Michigan may be well-known for its abundance of summer sporting and recreation options, such as hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, and more, but there is no shortage of fun things to do in the winter either.
Michigan also has some great winter activities available across the state. Whether you want to get out on the slopes or explore the trails, there are lots of options nearby no matter where you live.
Here are some fun West Michigan winter activities and the perfect places to enjoy them.
Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding, and Tubing
Michigan is home to more than 40 ski resorts, with several beautiful destinations such as Cannonsburg and Bittersweet that are just a short drive from Grand Rapids and many other West Michigan areas.
Located just outside of Grand Rapids, Cannonsburg features 21 runs ranging from beginner to advanced and includes a pro shop, lodge, and plenty of rental equipment for skiers looking to spend a day on the slopes.
Bittersweet, located 40 minutes south of Grand Rapids in the scenic Kalamazoo River Valley, also features 20 beautiful runs and 12 lifts.
Both resorts offer plenty of other activities, such as snowboarding or fat tire biking, and also make their own snow when the weather turns a little too clear. Equipment rentals are also available at both resorts.
There are plenty of other ski resorts to explore around the state, many of which can be found listed here – Click Here for an extensive list of Michigan ski resorts
Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing
With a variety of state parks and recreational areas available for use on beautiful Michigan winter days, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular winter recreation activities.
Both statewide and state park ski trails can be found in many areas, making it easy to custom tailor your journey to match your plans. Many of the state parks have groomed trails too.
You can find more information about cross-country skiing by clicking Here.
Muskegon Luge Adventure Park
For those looking for a little more of a winter weather adventure, the Muskegon Luge Adventure Park, previously known as the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex, provides an all-in-one destination for anyone looking to cross-country ski, ice skate, snowshoe, or take a deep breath and try out the luge track – one of only four in the entire United States.
Although designed by Olympian luge athlete, Frank Masley, the 850-foot track was also designed with first-timers in mind. The staff provides training before turning would-be Gold Medalists loose to slide down the track at speeds reaching 30 miles per hour.
The park also offers cross-country skiing on miles of groomed trails, and ice skating on a two-acre natural ice rink. Or, ice skaters can glide along the one-of-kind 1/4 mile long Figure-8 track that takes skaters through the woods.
See more information about Muskegon Luge Adventure Park here.
Other Winter Weather Activities
There are a variety of other winter weather distractions available throughout Michigan. Although the temperatures might be chilly, ice fishing can be red hot on big and small lakes around the state and snowmobiling is another easy way to turn up the heat.
Winter disc golf has extended the game into the cooler months, with players sometimes wearing snowshoes to make the course easier to navigate. The rules are the same as during the summer, although selecting brightly colored discs might be extra important on snowy days.
Fat tire biking has become a popular pastime during the winter months, proving that a little snow on the trails is no reason to leave your favorite bike hanging from the garage ceiling.
With the increase in popularity, fat tire bike trails have been created at ski resorts, in state parks, and in many of the same areas where cross-country skiing is popular. Bikes are also available for rent for those interested in trying out this fun new sport.
You don’t need to look far to find something fun and exciting to do in Michigan’s winter months. Trying out some new outdoor adventures can also help pass the time until the temperatures start to climb again and the first signs of spring make a welcome appearance.
No matter what your favorite winter weather activity might be, Michigan’s beautiful parks, trails and natural resources can provide the perfect backdrop.
