Articles· December 31, 1969
What If You Don’t Ski? Exploring Michigan in Winter
Amazingly, Michigan has over 40 ski areas to explore (the second-highest in the country!). But if downhill or cross-country skiing isn’t your speed, check out these five fresh...
Michigan offers a variety of winter activities beyond skiing, including luge, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and ice climbing.
Slip and Slide, Michigan Style
Luge like an Olympian at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park. This world-class facility is home to one of only four luge tracks in the country and yet it’s ideal for beginners to feel like they’re flying. Designed by a three-time Olympian, the track has six curves and lugers can reach up to 30 miles per hour. A day at Muskegon can also include outdoor skating on natural ice or winter hiking on snowshoes, and there are a number of adaptive sports – including luging for participants with lower mobility issues or who are visually or hearing impaired.
Skim Across the Snow
Thousands of miles of interconnected trails wind along the Great Lakes, pass scenic lighthouses and cross through snow-covered forests. When you hop aboard a snowmobile, your journey through the wild is just as thrilling as the destination. Pick your path in the Upper Peninsula or Lower Peninsula. Thanks to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ interactive trail map, you can explore more than 6,000 miles of snowmobiling trails in different areas of the state and download them to use even when you’re off the grid.
Discover Dog Sledding
Born to run, Michigan’s beautiful huskies are primed and ready for the season. If you’re intrigued by the sport of dog sledding, you can watch the mushers in action all winter long at a variety of races. Or visit a kennel on your own where you’ll be invited to tour the facilities, learn about the history of dog sledding and then head out on a run led by experts.
Tackle the Ice
When the winter freeze sets in, outdoor enthusiasts get fired up! Ice climbing is a renowned sport in Michigan, where climbers conquer frozen waterfalls and stunning ice columns and curtains hanging from cliffs. While it’s an intense sport, beginners are welcome to attend Munising’s Michigan Ice Fest for hands-on experience led by some of the best climbers in the state. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is considered one of the premier places to climb, and Peabody Ice Climbing Club is a training facility designed for everyone from beginners to seasoned pros.
Time to Take a Break
In between all these exhilarating excursions, cozy up indoors to experience a different side of Michigan. Unwind in a cabin, roam around a museum or check out a local distillery where craft cocktails are always a crowd-pleaser.
Pack your winter coat and your sense of adventure this season. Michigan’s wonderlands are waiting.
Good to know
Frequently Asked
Everything you need to know before you go. Don’t see your question? Our AI concierge is one tap away.
In Michigan, you can try luge, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and ice climbing as alternatives to skiing.
Michigan has over 6,000 miles of snowmobiling trails across the state, including in the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, which can be explored using the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ interactive trail map.
Yes, you can watch dog sledding races or visit a kennel to learn about the sport and go on a run led by experts in Michigan.
Yes, beginners are welcome to attend Munising’s Michigan Ice Fest for hands-on ice climbing experience led by some of the best climbers in the state.
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