In Michigan We Travel, “Up North” for the Best Winter Resorts
You don’t have to travel far outside of the Detroit metro area to enjoy some winter fun. Forget about flying off to the ski resorts of Colorado or Vermont, simply drive north. In under four hours, you can be hitting the slopes, letting the kids take a dog sled ride, or even sliding down a hill in an interlude. More importantly, these locations are family friendly and offer indoor and outdoor fun for all, with just a drive away.
Shanty Creek Resort – Bellaire
You can do it all at Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire, comes in at just under four hours from Detroit. The resort has three villages that cover 5,000 acres, each village has its own check-in area so you don’t have a long trek from check-in to room.
At this resort families can, of course, enjoy downhill skiing, but what if you aren’t a downhill skiing kind of family but still want to have the ski resort experience? Well, Shanty Creek has you covered. Enjoy cross-country skiing, alpine tubing, fat tire biking, snowshoeing, and there is even dog sledding for the kids.
The resort offers a variety of overnight lodging from hotel rooms to condos. Additionally, there is a full-service spa with exfoliation treatments, wraps and messages. Plus, no need to load everyone up in the car to head out to dinner. Simply walk to one of the three on-site restaurants for a good meal.
Crystal Mountain – Thompsonville
During weekends and on special holidays, Crystal Mountain guests can enjoy the great outdoors with a horse-drawn surry ride through the winter wonderland of northern Michigan. End your ride with hot chocolate and a campfire. Of course, there is downhill and cross-country skiing at the resort as well as fat tire biking, ice skating, snowshoeing and mom’s favorite thing, a spa. However, Crystal Mountain is unique with its offering of a snowy laser tag course, Michigan legacy art park, and archery range.
From hotel rooms to five bedroom condos, Crystal Mountain is a great resort for an extended family vacation.
Boyne Resorts – Boyne Falls
Boyne Resorts is another great place to do more than downhill ski. The resort offers a full list of winter outdoor activities including horseback riding, ziplining, tubing, horse-drawn carriage rides, ice skating, groomer rides, cross-country skiing and fat tire biking. There is also a spa!
When you’re ready to warm up, head to the Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark where it’s always warm and balmy.
A number of on-site dining options makes sure that there is something for everyone from a snack or coffee to a wonderful dining experience. Be sure to book a kid bunk room in the Mountain Grand Lodge. These suites have plenty of room for families to have plenty of room to stretch out.
