable for all abilities and “Ginzu” groomed every morning with the same groomer used in the Olympics.
On weekends, visit Trappers Cabin, just one mile from the trailhead, to warm by the bonfire and enjoy a snack or refreshment.
Snowshoe rentals available. Recommended that you reserve equipment in advance.

More About Cross Country Ski Headquarters Trails
Award-winning cross country ski shop and XC skiing destination. Groomed trails, full service outfitter specializing in XC equipment and winter clothing sales, plus cafe, rentals and lessons. Located in Higgins lake, Michigan.

At This Destination: Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing

15) Otsego Resort in Gaylord

Northern Lower Peninsula Michigan

Snowshoeing at Otsego Resort
4.1 miles of cross-country & snowshoe trails.
Snowshoe rentals available.

More About Otsego Resort
As far as ski resorts in Michigan go, Otsego Club in Gaylord, MI is the place to go for short lift lines, alpine village vibes, and some of the best affordable skiing in lower Michigan. Plus, they have the ski-in River House, an epic ski cabin restaurant tucked in the valley.

This formerly private ski facility is now open to the public.

Ostego Club offers dining, alpine log-style ambiance, conference facilities for 500, 36 holes of Championship golf on the Tribute and the Classic golf courses.

Amenities also include an outdoor summer pool, lighted tennis courts, and a 1200 acre wildlife preserve.

At This Destination: Snow Tubing, Downhill Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowboarding, Lodging