Near
Skateboard on the Snow
Sure, skiing is still a big draw at Mt. Brighton – just a 45-minute drive west from downtown Detroit. But the resort is quickly becoming the hotspot for snowboarding. And you don’t need any prior experience to try “shredding.”
“Mt. Brighton is where epic begins, and we want to make sure that we are providing a first-class experience to everyone, especially those new to the sport,” says Tiffany C. Stewart, a resort spokesperson. “Mt. Brighton has a dedicated children’s ski and snowboard center with tons of great lesson options, whether half-day, full-day, multi-week program or special camps.”
Over the summer, Mt. Brighton built out its beginner ski/snowboard learning area. It also offers a unique way to learn to snowboard as part of Terrain Park Camp: Your kiddo gets the fundamentals for jumping, riding rails and more.
This season, try a fresh program for ages 7-plus. For $349, you get four weeks of lessons, lift tickets, equipment rental and, best of all, new skis or a snowboard at the end.
- Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday till mid-March
- Cost: $56/person; discounts for half-day program, prices vary on holidays
Far
Celebrate Six Decades
This year marks the 60th season for Crystal Mountain, a nationally recognized family-owned resort near Traverse City. It’s a winter haven thanks to 58 downhill slopes, including 29 that are lit-up for night skiing – and trails for all levels.
“You’ll never get stuck at the top of the mountain,” says spokesperson Brian Lawson, whose daughter has skied here since age 3 (she’s now 11). “Each chairlift has a beginner, intermediate and expert run. Whatever your ability, you’ll have a trail to ski or ride and meet together at the bottom.” Or choose from horse-drawn surrey rides, snowshoeing, fat tire bikes, an adventure course, ice skating, hockey and scavenger hunts.
Farther
Ski Like a Pro
As the largest single ski and snowboard resort, Park City Mountain in Utah boasts more than 7,300 acres of powder and 300-plus trails. Add to that 41 total chairlifts to zip you to your prized slope along with 14 bowls and six half pipes. Whether you’re a beginner or know your way around – or an Olympic wannabe – this is the place to ski.
