Snowboarding is a sport that is perfect for winter activities. It’s something you can do with your family, friends, or even by yourself, but when it comes to where you can snowboard, there are only a few places where it stays cold enough to properly enjoy the sport.
Michigan is an excellent place to snowboard! With plenty of hills and resorts, Michigan has something for everyone.
The state has the perfect mix of mountains, pristine slopes, lakes, and city life for a fantastic winter getaway.
The state also has numerous resorts that offer excellent terrain for all riders and plenty of opportunities to learn and improve your skills whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider.
In this article, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about snowboarding in Michigan.
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15 Best Places For Snowboarding in Michigan
Michigan has a lot to offer any snowboarder, including many mountains with suitable terrain for all riders. Here are thirteen great places to go snowboarding in Michigan:Mount Bohemia
Mount Bohemia is a ski resort in the Upper Peninsula that is becoming increasingly popular for snowboarding. The resort has excellent terrain for all riders of all skill levels. It also offers some of the best powder skiing in Michigan. The resort is located on Lake Superior, which provides beautiful scenery and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Mount Bohemia is also close to many other attractions, including the Mackinac Bridge and the Porcupine Mountains.Nub’s Nob Ski Area
Nub’s Nob is a ski resort on the westside of Michigan near Harbor Springs with great beginner and intermediate terrain. It often gets less snow than other resorts in Michigan, but it makes up for this with its long season and affordable lift tickets.
The mountain offers something for everyone: night skiing, tubing, and even igloo rentals. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars in the area for visitors to enjoy once the skis come off.
Big Snow Resort
Big Snow Resort is one of several ski resorts in Michigan that is perfect for beginners. It has plenty of beginner trails and excellent snowboarding terrain for intermediates. The resort also has many family-friendly features, including an ice skating rink and a toboggan run.Shanty Creek Resorts
Shanty Creek Resorts is a big ski resort with excellent snowboarding for all levels of riders and plenty to do off the slopes. The mountain also offers night skiing and even fireworks every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night in January.Pine Mountain Resort
Pine Mountain is an all-mountain resort located in Southern Michigan. It features excellent terrain for beginner to advanced skiers. The mountain also has a terrain park and a superpipe for advanced riders. The resort is located in a small town close to other major cities like Lansing and Detroit. It also has several other activities you can do like horseback riding and paintball.Boyne Mountain Resort
Boyne Mountain is a large ski resort with excellent terrain for all riders. It’s located in the northern part of Michigan and offers some of the best snowboarding in the state. The mountain has over 415 acres of skiable terrain and a vertical drop of 500 feet. Boyne Mountain is also home to the Boyne Highlands Resort which offers beginner and intermediate riders excellent terrain.Crystal Mountain
Crystal Mountain is one of the largest ski resorts in Michigan. It has great beginner and intermediate terrain, including some advanced slopes for experts. The resort also has several chairlifts that offer unique views of Lake Michigan. The Mountain also offers packages with other activities in the area, such as snow tubing, skiing, and even dogsledding.Challenge Mountain
Challenge Mountain is located in Central Michigan and features excellent terrain for all riders. The resort also has a snow tubing park which is perfect for beginner riders or anyone looking to have fun on the Mountain. The resort offers several other activities such as zip-lining, downhill skiing, ice skating, and indoor water parks. It’s also within driving distance to several other cities, including Lansing and Detroit.Copper Peak
Copper Peak is the world’s largest ski flying hill. It sits at 1,782 feet above sea level and has a vertical drop of 2,601 feet. The resort also features two other mountains – Little Copper and Big Copper. The mountain is located in Ironwood, MI on the Gogebic Range. You can take chairlifts to the top of the mountain where you will find some of the best snowboarding in Michigan.Pine Knob Ski and Snowboard Resort
Pine Knob Ski and Snowboard Resort is a large ski resort located in Clarkston, Michigan. The resort offers excellent terrain for all riders, a terrain park, and a superpipe for advanced riders. The resort is located in a small town, but it is close to other major cities like Detroit. It also has several other activities you can do such as paintball and golfing.Big Powderhorn Mountain
Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort is a ski resort located in the Western Upper Peninsula. The mountain offers some of the best terrain and powder for snowboarding and skiing. It’s also one of the largest mountains in Michigan with over 253 acres of skiable terrain. The resort is located near several other attractions, so you can go snowboarding during the day and enjoy the nightlife in the evening. The mountain is also close to many other resorts so that you can ski or snowboard at different mountains each day.Bittersweet Ski Resort
Bittersweet Ski Resort is a great place for snowboarding and cross-country skiing. The resort offers a variety of terrain for riders of all skill levels. It also has a terrain park and a superpipe for advanced riders. The mountain is located in the beautiful town of Otsego, Michigan. It’s also close to other major cities such as Lansing and Detroit. The resort offers several other activities like tubing and ice skating.Mt. Holly
Mt. Holly is an all-mountain resort located in southern Michigan. It has excellent terrain for all riders, from novice to expert. The Mountain also has a Terrain Park and a SuperPipe for advanced riders. The resort is located in a small town, close to other major cities like Lansing and Detroit. It also has several other activities you can do including paintball and horseback riding.Ski Brule
Ski Brule isn’t the most popular ski or snowboarding location because it does seem a bit desert-like. If you visit this resort once, though, you will quickly discover why so many love this spot. Ski Brule opens its doors for business as early as October and welcomes skiers or snowboarders for six months. It is also an appealing solution for those who like to reside outside Michigan because the resort is located near the Michigan border. This resort has 17 trails, 3 terrain parks, and a tubing park and you can enjoy snowboarding until late at night.Porcupine Mountain Ski Location
ThePorcupine Mountain Ski Area is located on the edge of the Porcupine Mountains (Previously known as Mount Weatherhorn) in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The ski location’s name is inspired by the spiky look of the trees. This ski location offers splendid views of Lake Michigan and it is one of the more affordable skiing locations in Michigan. This ski area has 23 runs, a triple chair, a handle tow, and a rope tow. It also offers over 21 miles of ski trails that are ideal for cross-country skiers.13 Michigan Snowboarding Facts You Should Know Before You Head Out on the Slopes
Michigan is an excellent state for snowboarding, and there are plenty of unique spots to choose from. But before you head out, here are thirteen facts about Michigan’s snowboarding that you should know:Muskegon Is the Birthplace of Snowboarding
The history of snowboarding began in Michigan. In 1965, Sherman Poppen and his wife created a wooden version of a sled with skis, and the couple went on to file the first patent for their new invention which they named “snurfer.” Muskegon County has seven winter resorts, more than any other county in Michigan. These resorts offer excellent terrain for all riders, from beginner to expert.Michigan Has the Largest Ski Resort in the Midwest
Copper Peak, located in Ironwood, MI, is the largest ski resort in the Midwest. It features 2,601 feet of vertical drop, three chairlifts, and a variety of terrain for all riders.Snowboarding is a Growing Sport
Snowboarding is a growing sport that many people are taking up. A total of a little over 7.2 million people participated in snowboarding in 2000, making it the fastest-growing sport in the United States at the time. In the Midwest alone, 7.1 million snowboarders descended on the slopes in 2013.Great Snow Conditions
Michigan may not have a lot of resorts, but it offers some excellent snow conditions due to its northern location and cold weather. There is also an average of 125 inches of snow each year in the Upper Peninsula.Michigan is Home to the National Snowboard Hall of Fame
The National Snowboard Hall of Fame is located in Ishpeming, Michigan, and is dedicated to honoring those who have made a significant contribution to the sport of snowboarding.
Olympic Roots in the Mitten
Snowboarding is now an Olympic sport, but the United States wasn’t always dominant in this area. Michigan first won a gold medal for snowboarding. At the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, Danny Kass took home gold.Snowboarding Used to be Banned
Snowboarding used to be illegal and was banned in many parts of the United States. The sport was considered a threat to the skiing industry, and it wasn’t until snowboarders started protesting that people started listening.Regular Versus Goofy
Snowboarders have the option of riding with either their right foot or left foot facing forward. The way you choose to ride is known as regular or goofy, and it’s entirely up to personal preference.There Are Different Types of Boards
There are many different types of boards including freestyle, free carve, all-mountain, twin-tip, alpine touring, and snowboard cross. The board you choose will depend on what kind of terrain you want to ride and your expertise level.Snowboarding Statistics
According to the 2016 International Report on Snow and Mountain Tourism, there are an estimated 125 million snowboarders worldwide. The sport is most prevalent in Europe and North America.Mount Bohemia Has the Highest Vertical Drop
Mount Bohemia has the highest vertical drop in Michigan measuring at 900 feet. This makes it an excellent resort for snowboarding and skiing.It’s Big Business
Snowboarding has become a big business both for the manufacturers that produce equipment and gear and the resorts. The ski industry makes billions of dollars every year, and countless people now make their living by working in the industry.Versatile Tricks
If you’re a snowboarder who wants to try something new, you might want to give the sport of surfing a try. You’ll strap your board onto your feet and paddle into the waves to see where they take you. They call this sport “surfing on snow” or “surfing.” If you’re starting as a snowboarder, check out our tips for beginners & how to jump on a snowboard.FAQs About Snowboarding in Michigan
Boyne Highlands is Michigan’s largest ski resort with 4325 acres of skiable terrain. It also has a vertical drop of 552 feet making it an excellent place for snowboarding and skiing.
You can ski in Michigan all winter long. The season usually begins around mid-November and lasts well into April.
The longest ski run in Michigan is the 1.25 mile trail at Boyne Highlands.
Both resorts are great, but if you’re looking for more challenging terrain, Boyne Mountain is the better option.
If you’re interested in trying snowboarding for the first time, Boyne Highlands is a better place to star
Mount Bohemia is Michigan’s steepest ski hill with a vertical drop of 1,000 feet.
You must be eight years old or older to ride the lifts without an adult.
Between Skiing or Snowboarding, Skiing came first. It was invented in 6000 BC in northern Russia. Snowboarding didn’t come along until the 1960s.
Detroit, Michigan receives about 43 inches of snow each winter with temperatures ranging from 20 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. However, due to the lack of sunlight, the winters are harsh. Every winter, there is an average of 59 days of thick overcast.
The Treetops Resort is probably one of the best resorts for complete beginners. This resort is popular amongst complete beginners because it offers so much. You can go skiing or snowboarding, play golf, dine at restaurants, enjoy spa or salon sessions, and find a variety of accommodations.
One of the biggest reasons to choose the Treetops Resort is that they offer various lesson packages that include equipment rentals and lift tickets. They also have a superb beginner area where you can learn to ski or snowboard.
You don’t necessarily need to bring your own equipment when snowboarding or skiing in Michigan. Most of the ski or snowboarding resorts do offer equipment to rent. It is, however, important to take note that equipment rentals can be pricey. It is also important to check with your intended resort before you leave home since not all locations do have a surplus of equipment for rental.
With over 43 ski resorts, it is pretty easy to see why so many choose this location for the winter holidays. There certainly are many more ski resorts or ski areas than you can enjoy in just one holiday so you might want to get your own ski equipment and make this your number one skiing or snowboarding destination.
Final Thoughts
Snowboarding is a great sport that people of all ages can enjoy. It’s a fun activity that gets your heart rate up and helps you stay in shape during the winter.
Michigan is also one of the best places for beginner snowboarders because there are so many winter resorts that have terrific snowboarding tracks or spaces and offer comfortable accommodations.
If you’re finding it hard to decide on the snowboard pants to buy, check out our comprehensive guide on the best snowboard pants to buy in 2021. You can also check out some of the other guides we have on Snow Authorities. In these guides, you can find all the latest and best snowboarding equipment and learn everything about this fun winter sport.
Be sure to check out one of Michigan’s seven winter resorts the next time you’re looking to hit the slopes!