Family Skiing and Snowboarding in Michigan

This article was written in partnership with Jessica Bassett, better known as Mom In The Mitten, to provide a post full of tips, tricks and advice to make your family outings to the slopes of Michigan fun for everyone!

Skiing and snowboarding are one of the few activities in life that can be enjoyed by every generation in the family. It’s not uncommon to see a toddler being guided down a run by a parent, the grandparents following, while older siblings impatiently wait at the bottom of the slopes. Michigan leads the country in number of ski areas, and while each has a different vibe, they’re all set up to welcome and entertain your entire family.

Bill & Paul’s has been serving winter sports lovers of West Michigan since 1961. We’ve had the privilege of working with over 4 generations of families, meaning we have loads of experience outfitting skiers and boarders of all ages. Through our popular Kid’s Club Trade-In Trade-Up Program we continue to gear up hundreds of young people every season, providing parents and grandparents tips and tricks to make their day at the hill full of happy memories.

@Mom_in_the_Mitten (Jessica Bassett) is a mother of three very active boys. Her family loves to ski, but they enjoy outdoor adventures throughout the state year-round. As Jessica began posting about her family adventures for friends and family, she was repeatedly asked about gear, clothing, and trip logistics from other moms. Realizing Michigan families wanted information, Mom In The Mitten was born. Now, through her social channels, she’s become an outstanding source of information not only for families, but for moms who love a little fashion with their adventures! A longtime customer and fan of the Sporthaus, she’s become a recognized ambassador not only for us but also for some of our clothing brands we carry. This article was a natural extension of a partnership founded on our common goal of helping families enjoy the outdoors as much as possible.

It's not unusual to see three generations of skier together on the slopes. Seeing Batman of the Slopes is a bonus in Michigan! 

I'M READY TO TAKE MY FAMILY SKIING. WHERE TO START?

You’ve been inspired to spend time outside this winter and decided to go skiing or snowboarding. Excellent! Now what?

1.  Ask your friends

With over 2.2 million skiers visiting our state’s resorts (data from winter 21/22), chances are you know someone who likes to ski and will share their experiences with you. 

2. Visit your local ski shop

Not every city has a dedicated, local specialty ski/board store but chances are you won’t have to go too far to find one. These shops are staffed by folks who love to ski and snowboard and are more than willing to provide advice to help get you started affordably and comfortably. And remember, hanging out and asking questions from the experts is FREE!

3.  Search the web.

MSIA is our state’s ski and snowboard trade association. They offer a comprehensive list of areas and shops, as well as programs designed for beginners at their website goskimichigan.com. Michigan also has over 40 areas throughout the state and their websites are full of information on lessons, rentals, lodging, alternative activities, and so much more.

WHAT’S ABSOLUTLEY NEEDED TO START?

Being new, focus on a few items to keep you warm and comfortable while learning the ropes. Look around your house and closets. Chances are if you enjoy other outdoor activities, you probably have most of these items to get started.

1. Layers of clothing

If possible, avoid wearing heavy parkas and bulky snowpants. Waterproof shells with layers of fleece or puffy mid-layers over a set of long underwear work best. You’ll be nervous, and those first days are kind of physical, so you’ll be active and sweating. Try not to overdress!

2. Ski socks and neck gaiters

You’ll love having these even if you don’t go skiing!

3. Goggles or sunglasses

Snow hurts the eyes when it’s flying, whether from the sky or a snow gun. Make sure you have something to protect yourself.

4. Hand and toe warmers

These are inexpensive, easy to use, and invaluable when it’s cold out!

WHAT ABOUT THE GEAR?

1. Start by renting

Until you know you’re hooked we recommend renting. For those of you going 6 times or less, renting is the most cost-effective means of being on the best fitting equipment for you. Most areas offer some type of rental, lesson, lift ticket package to help lower the cost of starting. You should be able to rent a helmet as well. Please do that!

2. When should I buy my own gear?

If you go more than 6 times a season, the cost of rental, plus time lost waiting in rental rooms, make owning your own gear worthwhile. Plus, with your own stuff, you’ll go more often, and enjoy using equipment that fits.

3. Equipment for the kids

As mentioned above, Bill & Paul’s has our popular Kid’s Club program to keep costs down and allows the kids to be in the right size equipment. Check your local store for similar programs.

4. Know what you’re buying!

Be careful of friends giving you their old gear, deals on marketplace, and other options when it comes to getting cheap gear. Poorly fitting boots and skis or boards that aren’t your size or are no longer serviceable can make your overall experience miserable. A new set-up for beginning skiers or boarders will run around $700.00 which may sound like a lot up front. But it will be yours for years, and for perspective, you may be paying upwards of $100 a day for some lift tickets.

A trade up program insures your little ones are always in the right size gear. 

HELPFUL HINTS FOR FAMILIES GETTING STARTED

1. Stay Organized.

As you grow with the sport, you’ll have a pile of clothing and gear for each of you. Providing everyone a boot bag or some other way to keep it all together will help prevent the frustration of lost gloves, pants left home, ect…

Boot bags keeping ski cabin in order!

2. Take Lessons!

All resorts and areas offer great deals on beginner lessons. Take advantage of this to avoid anxiety, time wasted learning the wrong way, or worse, injuring yourself early in your experience. Discover Michigan Skiing lists programs that can be found throughout the state in January, while Bill & Paul’s has Meet the Slopes, a barrier free, super fun day for first time adults.

3. Use Learning Aids for Youngsters

Tip connectors and ski trainers make teaching the little ones a whole lot easier.

4. 4th and 5th Graders Can Ski Free!

Cold is Cool is another great program from MSIA that allows registered Michigan 4th and 5th graders free skiing all winter.

5. Take Breaks

Little legs and new skiers/boarders get tired easily. Cocoa and cookie breaks make memories and allow you to go all day.

6. Purchase lift tickets in advance

Day rates at most areas have gotten very expensive because of demand. Many areas offer discounted lift tickets and rental packages if you book ahead. Check on-line for deals.

7. Bring your own food

Brown bagging or cooking in the parking lot can be a great way to keep the cost of eating reasonable. And while not an option everywhere, many resorts have designated areas for the crock-pot/brown bag crowd to eat inside. Respect their rules about where you can brown bag and remember if your kids want to order some fries, don’t deprive them, especially at Caberfae!

Skyview Day Lodge at Caberfae is perfect for bag and crockpot lunches!

ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS

The following questions were presented to store manager Michael Dean, skier and parent of 6 kids who all ski, store manager Jon Holmes, and Mom In The Mitten to provide some answers to the most common questions asked by parents who ski in Michigan. Please note our answers are just listings, not rankings!

What are Your 3 Favorite Ski Areas for Families in Michigan?

100% agreement from both Michael and Jessica!

1. Crystal Mountain

Jessica “I believe they have the easiest green runs for learning & beginners. They also have a great ski school & lodging which is a bonus with families.”

Michael “Cool vibe with base village, with plenty of activities”

2. Boyne Mountain

Jessica  ”I think Boyne has a little bit of everything for everyone which is important when skiing with a family. I think Boyne can accommodate all skill levels as well as offer lots of family friendly activities outside of skiing like the arcade, tubing hill & waterpark.

Michael  “Waterpark, and excellent lodging”

3. Nubs Nob

Jessica “Nubs hands down has the best onsite daycare if you are a family with little ones. They also have the covered magic carpet area which even the older kids think is cool. Plus they have a great “starter” terrain park on their beginner lift that kids of all ages can spend hours on & have a blast. “

Michael  “8 and under ski free, great daycare, and kids ski program

What are the 3 Best Family Runs in Michigan?

No agreement here!

Jessica 1) Hilda’s Hideaway at Boyne Mountain, 2) Pleasant View at Nubs Nob, and 3) Birch Run at Pine Mountain Resort in the Upper Peninsula

Michael 1) Boyne Land at Boyne Mountain, 2) Ramblewood at Nubs Nob, and 3) Camelot at The Highlands

Ski the UP! Incredible Snow, Amazing Runs, No Crowds. This lucky little skier has Birch Run at Pine Mountain Ski Area to themselves!

Your 3 Tips for Families Skiing on a Budget?

Great minds think economically!

Jessica

1) Use a kids program like Bill & Paul’s for equipment and use the free passes that come with the program

2) Buy season passes at Caberfae, they are by far the most affordable and now they have season pass partners where you can ski free 3 times.

3) Try to make as many day trips as possible or tag on 2 ski days to one overnight stay to cut back on lodging expenses

Michael

1) Take kids out of school, ski midweek

2) Avoid the 2 big Holiday periods at ALL COSTS! (MLK and Presidents Weekends)

3) Commit to 1 ski area and get season passes

3 Favorite Pieces of Gear, Besides the Equipment, for Family Skiing?

Jon Holmes, store manager at Bill & Paul’s, answered in place of Michael on this one. Both Jessica and Jon agreed that learning aids are important!

Jessica

1)The wedgie to keep their skis in a pizza

2)The harness backpack. This is a must to transition from the bunny hill to the chairlift. Super helpful & great for safety

3)Fruit snacks or some kind of candy in your pocket for those hangry moments out on the hill. Use as a reward for great skiing or as a bribe to get one more run. Haha

Jon

1) Ski bags for the whole family

2) Tip connectors and harnesses for teaching the little ones

3) Car top box for hauling everything!

3 Best Cafeteria Foods in Michigan?

No agreement here. We recommend you get out and do your own test!

Jessica

1) The grilled cheese at Nubs Nob. Big mitten is a Big fan

2) Bloody Mary from R Dubs Pub at Caberfae - Mr. mitten endorsed

3) Turkey & Pesto panini from the Eagles Nest at Boyne Mountain - my personal choice!

Michael

1) French Fries (Caberfae)

2) Giant Pizza slice (Nubs)

3) Hot Chocolate (North Peak, Highlands)

3 generations of the author's family still riding together at the Highlands. Whether your 23 or 83, sliding on snow will make you smile! 

DON’T WAIT! MAKE THIS THE YEAR YOU BECOME A SKIING FAMILY.

Getting started as a family, or even an individual, can be intimidating to downright frustrating. There are so many barriers. Cold weather, cost, unfamiliar gear, a new culture, defying gravity, riding a chairlift. Yet skiers and boarders will tell you those are the very reasons we love winter sports. The views from the top of a mountain in the winter are amazing. Watching your kids go down is even more incredible. You’ll find the folks at the slopes are inviting, helpful, and happy! It’s because they’ve found a way to beat the winter blues. Hopefully this article and the tips