Winter is back with a fury as the polar vortex (or whatever it’s called now) has brought snowmaking temps back to the Mitten, which is great news for Michigan ski resorts.

Adventurous types can make the trek to the UP and get after some of that sweet sweet snowfall (up to 30 inches in some places). Aside from the far west side (Brule and maybe Blackjack) no ski areas are open yet, so be prepared to earn those turns.

Under the bridge, there’s a lot of activity this week as resorts aim to take full advantage of the early cold front. Southeast Michigan ski areas are making as much snow as the cold nights allow, and with the polar vortex in full swing, and up to 6″ of lake effect snow hitting the west side of the state, they’ll be open soon, too.

Last Updated November 17; 1:50pm to update Cannonsburg.

Southeast Michigan Ski Areas

Mt. Holly will open at noon until 8pm on Saturday November 15. Opening day lift tickets will be $20.

Pine Knob will open at noon until 8pm on Saturday November 15. Opening day lift tickets will be $20.

Alpine Valley will open at noon until 10pm on Saturday November 15. Opening day lift tickets will be $30.

Mt. Brighton plans to open on Sunday November 16 at 12 noon, and I have heard they will be setting 5 park features assuming they can blow enough base. As of 3pm on November 12, they have officially begun making snow.

West Side Michigan Ski Areas

Cannonsburg fired up the snow guns on November 12 overnight. With more snow in the forecast this week, Cannonsburg has confirmed an opening day for Saturday, November 22.

Bittersweet began snowmaking no November 12 and they will be opening from noon to 9pm on Sunday, November 16 with $20 lift tickets.

Up North Michigan Ski Areas

Caberfae Peaks fired up their guns on November 11. Caberfae Peaks’ latest on social media also says they are pushing for a November 22 open.

Shanty Creek Resorts began snowmaking operations at Schuss Mountain on November 14. While it’s a bit too soon to set a firm opening date, with 8-9″ of natural snowfall this week, and snowmaking ongoing as conditions permit, there’s a good possibility Schuss will be open by Thanksgiving weekend.

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Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands are also in full snowmaking mode, and while not able to open this weekend, Boyne Mountain has confirmed an opening day: November 21. Boyne Highlands is opening for one day only on November 16, with free skiing and snowboarding for anyone who shows up. After that, they will be closed for snowmaking and hope to re-open at the end of the week.

Nub’s Nob has been making snow like crazy, nothing official yet but I would expect November 21.

Treetops Resort will be opening on Saturday, November 22. I’ve been riding there at least a few days each season the past few years, and even though Treetops is one of the smaller and lesser-known ski areas in Michigan, they have a renewed focus on their ski & snowboard offerings including progression parks and an airbag jump, it’s always a good time!

Crystal Mountain also joined in the snowmaking fun this week, this year Crystal Mountain will be opening ahead of schedule, on Saturday November 22.

Other Events at Michigan Ski Areas

Last but not least there is a rail jam at Pando Winter Sports Park on November 15 (Saturday). Cost is $10 (or maybe $15 if they are running the rope). Event starts at 1pm, bring your friends! Event details via Facebook.

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