Find a Michigan ski resort for fun and exercise this winter

| 2 min read

Fitness
One of my favorite winter activities in Michigan is skiing. Cross country, downhill. You name it, I like it. And Michigan is a great place for a ski fanatic to live in. There are 51 ski areas across the state with beautiful views. My family has been going to Northern Michigan to ski since I was 10 years old and we always leave wanting to go back for more.
Not only is it a fun activity, but it also is a great way to exercise. A person can burn around 350 to 560 calories an hour while downhill skiing. Cross country skiing requires more work and a person may burn anywhere from 490 to 900 calories per hour. The movement required during skiing can help strengthen muscles and improve cardiovascular health as well.
Below I highlighted some ski areas across Michigan:
1. Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort, Bessemer – This resort is located on the shore of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula which allows for a lot of snow. Over half the mountain is intermediate level making it a great ski destination.
2. Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs – Boyne Highlands is one of the ski resorts my family frequented as I was growing up and there is an endless amount of things to do. There are 55 downhill trails and also cross country skiing available. You can see gorgeous views of Lake Michigan on a clear day.
3. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire – If your favorite type of skiing is cross country, this is the place for you. There are both groomed and ungroomed cross country ski pathways and trails along the lakeshore with breathtaking views.
4. Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa, Thompsonville – Crystal Mountain is a ski resort that specializes in relaxing after a long day of skiing. There is cross country as well as downhill skiing at this area.
5. Mt. Brighton Ski Area, Brighton – Located in metro Detroit, Mt. Brighton is a smaller ski hill, but still a great way to get in some skiing.
Here is a complete listing of ski resorts in Michigan.
What are your favorite ski areas? Do you have any exercise tips for skiing?
Photo credit: Helen Battersby

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