• Downhill skiing is a popular winter activity in Michigan.powder skiing image by joseph pankey from Fotolia.com
  
  Michigan is positioned between four of the Great Lakes. This means it is susceptible to lake effect snow, which is caused by cold winds drifting over the warmer lake waters. The heavy snowfall in the Wolverine State makes downhill skiing a popular activity during winter months. There are a number of ski resorts in both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas where visitors can enjoy downhill skiing and other popular winter activities.
  
  

Crystal Mountain

• Crystal Mountain boasts that it is the Midwest's favorite ski resort. The park features 45 downhill slopes that range from beginner to advanced. There are also two terrain parks, which are areas where skiers can performs jumps and stunts. There is a 700-foot halfpipe, which is a trough that is used for snowboarding. Cross-country skiers will enjoy over 24 miles of well-groomed ski trails.There is a ski lift, and prices vary according to days of the week. Special discount rates are given for senior citizens and college students. A new feature of this ski resort is the Crystal Carpet, which is a conveyor belt that skiers may stand on in order to be transported uphill. Lessons are given for children, groups or private individuals. Skiing can be enjoyed here from late November through early April.
  
  Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa
  12500 Crystal Mountain Drive
  Thompsonville, MI 49683
  800-968-7686
  skimichigan.com/crystal/
  
  

Ostego Club and Resort

• Ostego Club and Resort offers instruction by professionals certified by the Professional Ski Instructor Association. This resort will rent ski equipment and snowboards to guests. There are 31 downhill slopes and five chairlifts. There are also 6.2 miles of cross-country trails and a terrain park. A variety of ski packages are available and include lodging as well as lift tickets. Lodging options range from rooms with king beds to suites with two queen beds. Ostego Club sponsors a few ski races each season. The skiing season typically begins in December and runs through March. This ski resort has the capacity to make snow as needed.
  
  Ostego Club and Resort
  696 M-32
  Gaylord, MI 49734
  800-752-5510
  skimichigan.com/otsegoclub/
  
  

Big Powderhorn Mountain

• Big Powderhorn Mountain is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This ski resort offers ski lessons for both children and adults. Lessons may be private or in groups of up to five persons. There is also a special session designed for young children or adults who have never skied. The lesson includes equipment rental and lift ticket and focuses on how to stand, turn, stop and slide while wearing skis. In addition to downhill skiing, Big Powderhorn Mountain offers snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. There is also an ice skating rink. This rink is accessible via a walking trail from the main lodge. The rink is illuminated so guests may skate at night, but bring your own skates as no rentals are available.
  
  Big Powderhorn Mountain
  N11375 Powderhorn Road
  Bessemer, MI 48911
  906-932-4838
  skimichigan.com/bigpowderhorn/