Winter Skiing at The Highlands of Harbor Springs: A Northern Michigan Gem.
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Welcome to the winter elegance of The Highlands of Harbor Springs, an upscale retreat in the heart of northern Michigan. As the season transitions to winter, the landscape becomes a canvas of pristine snow, revealing a picturesque destination for winter sports enthusiasts and those seeking a serene escape. From upscale accommodations to the thrill of outdoor activities set against a backdrop of Michigan pines, join us on a journey through the refined charm that defines this northern Michigan winter retreat.
It is located in beautiful Northern Mi, 600 Highlands Drive, Harbor Springs, MI 49740.
Why The Highlands of Harbor Springs?
The Highlands is a unique destination in Northern Michigan. The resort boasts a timeless and traditional aesthetic, reminiscent of a 70s country club with a modern twist. It all started with one slope and a rope tow in 1955. Interestingly, the nearby Boyne Mountain, another fantastic ski spot, was founded by Everett Kircher, who eventually bought The Highlands when the original owners ran out of funds. From its opening on December 26, 1963, The Highlands of Harbor Springs, now part of Boyne Resorts, has grown into an excellent experience in refined luxury skiing and hospitality.
At the top of North Peak
Skiing and Snowboarding at The Highlands.
The Highlands boasts 53 downhill runs, from bunny slopes to expert runs and terrain parks. The resort features the longest ski run in Michigan at 1.25 miles, with a vertical drop of 552 feet, 435 skiable acres, and an annual snowfall of 140 inches.
Beginner, Intermediate, and Expert Slopes: The Highlands caters to all skill levels, with 16 acres for beginners, 29% for intermediates, and 34% for experts.
Lift System: Eight chairlifts, two magic carpet conveyor lifts, and four terrain parks keep the excitement levels high. Notably, the North Peak Pass is the longest run at 1.25 miles.
Mountain Stats at The Highlands.
Longest Run: 1.25 miles (North Peak Pass)
Vertical Drop: 552 feet
Skiable Acres: 435 acres
Annual Snowfall: 140 inches
Number of Runs: 53
Beginner Terrain: 16 acres
Intermediate Terrain: 29%
Expert Terrain: 34%
Lift System:
8 chairlifts
2 magic carpet conveyor lifts
4 terrain parks
Some of our favorite runs include Buckey’s, Leslie’s Quest, and Andrew’s Alley to Lazy Way. The greens like Little John and Camelot are also great.
Camelot 6: A Game-Changer for The Highlands.
The installation of Camelot 6, a six-person, high-speed Doppelmayr D-Line bubble chairlift, kicked off the winter season on December 15, 2023. It’s the first of its kind in the Midwest, offering:
Heated, extra-wide seats
Ergonomically designed setup with individual footrests
Tinted, weatherproof bubble
Fastest speed in the Midwest at 6m/s
Lift Tickets at The Highlands.
Lift tickets offer a range of options to suit your skiing or riding needs:
Night Ticket: Starts at $25 (5 PM - 9 PM)
Open-To-Close Ticket: Starts at $52 (9 AM - Close)
Stay And Save: 10% OFF for lodging guests
Sunday Matinee Ticket: $59 (Starting at noon on Sundays)
Slopes After Sundown: $25 (Wednesday & Thursday Evenings, 5 PM - 9 PM)
Night Stay And Save: 10% OFF night lift tickets for lodging guests
RFID Go Cards make accessing the slopes convenient and easy. Purchase lift tickets online and pick up your card at a Go Card Ticket Kiosk. Learn more here.
Season Passes for The Highlands and Boyne Mountain.
Explore the Michigan Pass options for unlimited access and exclusive perks at The Highlands and Boyne Mountain. Options include:
Gold Pass: $979
Unlimited Days: Exclusive Perks + 3 days of skiing at Brighton, Big Sky, Pleasant Mountain + optional Ikon Base Pass Add-On.
Silver Pass: $699
Holiday Blackout Dates: 10 Holiday Blackout dates. Retail & lodging discounts, & additional pass-holder perks!
Bronze Pass: $559
Sunday-Friday Access: Blacked out Saturday & 7 holiday dates. Exclusive pass-holder benefits!
Classic Pass: $349
Sunday-Friday Access: Local's favorite with exclusive benefits & perks! Blacked out Saturday & 7-holiday dates.
Buy Now
NoMi Pass: $309
College Pass for ages 18-29: There are ten blackout dates! For $150 more, you can make it unlimited with holiday add-ons!
Freeride Pass: $99
Local Youth Pass valid for children ages 6-17 attending school in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, or Otsego Counties.
Active & Playground Pass: $35
Unlimited Days: Active Pass for adults 80+ | Playground Pass for children 5 & under.
For more information, visit Highlands Season Passes.
Ski and Snowboard Rentals.
The Highlands offers the latest Burton snowboard equipment and HEAD BYS skis for adults. Helmets are highly recommended for safety. Rentals include skis, boots, poles, and helmets. Cross-country skis and snowshoes are also available for rent at the Cross Country Center.
For more details and to book your rental, visit the Ski and Snowboard Rentals page on their site.
Winter Activities at The Highlands of Harbor Springs
While skiing and snowboarding are the main attractions, The Highlands offers a variety of other winter activities:
Enchanted Trail: A 2-mile trail with lights and displays. Warm up midway with a drink and end with a bonfire and s’mores. Tickets start at $19. Learn more here.
Sno-Go Experience: For $89, learn how to ride a snow bike from an expert. Learn more here.
Winter Zipline: Fly over the winter wonderland for $74. Watch the experience here.
Horseback Rides: Guided tours on a network of trails. Learn more here.
Nordic Center: Coming soon with 20 miles of trails through the forest and pines. Stay updated here.
Snowshoeing: An excellent way to hike in deep snow, coming soon. Keep updated here.
Fat Tire Biking: 5.75 miles of trails dedicated to fat tire biking, coming soon. Bring your bike or rent one at the Nordic Center.
Lodging Options at The Highlands
The Highlands offers seven lodging options tailored to every family and group size, including:
Main Lodge: Learn more
Heather Highlands Inn: Learn more
Alpine Village: Learn more
Each option provides convenient access to the slopes and a range of amenities, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay.
Main Lodge: The Heart of The Highlands.
The Main Lodge at The Highlands stands out as an iconic destination reminiscent of an English country estate. Offering ski-in/ski-out access, guests can hit the slopes directly from their doorstep. We stayed here and loved it. The heated pool and hot tub were a highlight of the evening, providing a perfect way to unwind after a day on the slopes.
Waffle Cabin Belgium waffle dripping in chocolate
A “wonderful” view from North Peak.
Boyne Rewards: Earn and Redeem Points
Boyne Rewards is a loyalty program where guests can earn and redeem points for various activities and purchases at Boyne Resorts, including dining, lift tickets, and more. For every dollar spent, you earn a point, which can be used across all Boyne Resorts locations. This program enhances your stay by providing additional value and exclusive perks.
How Boyne Rewards Works:
Earning Points: You earn one point for every dollar spent at Boyne Resorts.
Redeeming Points: Points can be redeemed for dining, lift tickets, lodging, and more.
Exclusive Perks: Members get access to special offers and promotions. Sign up here.
Conclusion: The Perfect Michigan Winter Retreat.
The Highlands of Harbor Springs offers a sophisticated ski experience ideal for beginner skiers, a girl’s getaway, or a romantic weekend. With its elegant atmosphere, excellent slopes, and exceptional amenities, it promises an unforgettable winter vacation. Guests can access Boyne Mountain, doubling the winter fun and activities available. Boyne Rewards enhances the stay with exclusive perks and points redeemable across all Boyne Resorts. Whether hitting the slopes or relaxing by the fire, The Highlands provides a magical Michigan winter escape.
