WINTER ACTIVITIES
DOWNHILL SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING
There are ski areas in nearly every part of the state. Michigan ski areas boast a combined total of 42 areas with over 200 chairlifts, 840 runs, 40
terrain parks and thousands of kilometers of groomed cross-country trails. Below are some facts and links for a handful of the ski areas closest
to Southwest Michigan. For a more complete list, visit the Southwest Michigan Ski Club or MSIA website below.
Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA)
The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) was formed in 1991 to increase awareness of snowsports in Michigan and introduce
new individuals to skiing and snowboarding. Through the various programs offered by the MSIA, over 120,000 people have learned to ski or
snowboard on Michigan's slopes. Find information about member ski areas and ski shops and money-saving specials.
Southwest Michigan Skiing and Snowboarding
Whether you are a first time or experienced skier or snowboarder, you will find all sorts of helpful information on skiing and snowboarding in
Southwest Michigan that will help you and your family enjoy this great winter activity even more. Find information on local ski areas, local ski
area events, lessons, racing, equipment, ski clubs and more.
Swiss Valley Ski Area Jones
With 11 runs, a 225 vertical foot peak, terrain park and seven lifts, Swiss Valley is great for beginners as well as advanced skiers and
snowboarders. Offers 100% night skiing, ski shop, special kids' programs, professional instruction and racing leagues. Sunday Family Day
program offers a lift ticket, rental and lesson for a very reasonable price from 3-7 pm.
Timber Ridge Ski Area Gobles
Timber Ridge has 15 runs serviced by four lifts and three ropes. Additional features include moguls, terrain park and a tubing hill. Excellent
snowmaking, 100% night skiing, ski and snowboard shop, lodge with snack shop, and special events make Timber Ridge a great local
destination. Discounted, all-inclusive program offered Sunday from 4-8 pm. Racing and professional instruction are also available.
Bittersweet Ski Area Otsego
Bittersweet offers 350 feet vertical, with a total of 20 runs serviced by The Sweet Express Quad lift, 2 Wonder carpets, 6 standard chairlifts, and
6 tow ropes. You can also enjoy the terrain park with its own dedicated lift. A ski shop, racing and professional instruction are also available.
Cannonsburg Ski Area Cannonsburg
Located just outside Grand Rapids, Cannonsburg Ski Area features 8 lifts, 14 trails and two terrain parks. The ski area also offers a tubing hill,
racing, lessons, a lounge and ski shop.
OTHER DOWNHILL SKI AREAS
ICE SKATING
South Haven Ice Rink
Open from late November to early March, the South Haven Ice Rink offers open skating almost every day, curling on Saturdays, and is available
for group rentals. Public restrooms and ice skate rentals are available. The ice rink is open in any weather underneath a covered pavilion.
Howard Ice Arena St Joseph
The Howard Ice Arena is an NHL-sized (200' x 85') outdoor rink that is open to the weather, but protected by a roof. There is a warming
building with a snack bar and restrooms. The season runs late November or early December to mid to late March. Open to the public on select
days and times. Available for rental for hockey games, parties or other gatherings.
Millennium Park Ice Rink Portage
This large outdoor ice rink features an excellent skating surface, warming house, restrooms, skate rental, skate sharpening and food concessions.
Open from early December to early March and available for group rentals.
Niles Ice Rink
Outdoor 60' x 100' lighted rink is located near the Wonderland Theater on Front St at Riverfront Park.
Echo Valley and the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex (see below) offer ice skating in addition to other activities.
TUBING, TOBOGGANING, CROSS COUNTRY SKIING AND OTHER WINTER ACTIVITIES
The facilities below offer a variety of winter activities including ice skating, tubing, tobogganing, sledding, x-country skiing and even luging.
Five Pines Tubing Hill Berrien Center
Five Pines offers you and your family exciting winter enjoyment on their specially constructed 5-lane, 400-foot tubing hill. Snowmaking
equipment provides the best possible conditions. Open to the public on Saturday and Sunday and available for groups weeknights. A warming
house offers a snack shop, big screen TV and games. Cross-country skiing is also available.
Echo Valley Kalamazoo
Michigan's premiere winter sports park offers ice skating on their 43,000 square foot outdoor rink, 6 quarter-mile long toboggan runs, and a
tubing hill with tow rope. Skate rental, rustic lodge with gas fireplace, snack shop and observation deck help provide a pleasant, relaxing
atmosphere.
Muskegon Winter Sports Complex
Experience something new on one of only four luge tracks in the US. Open luge, lessons and racing leagues are available. Try ice skating on the
lighted outdoor rink or 700 ft ice skating loop through the trees. You can also enjoy one of Michigan's finest cross-country ski trails.
Sarett Nature Center Benton Harbor
This unique nature center, located in southwestern Michigan's Berrien County, has five miles of trails meandering through its 800 acres. Both
cross-country skis and snowshoes are available for rental, and all trails are open from dawn to dusk every day.
Berrien County Parks Berrien Center and Niles
Love Creek Nature Area outside Berrien Springs and Madeline Bertrand Park in Niles offer outstanding cross-country skiing opportunities with
groomed and lighted trails and ski rentals available. Madeline Bertrand trail passes are also honored at St Patrick's County Park (see below).
St Joseph County Parks Osceola and South Bend IN
Ferrettie/Baugo Creek Park in Osceola offers a tubing hill and snowshoe rental. St. Patrick's Park in South Bend also has a tubing hill and
cross-country ski rentals. Click on 'Leisure Activities' for rates and hours. St. Patrick's trail passes are also honored at Madeline Bertrand County
Park.
Michigan DNR
Use the search page to find trails for cross country skiing. Choose 'Cross County Ski' in the Find by Activity box and hit the search button.
SNOWMOBILE CLUBS AND TRAILS
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