Winter has roared into Northern Michigan, and that means one thing: time to ski and ride. Whether you dig green circles, blue squares or double black diamonds, the slopes Up North will keep the fun factor high. Here’s our 2017 guide to getaways for every type of alpine adventure.
Beginner
The secret to selecting the right Northern Michigan ski resort for newbies isn’t actually a secret at all. There are simply no wrong choices. Being beginner-friendly is a point of pride for Michigan hills, so most have designated areas designed to bring success to the sport’s novices, regardless of age.
Caberfae
If your squad’s goal is starting with the bunny hill—and quickly evolving beyond it—seek ski deals that won’t break the bank. One spot famous for this is Caberfae Peaks in Cadillac, where gold medal packages like “stay one night, ski two days” for as low as $69 per person exist. The resort also offers smart options like Family Fun Sundays, January through March, when lift tickets, rentals, and lessons for three are only $49 ($15 per extra family member).
Boasting the highest chair lift in lower Michigan, Caberfae can provide vertically averse skiers the chance to soak in a 360-degree view of Manistee National Forest while still gaining easy access to backside beginner favorites like the Smiling Irishmen and Easy Street runs. For strong skiers who are looking to advance their backcountry capabilities, there’s nothing quite like the 25-plus-acre area Caberfae opened up a few years ago. It’s a boots-back hike to the enormous day lodge at the base of the slopes, but getting to experience backcountry terrain without the West’s cliffs or huge boulders is an ideal way to start skiing “off piste.”
Added bonus: The day lodge, with its two-story stone fireplace and Adirondack chairs, makes for perfect hot cocoa breaks. CABERFAEPEAKS.COM
The Homestead
This story is from the January 2017 edition of Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine.
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This story is from the January 2017 edition of Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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Camping With Your Dog
Bringing your dog on your next outdoor overnight excursion? Oh, yes! With a little planning, your canine companion will enjoy camping just as much as you. These Northern Michigan spots are perfectly pet-friendly.
SWEET ON THE BETSIE
JENA MATZEN AND GREGG TRAHEY WEREN’T LOOKING FOR A BIG HOME UP NORTH. BUT THEY DID WANT STYLE.
REFRESH IN BLUE AND WHITE
ASKED TO MOVE A HARBOR SPRINGS HOME FROM TRADITIONAL TO TRANSITIONAL STYLE, INTERIOR DESIGNER GEMMA PARKER BUILT ON THE FRESH, TIMELESS ALLURE OF BLUE AND WHITE.
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Explore Emmet and Cheboygan counties by foot, bike or hoof, thanks to this scenic trail.
Please, eat the violets.
The wild violets that dot our forest floors are pretty enough to eat. Go ahead—let our six simple recipes fuel your culinary imagination.
OASIS ON ELK LAKE
ARCHITECT KEN RICHMOND DESIGNS A HOME THAT CAPTURES THE CARIBBEAN COLORS OF ELK LAKE WHILE FEELING COMPLETELY ORGANIC TO THE NORTHWOODS.
LOSS AND NATURE
Leelanau's Cedar River Preserve provides peace and perspective.
GO WITH THE FLOW
Celebrating an unconventional trout opener among friends.
CHAMPION OF TREES
Archangel Ancient Tree Archive is the “most hopeful project on the planet,” says David Milarch.
DINING OUT NEAPOLITAN, BUT WITH STYLE
American House—the Siren Hall spinoff—is making darn good pizza.
