DTE Energy : Where to hit the slopes in Michigan

As the snow starts to fall, Michigan skiers and snowboarders can't wait to hit the slopes. In fact, with 51 different ski areas, 1,000 runs and 50 terrain parks, Michigan ranks second in the U.S. when it comes to the number of skiing areas in one state. The snowboarding community recognizes Michigan's very own Muskegon as the 'birthplace of snowboarding' after Sherman Poppen tied two skis together for his daughters in 1965. With the mitten being the perfect place for winter sports and with so many different ski locations to choose from, we've listed a few of our favorites for you to enjoy this winter.

Mount Bohemia and Voodoo Mountain

If you'd like to visit the Western Upper Peninsula, Mount Bohemia, located in Mohawk, features the highest vertical drop in the Midwest at 900 feet. This location is also home to the state's longest run, Ghost Trail, which is 1.74 miles in length. Voodoo Mountain, a new addition to the resort, will open this December and has a vertical drop of around 700 feet. Along with this addition, the resort also claims it will be 'the first commercial snowcat operation east of the Rockies' where, instead of ski lifts, individuals can be taken up the mountain in 18-person snowcat and later be picked up by the vehicle after they've made it down the mountain.

Boyne Resorts

Just 30 miles apart from each other, sister locations Boyne Mountain Resort and Boyne Highlands are great for avid skiers and snowboarders. Boyne Resorts is the largest privately-owned ski and golf corporation in the country. Boyne Mountain, located in Boyne Falls, offers 60 downhill runs spanning over 415 acres. Boyne Highlands, located in Harbor Springs, contains 435 skiable acres, features the highest vertical terrain in the Lower Peninsula at 552 feet and has 55 runs available. Skiing and snowboarding aren't your thing? The resort also has other activities such as ice skating, snowshoeing, and even a zip line open to people of all ages. If you'd like to warm up and grab a bite to eat, enjoy some great American cuisine at Everett's.

Crystal Mountain

SKI Magazine recognized the family-owned Crystal Mountain Resort as a 2018 Golden Eagle Award winner. Not to mention, Conde Nast Traveler listed it as a top ten best ski resort for families. The mountain, located in Thompsonville, has 58 downhill slopes, including 27 that are lit for those who want to hit the slopes for some skiing after sundown. The vertical drop is around 375 feet making this a great location for beginners to develop their skills. The resort also has 15.5 miles of cross-country skiing trails, including 2.5 miles of trail that's lit up at night.

Looking for other ski locations in Michigan? Pure Michigan has a great list of locations to choose from here.