Experience these 5 Premiere Ski Resorts near Detroit this March

Detroit's snow may have disappeared this month, but don't worry - ski season isn't over yet! Fortunately there are plenty of premiere winter destinations within driving distance of the Motor City where the lifts are still running. Check out these 5 world-class ski resorts near Detroit to close out your ski season!

Here's a forgetful fact: March is predominantly a winter month. For our community of hikers, paddlers, and mountain bikers, that's certainly not a welcomed reminder. In fact, we'd be willing to bet that spring's unseasonably warm arrival has been a blessing to the senses for you.

For our cold weather faithful - the powder seekers, groomer rippers, and snow-covered trail aficionados - winter's abrupt exit from the Detroit region has been jarring to say the least. As I type these words, ALL of Detroit's "Big Four Ski Resorts" have shuttered for the season (Alpine Valley and Pine Knob, the last two standing, closed for the season today).

Did this year's El Niño winter deliver a bust for Detroit's snow recreational opportunities? Yes - a definitive yes. However, contrary to popular belief, winter did actually arrive to the Great Lakes region, and some areas received generously more snow than others. So much so that certain resorts remain open into mid-March.

That's right, friends: #SkiSZN in the Great Lakes isn't 100% over yet.

Looking to squeeze one final ski trip into the 2024 season? You've come to the right place - here are 5 premiere ski resorts near Detroit where you can still capitalize on late winter skiing and snowboarding opportunities!

1.  BOYNE MOUNTAIN RESORT | Boyne Falls, Michigan

Travel Time from Detroit: 3 hours 40 minutes

Pass Affiliation: Ikon

Day Pass Price: $59.00

Lifts Still Running: 4/10

Why You Should Visit: Since first opening for the 1948 season with a single chairlift, a single run, and a single warming hut, Boyne Mountain Resort still remains one of Michigan's premiere destinations for world-class winter recreation opportunities. Beyond the resort's 65 trails, Boyne also offers additional activities for visitors like night riding, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, ice skating, and the world-famous Sky Bridge.

Favorite Run: The Meadows

2.  THE HIGHLANDS  | Harbor Springs, Michigan

Travel Time from Detroit: 4 hours

Pass Affiliation: Ikon

Day Pass Price: $52.00

Lifts Running: 7/8

Why You Should Visit: Boasting the highest vertical and most skier and rider-accessible acreage in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, The Highlands is known for its hospitality and family friendliness. The Highlands ski resort is home to an extensive trail system that provides terrain for all ability types. Beyond skiing and riding, The Highlands offers tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, ziplining, and more, including 4 golf courses, making it a year-round destination.

Favorite Run: Rob Roy

3.  BLUE MOUNTAIN SKI RESORT  | The Blue Mountains, Ontario, Canada

Travel Time from Detroit: 4 hours 50 minutes

Pass Affiliation: Ikon

Day Pass Price: $94.00 (CAD)

Lifts Running: 8/11

Why You Should Visit: Located along the shores of Georgian Bay in Ontario, Canada, spanning the Niagara Escarpment, Blue Mountain Ski Resort has evolved into a year-round outdoor recreation destination. Blue Mountain, which is approximately 100 miles north of Toronto, is routinely ranked as one of the top family-friendly resorts and ski areas in Canada. The resort is also conveniently located near Georgian Bay Islands National Park.

Favorite Run: Memory Lane

4.  MOUNT-TREMBLANT RESORT  | Mount-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada

Travel Time from Detroit: 9 hours 35 minutes

Pass Affiliation: Ikon

Day Pass Price: $135.00 (CAD)

Lifts Running: 12/14

Why You Should Visit: Any trip to Mont Tremblant Resort can only be described as a "one-of-a-kind experience." Both on the mountain and within the pedestrian village located at its base, Mount-Tremblant provides a year-round recreational wonderland for its visitors. The resort receives abundant snowfall and has an extensive state-of-the-art snowmaking infrastructure with over 1,000 snow guns. There is a great mix of terrain that caters to all ability levels from beginners to experts.

Favorite Run: Jasey-Jay Anderson

5. MOUNT BOHEMIA | Houghton, Michigan

Travel Time from Detroit: 9 hours 40 minutes

Pass Affiliation: Bohemia Pass (independent)

Day Pass Price: $92.00

Lifts Running: 2/2*

Why You Should Visit: Recently crowned USA Today's #1 ski resort in North America, Mount Bohemia is known for its expert terrain, consistent powder, and panoramic views of Lac La Belle - obviously making it a prime spot for Midwest spring skiers. Due to its position on the Upper Keweenaw Peninsula, Mount Bohemia's lake effect snow is dry and powdery, and snowfall averages about 273 inches a season. BoHo also boasts the largest vertical drop in the Midwest, and is the only lift-serviced ski resort in North America that does not groom. Consequentially, Mount Bohemia is NOT for beginners. The resort usually remains open until mid to late-April.

Favorite Run: Backcountry runs below Bull Moose.

*Mount Bohemia features a "shuttle lift" service that picks up backcountry skiers and riders throughout the base of the resort.

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Have you visited any of these ski resorts near Detroit before? Do you have special insider tips for new visitors? Let us know in the comments - and don't forget to share this article with any of your adventure buddies who may be interested in joining you on your next best winter (or spring) road trip!