One of the highest trail count ski areas in Michigan is at the tip of the lower peninsula in Michigan. The Highlands at Harbor Springs also has the most skiable acres in lower Michigan. Combined with Michigan’s longest ski run, are you liking what you hear? Most people do. They know The Highlands is going to be their winter destination but it could be yours too.
Read on to answer your questions on The Highlands at Harbor Springs and plan your ski trip for this winter.
Highlights of The Highlands at Harbor Springs in Michigan
Some people love the ski stats. Well here are some stats on The Highlands that might get you packing your skis and snowboard in the car –
- 55 trails
- 10 lifts ( 8 chairlifts and 2 carpets)
- 435 skiable acres
- 552 feet of vertical drop
- Longest run 1.25 miles
Where is The Highlands at Harbor Springs Located?
The Highlands at Harbor Springs is located in Harbor Springs, Michigan. It sits just to the right of Lake Michigan in the lower peninsula. We have compiled some of the driving distances nearby as well –
- Traverse City, MI – 1 hour and 40 minutes, 76 miles
- Grand Rapids, MI – 3 hours and 15 minutes, 194 miles
- Saginaw, MI – 2 hours and 50 minutes, 182 miles
- Detroit, MI – 4 hours and 10 minutes, 280 miles
- Chicago, IL – 6 hours, 371 miles
Need The Highlands at Harbor Springs Directions? Map it from your place here.
What is The Highlands at Harbor Springs Ski Area?
The Highlands at Harbor Springs offers a traditional alpine lodging experience all while being in Michigan. Families call the Highlands home for their vacation every winter due to the freshly groomed trails and the multiple onsite lodging options.
Lodging Near The Highlands at Harbor Springs
The lodging at The Highlands is one of the reasons people keep coming back. It is a great place for groups, families and intimate vacations. A few of the options to stay at the Highlands are as follows.
The Main Lodge has a classic outside but updated rooms on the inside. The main lodge rooms start around $200 a night and go up from there.
The Heather Highlands Inn has both multi-level condos and hotel-style rooms. It is within walking distance from the Main Lodge. Rooms start around $150 a night and go up from there. They can generally sleep at least 4 people.
The Alpine Village is a great option for slopeside condos.
The Alpine Village has condos starting around $400 a night. These are pretty modern and often multi-bedroom. The village is one of the slopeside lodging choices.
For most people, those options are going to work for lodging. If you decide to come with a larger group then just be aware that The Highlands also have the Ross Cottages and the Arthur Hills Townhomes if you are looking to sleep 8 people.
Lastly, there are some good vacation rentals just nearby to the slopes. It doesn’t hurt to see what is out there too.
Night Skiing at The Highlands at Harbor Springs
There is night skiing at The Highlands on Wednesdays through Saturdays. If night skiing is important to you then be sure to plan ahead which days you will be going to The Highlands.
The Best Time to Visit The Highlands at Harbor Springs
The best time to visit The Highlands at Harbor Springs is Mondays through Thursdays. You’ll be met with the non-weekend crowd. Like we mentioned though, if night skiing is important, make sure you plan to go on a Wednesday or Thursday.
Does The Highlands at Harbor Springs Have a Ski Shop?
It’s not the end of the world if you left some of your apparel or geat at home. Check out Boyne Country Sports at The Highlands for your gear needs. They also are one of the places you can grab your Highlands at Harbor Springs souvenirs. Even if you don’t need anything, it is still worth walking through because you might see something that catches your eye.
The Highlands at Harbor Springs Terrain Park
As much as everyone loves a good trail, a lot of the riders coming to The Highlands want a good terrain park. Well, they are in luck. There are 4 terrain parks and a halfpipe. Here is a breakdown of the terrain parks at The Highlands and which you should ride.
- Funland (Great for beginner freestyle riders and has small features)
- Fun Cross (Filled with rollers and turns, also good for beginner to intermediate freestyle riders)
- Challenger (Ideally you should be intermediate for the features at the Challenger park)
- Amy’s Park ( The expert level part at The Highlands is filled with the biggest and most advanced features)
So which terrain park will you choose?
Is The Highlands at Harbor Springs Good for Beginners?
Beginners love The Highlands. Why? There are over 16 acres of open space for beginners to master their skills and turns. You can stay at The Highlands, book a few lessons and you’ll be surprised how far you come in just a few days time.
“There are over 16 acres of open space for beginners to master their skills and turns.”
Trails at The Highlands at Harbor Springs – What to Know
Not many other ski resorts can say they have over 400 skiable acres in Michigan or over 50 trails. That is what makes The Highlands such a good ski destination. We have picked out some of our favorite trails. Put these into your phone or screenshot them because you are going to want to try them.
Beginner
- Lois Lane
- Little John
Intermediate
- Floradora
- Ridge Run
- South Fork
Advanced
- North Challenger
- Tournament Pass
Other Winter Activities at The Highlands
Looking for more activities at The Highlands in winter? You can’t go wrong at the tubing park or taking out a Sno-go bike. There is also a winter adventure center and ziplining adventures to try!
Snowshoeing, fat biking, cross country skiing and horseback riding, you name it and The Highlands has it. Don’t just stick to the downhill skiing and snowboarding, try something new next time you go.
Summers at The Highlands at Harbor Springs
One word sums up summers at The Highlands. Golf.
If you had a good time staying and playing in the winter, you can head back in the spring and summer for more fun. The Highlands at Harbor Spring includes some of the must play golf courses in Michigan. Between the skiing and golf, you’ll want to be at The Highlands yeararound.
The Highlands at Harbor Springs – Final Thoughts:
Are your skis and snowboard packed for The Highlands at Harbor Springs? They should be with everything there is to offer in the winter at the resort. While a lot of people make The Highlands there go to ski resort every winter in Michigan, you can too.
Head up, try out some of the trails, relax and enjoy the outdoors. The Highlands will get you outside, active give you non stop fun on the slopes.
