2017 Ski North!

Winter has roared into Northern Michigan, and that means one thing: time to ski and ride. Whether you dig green circles, blue squares or double black diamonds, the slopes Up North will keep the fun factor high. Here’s our 2017 guide to getaways for every type of alpine adventure.

- Kate Bassett

Beginner

The secret to selecting the right Northern Michigan ski resort for newbies isn’t actually a secret at all. There are simply no wrong choices. Being beginner-friendly is a point of pride for Michigan hills, so most have designated areas designed to bring success to the sport’s novices, regardless of age.

Caberfae

If your squad’s goal is starting with the bunny hill—and quickly evolving beyond it—seek ski deals that won’t break the bank. One spot famous for this is Caberfae Peaks in Cadillac, where gold medal packages like “stay one night, ski two days” for as low as $69 per person exist. The resort also offers smart options like Family Fun Sundays, January through March, when lift tickets, rentals, and lessons for three are only $49 ($15 per extra family member).

Boasting the highest chair lift in lower Michigan, Caberfae can provide vertically averse skiers the chance to soak in a 360-degree view of Manistee National Forest while still gaining easy access to backside beginner favorites like the Smiling Irishmen and Easy Street runs. For strong skiers who are looking to advance their backcountry capabilities, there’s nothing quite like the 25-plus-acre area Caberfae opened up a few years ago. It’s a boots-back hike to the enormous day lodge at the base of the slopes, but getting to experience backcountry terrain without the West’s cliffs or huge boulders is an ideal way to start skiing “off piste.”

Added bonus: The day lodge, with its two-story stone fireplace and Adirondack chairs, makes for perfect hot cocoa breaks. CABERFAEPEAKS.COM

The Homestead