Michigan’s Après-Ski Moments

The French term “après-ski” is believed to have emerged from the Alps during the 1950s. The concept is rooted even further back to when alpine (downhill) skiing was popularized in the 18th century.

After all, once you spend a long, strenuous day outdoors, it only makes sense to relax for a while. Lucky for us, Michigan’s plentiful ski areas are chock-full of activities that are just as fun as gliding down the mountain. Here are just a few of our favorite places to warm up and chill out:

After a good workout, nothing feels better than a trip to the spa. Crystal Spa at Crystal Mountain hits all the right pressure points. This award-winning spa experience has 18,500 square feet of space and was the first LEED-certified spa in the Midwest for its sustainability.

Close to Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, you can warm up with good libations at a local distillery. Gather in a heated tent with your closest friends and sip craft cocktails at Iron Fish Distillery’s Basecamp Iron Fish ,

Did you know? Michigan is the birthplace of organized skiing in America .

After-ski cocktails are fun anywhere; a night at Snowflake Lounge at Boyne Mountain Resort in Northern Michigan is a total blast. Located on the third floor of the Clock Tower Lodge, the lounge is packed with DJ sets and dancing into the night.

Also in Northern Michigan, The Highlands at Harbor Springs is family-owned and full of seasonal activities. Cap off a day on the slopes over a nightly bonfire where families are invited to roast marshmallows and create the perfect s’mores. If you’re taking a break from the slopes, hit the Nordic Center for fat-tire biking and snowshoeing, and try out a brand-new activity: Sno-Go on a ski bike with a three-hour guided adventure.

Nordic Spa at Mount Bohemia Ski Resort | Photo Courtesy of Pure Michigan

If you’re up for extreme backcountry skiing at Mount Bohemia Ski Resort , out on the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, then you’ll definitely be down to unwind afterward. This advanced/expert-only resort is also home to a Nordic Spa with hot and cold plunges. Make your way through the whole circuit with a eucalyptus steam cabin, a Finnish sauna, outdoor cold pool and waterfall, outdoor hot pool and outdoor hot tub for a fully rejuvenating experience.

Just 14 miles from Mount Bohemia is Pines Resort in Copper Harbor , where you can show up at an après-ski party every Saturday evening. Live music, food and drinks bring together Copper Harbor locals and skiers from all over. Copper Harbor itself is full of bars, brew pubs and restaurants to round out your stay.

The “Big Four” are the ski resorts closest to Detroit: Pine Knob, Alpine Valley, Mt. Brighton and Mt. Holly. From happy hour at the Bittersweet Café in Holly to firepits and ski-themed beer at the Ferndale Project in Detroit, there’s always winter fun happening around the resorts and in the Motor City area.

Not sure where to start? Check out our comprehensive list of ski resorts in Michigan .