Looking to hit the ski slopes in Michigan this winter?

When it comes to snow, there’s more to do with it than just making snowangels. Skiing – downhill or crosscountry – along with snowboarding are two great winter activities everyone (even a klutz) can enjoy. We’ve gathered a list of resorts near you perfect for winter fun; here are some tips to get the most out of them.

Review the stats: Besides snow conditions, you’ll want to know how many trails are available for your level of expertise, and whether lessons are offered. Families will also want to check and see if the resort is suitable for kids. And snowboarders will want to find out if they’re welcome on the hill.

Beginners should look for a mountain that has a dedicated area for newbies; the last thing you need are experts whizzing past you as you put a deathgrip on the poles. For the experienced skier, you’ll want some challenging advanced terrain to keep the day interesting.

Purchase lift tickets online: Most places let you do this, and often offer a discount.

Get a package: No matter what level of skiier you are, a package is the way to go. Resorts may offer anything from a deal that includes all-day lift tickets and equipment to one with hotel rooms and private lessons.

Avoid the weekends: Ski mid-week (Tuesday –Thursday) and you’ll avoid the crowds; you may also get a break on the cost, too.

Here is a list of Michigan ski resorts.

Al Quall
906- 486-6181

Alpine Valley
248- 887-4183
www.skialpinevalley.com/

Apple Mountain
517- 781-0170
www.applemountain.com/

Big Powderhorn Mountain
906- 932-4838
www.bigpowderhorn.net/

Big Valley
906- 293-3171

Bittersweet
269-694-2032
www.skibittersweet.com/

Blackjack Mountain
906- 229-5115
www.skiblackjack.com/

Boyne Highlands
800- Go-Boyne
www.boyne.com/

Boyne Mountain
800- Go-Boyne
www.boynemountain.com/

Caberfae Peaks
231- 862-3000
www.caberfaepeaks.com/

Cannonsburg
616- 874-6711
www.cannonsburg.com/

Crystal Mountain
800- 968-7686
www.crystalmountain.com/

Crystella Ski Hill
906- 875-3212
www.crystalfalls.org/skiing.htm

Gladstone Sports Park
906- 428-9130

Hanson Hills Recreation Area
888- 876-2196
www.hansonhills.org/

Hickory Hills
231- 947-8566

Indianhead Mountain
800- 346-3426
www.indianheadmtn.com/

Marquette Mountain
906- 225-1155
www.marquettemountain.com/

Missaukee Mountain
231- 839-7575

Mont Ripley
906- 487-2340
www.skialpinevalley.com/

Mount Bohemia
906- 289-4105
www.mtbohemia.com/

Mount Holiday
231- 938-2500
www.mt-holiday.com/

Mount McSauba Ski Hill
231- 547-3267
www.cityofcharlevoix.org/%5Cparks%5Cmcsauba.htm

Mount Zion
906- 932-3718
www.gogebic.cc.mi.us/aboutGCC/mtzion.shtm

Mt Holly
248- 634-8269
www.skimtholly.com/front.asp

Mt Brighton
810- 229-9581
www.mtbrighton.com/

Mulligan's Hollow Ski Bowl
616- 842-0634
www.mulliganshollow.com/

Norway Mountain
906- 563-9700
www.norwaymountain.com/

Nub's Nob
231- 526-2131
www.nubsnob.com/

Otsego Ski Club
800- 752-5510
www.otsegoclub.com/

Pando Winter Sports Park
616- 874-8343
www.pandopark.com/

Petoskey Winter Sports Park
231- 347-2500

Pine Knob
248- 625-0800
www.skipineknob.com/

Pine Mountain Lodge Resort
877- 553 - PINE
www.pinemountainresort.com/

Porcupine Mountains
906- 289-4105
www.skitheporkies.com/

Shanty Creek
231- 533-8621
www.shantycreek.com/

Silver Ridge Resort
989- 588-7220

Silver Mountain
906-643-8676

Ski Brule
800- 362-7853
www.skibrule.com/

Skyline Ski Area
517- 275-5445

Snow Snake Mountain
517- 539-6583
www.snowsnake.net/

Sugar Loaf
231- 228-5461

Swiss Valley
269- 244-5635
www.skiswissvalley.com/

The Homestead
248- 887-4183
www.thehomesteadresort.com/

Treetops Sylvan Resort
888- TREETOPS
www.treetops.com/

Tyrolean Hills
989- 732-6551

Source: www.highaltitude2u.com