The skiing season in Michigan is a long one and Boyne Highlands is a resort property that takes full advantage of the snow.  You’ll find plenty of winter sports waiting for you here. You’ll also have access to lessons from professionals and equipment rental for all levels and ages.

While the winter season at Boyne Highlands can run as long as November-April with an average snowfall of 140 inches, everything is dependent on the weather and certain activities may stay open less or more, depending on the temperatures.


One thing that’s always open is the full-service spa – and hot tubs throughout the property.

Skiing and Snowboarding
With 55 runs outside your room, you won’t have trouble finding plenty of available mountains at Boyne Highlands for skiing and snowboarding.  It’s not comparable to Aspen, but there’s enough to keep everyone enjoying the slopes. A third of them are designated for expert skiers and snowboarders.  Eight lifts are available to take you up the mountain.

Cross Country and Snowshoe
If you prefer to stay on the ground, you’ll also find plenty of places for cross country skiing and snowshoe at Boyne Highlands. Five parks filled with trails can keep you going through a scenic adventure. Since lift tickets and trail passes allow unlimited access to these parks, you’ll have plenty of time to explore. You can also bring your dog along on some of the designated snowshoe trails.

Tubing
The Tubing Park at Boyne Highlands is another source of fun for adults and children. The fun begins as you enter your inner tube and it’s connected to a rope that leisurely takes you up the mountain.

Once on top, you’ll be able to circle around the 800 foot long run, building up speed as you go around.

Dog Sleds
Nature’s Kennel in the Upper Peninsula trains the sled dogs and leads the scenic ride along the Boyne Highlands property. The guides will tell you all about the Alaskan Huskies as you sit back and enjoy the snow-covered trail.

Zip-Lining*
Zip-lining is one of a few adventure activities that doesn’t require you to take lessons or demonstrate any skills. At Boyne Highlands, kids and adults can soar through the air in this adventure that takes them on a series of seven different lines. You will go as high as 3,250 feet as you drop down the slopes and finish at the lodge.  

Horseback Riding*
Another way to see the beauty of the Boyne Highlands property is on horseback. The Equestrian Center can set you up with an experienced guide to take you around the snow-filled trails, regardless of your riding background. Note that trail rides are only available on the weekends.

Accommodations
Boyne Highlands offers a variety of accommodations that work whether you are bringing an extended family or coming alone. Rooms are available in the lodges and condos and cottages are dotted along the slopes.

Dining
While there is a large selection of dining options at Boyne Highlands, here are some you shouldn’t miss:

Breakfast in the Main Dining Room, for an amazing buffet that has a huge choice of items;

Aonach Mor Moonlight Dinner, this casually elegant meal is held in a cabin on top of the mountain, overlooking the Mackinac Bridge;

Slopeside Lounge, for snacks, cocktails and live music, inside or at the fire pit;

Cafeteria, too vague a description of the place that has everything, including a mac n cheese bar, a crepe station, smoothies, soups, pizzas, and sandwiches.  Also save room for the made to order ice cream sundaes.

Location
Boyne Highlands is located in northern Michigan in the town of Harbor Springs if you are driving. For those flying, there is an airport in Harbor Springs, but more flights are available from Pelliston (30 minutes away) or Traverse City (one and a half hour away).

Boyne Highlands is open year round. These activities, as well as many others, are also available at other times of year. Check their website for details.