9 Best Winter Resorts in Michigan in 2024
Michigan is an incredible winter destination due to its snowy landscapes and variety of winter activities. Staying at one of the best winter resorts in Michigan is the perfect way to enjoy the cold season, whether you want to hit the ski slopes or cozy up with some hot cocoa by the fire.
As a Michigander, I’ve had the opportunity to visit many of the resorts in Michigan during the winter, and I love how many winter activities there are even when the weather is snowy.
In this post, I’ve created a list of the best winter resorts in Michigan to visit, including the best ski resorts, indoor waterpark resorts, and more.
So whether you are looking for a charming place to visit during Christmas time or for a winter ski vacation, there is sure to be something perfect for you in Michigan!
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Here is a quick guide to the best winter resorts in Michigan:
Best Ski Resort: Boyne Mountain Resort
Best Indoor Waterpark Resort: Great Wolf Lodge Resort
Charming Holiday Resort: Bavarian Inn Lodge
Luxury Spa Resort: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
Best Winter Resorts in Michigan
Below you will find the best winter resorts in Michigan. These resorts are highly rated and have plenty of fun, family-friendly activities.
1. Boyne Mountain Resort
RATING: 8.5/10 | WHERE? Boyne Falls, MI | BUDGET? $$$
Boyne Mountain Resort is the perfect destination for a winter vacation. It’s known for being one of the best ski resorts in Michigan’s lower peninsula. The resort offers 63 downhill runs serviced by 11 chairlifts. There are ski slopes for all levels, from beginner to expert.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there are plenty of other things to do here during the winter including tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, moon bike tours, ziplines, and more. Another option is to head to Avalanche Bay to spend the day at Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark.
The alpine-themed resort offers several accommodation options from cozy rooms to spacious condos. Most rooms feature an indoor fireplace which is the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter’s day.
Why Choose Boyne Mountain Resort?
- Alpine-themed resort with cozy rooms
- One of the best ski resorts in the Lower Peninsula
- Plenty of winter activities
Click Here To Book Your Stay at Boyne Mountain Resort
2. Pine Mountain Resort
RATING: 8/10 | WHERE? Iron Mountain, MI | BUDGET? $$
Pine Mountain Resort is a ski resort in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This part of Michigan is incredibly scenic, especially during the winter months when snow covers the landscape.
This ski resort covers 160 acres and offers 27 ski slopes and trails, and 3 terrain parks serviced by 1 triple and 2 double chairlifts. It’s the perfect winter resort in Michigan for those who love skiing or snowboarding!
Pine Mountain Resort offers several different room options from your traditional double room to apartment-style rooms. The rooms feature beautifully designed wood furniture which gives it a cozy, log cabin feel.
Why Choose Pine Mountain Ski Resort?
- Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
- Family-friendly ski resort
- Recently renovated rooms with beautiful wooden furniture
Click Here To Book Your Stay at Pine Mountain Resort
3. The Lodge at Cedar Village – Shanty Creek Resort
RATING: 8.4/10 | WHERE? Bellaire, MI | BUDGET? $$$
Shanty Creek Resort is another fantastic ski resort in Michigan’s lower peninsula. The resort has a few different options for where to stay across its 3 different village areas.
However, I recommend the Lodge at Cedar Village because it is highly rated and is just a few steps from the slopes of Schuss Mountain.
The Lodge at Cedar Village has spacious one and two-bedroom suites that are perfect for families or couples. The rooms are cozy, with most featuring an indoor fireplace.
Within Shanty Creek’s Cedar Village, you will also find dining options, a year-round heated outdoor pool, snowshoeing trails, and out-the-door access to Schuss Mountain’s Purple Chairlift.
Shanty Creek Resort is very popular during the winter months, so if there is no availability at The Lodge, you can also check out the Lakeview Hotel which is located in Shanty Creek’s Summit Village.
Why Choose Shanty Creek Resort?
- One of the best ski resorts in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula
- Ski-in/Ski-out rooms are available at The Lodge
- Lots of winter activities including fat tire bike trails, snowshoeing, skiing, and more
Click Here To Book Your Stay at The Lodge at Cedar Village in Shanty Creek Resort
4. Great Wolf Lodge Resort
RATING: 8.3/10 | WHERE? Traverse City, MI | BUDGET? $$
Great Wolf Lodge Resort is home to one of the best indoor waterparks in Michigan, making it the perfect place for a family vacation during the cold winter months!
The resort has an up-north theme, and the rooms are decorated to remind you of a cozy log cabin. Some rooms offer fun themes for kids, such as the wolf den room or the kid’s camp suite. The resort is very family-friendly, so most rooms are spacious and accommodate 4-6 people.
The highlight of Great Wolf Lodge is the 38,000 sq ft indoor waterpark, which is kept at a toasty 84 degrees during the winter. There are plenty of things to do at the waterpark from riding the thrilling waterslides to relaxing on the lazy river.
Why Choose Great Wolf Lodge Resort?
- Cozy log cabin-themed resort
- Spacious rooms for families
- 38,000 sq ft indoor waterpark
Click Here To Book Your Stay at Great Wolf Lodge Resort
5. Bavarian Inn Lodge
RATING: 8.7/10 | WHERE? Frankenmuth, MI | BUDGET? $
Bavarian Inn Lodge is a German-themed resort located in the charming town of Frankenmuth. The resort has cozy rooms that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Germany’s Bavaria region.
Bavarian Inn Lodge is the perfect place for a family trip during the winter months, as it offers an indoor waterpark, a family fun center with arcade games, and authentic home-cooked meals at the German-themed restaurant.
The resort and town of Frankenmuth are especially festive at Christmas time. Each year the town is lit up with thousands of sparkling Christmas lights. There are also a variety of fun holiday activities from ice skating to Christmas markets.
However, even if you don’t visit during the holidays, you should still check out the famous Bronner’s Christmas Store which is open year-round!
Why Choose Bavarian Inn Lodge?
- Perfect place to stay in Frankenmuth, especially during the festive holiday season
- Indoor waterpark
- Family fun center with arcade games and more
- Authentic German restaurant
Click Here To Book Your Stay at Bavarian Inn Resort
6. Treetops Resort
RATING: 7.8/10 | WHERE? Gaylord, MI | BUDGET? $$
Treetops Resort is a family-friendly ski resort located in Gaylord, Michigan. This ski resort is a great place for a winter escape and it offers several different ski slopes for every level.
While the main attraction is the skiing, there are lots of other fun winter activities to try at this resort. Some of the most unique things to do here include extreme tubing, winter rafting, and even sleigh rides.
Treetops Resort also has a spa, which is perfect for those who are looking to enjoy a cozy and relaxing atmosphere during their winter vacation.
Why Choose Treetops Resort?
- Family-friendly ski resort
- Several different winter activities are available
- Comfortable rooms
- On-site spa and outdoor hot tub
Click Here To Book Your Stay at Treetops Resort
7. Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
RATING: 7.9/10 | WHERE? Near Traverse City, MI | BUDGET? $$
Traverse City is one of Michigan’s top destinations, and Grand Traverse Resort is the perfect place to stay while visiting.
While Traverse City is very popular in the summer and fall seasons, wintertime can also be fantastic to visit. During the winter months, the area gets a decent amount of snow, which means there are lots of winter sports available. Plus, unlike the popular ski resorts, you can find some great budget deals during the winter months at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa.
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa is modern and beautifully designed, with some rooms featuring stunning views of the lake.
One of the highlights of this resort is the luxurious spa, which is the ideal place for a relaxing winter getaway. There is also on-site dining, a fitness center, and an indoor pool that has a waterslide.
Why Choose Grand Traverse Resort & Spa?
- Perfect location near Traverse City with lake views
- Budget-friendly deals during the winter months
- Luxurious spa
- Indoor pool with a waterslide
Click Here To Book Your Stay at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
8. Snowriver Mountain Resort
RATING: 7.8/10 | WHERE? Wakefield, MI | BUDGET? $$
Snowriver Mountain Resort is a ski resort in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It’s a great choice for those looking to hit the slopes while being surrounded by the natural beauty of northern Michigan.
One highlight of Snowriver Mountain Resort is that it was recently renovated with several upgrades, including a new indoor heated pool and the first high-speed ski lift in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
The resort features traditional and studio-style rooms, all of which have a modern, recently renovated style. In addition to the indoor pool, there are also on-site restaurants, and plenty of ski slopes to check out.
Why Choose Snowriver Mountain Resort?
- Located in the scenic Upper Peninsula
- Recently renovated ski resort
- Indoor pool and hot tub
Click Here To Book Your Stay at Snowriver Mountain Resort
9. MGM Grand Detroit
RATING: 7.8/10 | WHERE? Detroit, Michigan | BUDGET? $$$
If you are looking for a city break this winter, check out the MGM Grand. The resort is located in downtown Detroit, which makes it an ideal place to stay if you are visiting the city.
There are plenty of things to do in downtown Detroit during the winter such as going to a Red Wings game or a concert at Little Ceaser’s Arena, checking out the restaurants in Greektown, or seeing the Christmas tree and lights at Campus Martius Park.
There are also several things to do right at the MGM Grand Resort, including a casino, a luxury spa, a Topgolf lounge, and an indoor infinity pool. The resort also features a highly-rated steakhouse which is perfect for a special occasion dinner.
Why Choose the MGM Grand Detroit?
- Great location in downtown Detroit
- Modern rooms, some with skyline views
- Topgolf lounge, casino, infinity pool, and spa on-site
Click Here To Book Your Stay at MGM Grand Detroit
FAQs
The best way to stay warm in Michigan in the winter is to wear lots of warm layers. Start with a long-sleeved shirt and leggings or pants. Then add on a sweater, winter jacket, snow pants, snow boots, a hat, and gloves.
The best winter gear for Michigan includes a warm winter jacket, fleece mittens, thermal leggings or pants, hand warmers, a scarf, a winter hat, and wool socks. You will also want waterproof snow boots to keep your feet dry and warm.
Winter in Michigan can be chilly, with average temperatures between 19-34 degrees in January. Snowfall is common during winter, especially in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. However, winter is also a very scenic time with beautiful snow-covered landscapes.
The most expensive winter destination in Michigan is the larger ski resorts like Mt Bohemia, Boyne Mountain, or Shanty Creek. This is because downhill ski passes and lift tickets can get expensive, especially during peak ski weekends.
Conclusion: Michigan Winter Resorts
These Michigan winter resorts are sure to be perfect for a winter vacation. Whether you are looking for a charming holiday resort like the Bavarian Inn Lodge, a fun family vacation at the Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark Resort, or to head to one of Michigan’s best ski resorts like Boyne Mountain Resort or Shanty Creek Resort, you will definitely find some great options for a winter getaway in Michigan!
More Wandering Michigan Wisconsin
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