Winter
Winter
Nothing is a beautiful as the crisp fresh air of Northern Michigan winters. There’s a pleasant quietness as you watch the snow fall from the trees. Bellaire offers several opportunities to explore this beauty.
Shanty Creek offers both down-hill and nordic skiing, tubing and sled dog rides. Glacial Hills Natural Pathway offers groomed trails for snowshoeing and fat-tire biking. Grass River Natural Area offers nordic skiing, snowshoeing and winter classes.
After a day outside, visit downtown Bellaire for some retail therapy, gourmet meal or some fun at the local pub. Looking for something for the whole family, stop by Bellaire Lanes & Games for bowling, laser tag and full restaurant/bar.
Cross country skiing epitomizes the saying “it’s all about the journey, not the destination.” Enjoy that journey along Michigan’s more than 3,000 miles of cross country ski trails. With each mile you will discover the hush of snow-covered landscapes that set the tone for a contemplative, yet invigorating, winter pastime.
Cross Country Skiing @ Shanty Creek Resorts
Shanty Creek’s northern Michigan beauty is renowned. Few activities showcase the splendor like cross county skiing the 30km of groomed and track set trails. The Nordic Skiing Center at Cedar River Village offers cross county skiing rentals or lessons. Stay at Shanty Creek Resorts this winter and experience some of the finest Michigan cross country skiing available.
If you have your own nordic ski equipment, cross country skiing trail heads can be found at all three of Shanty Creek’s resort villages.
Shanty Creek Resorts offer a variety of lodging packages to fit your needs while enjoying cross country skiing in Michigan.
Cross Country Skiing Trail Map
Choose from over 30km of beautiful Michigan cross country skiing trails.
Cross Country Skiing @ Grass River Natural Area:
Cross-country skiing @ Glacial Hills Pathway & Natural Area
Glacial Hills offers backcountry skiing on both groomed and non-groomed trail. Cross country skiing is encouraged on the groomed trail loop that is also used for fat biking.
AKA Fat Tire Biking, Snow Biking. The biggest thing to shake up the biking industry in ages has been the proliferation of Fat Bikes. Equipped with rugged, low PSI, knobby fat tires, fat biking gives riders more terrain to tackle including snow and soft sandy beaches.
Here in northern Michigan, that means year-round biking. And in Bellaire we’re lucky to have Patrick Boyd’s Paddles & Pedals in nearby Bellaire, who will deliver Fat Bike rentals during their business hours.
Winter brings a blanket of snow to Glacial Hills and a wave of different activities. We have trails specially designed and maintained for snowshoeing, cross country skiing and fat tire biking. Vandermark Trailhead and Eckhardt Trailhead are plowed for accessing the trail. Winter activities include:
Fat-tire biking at Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area
Our groomed section of trail, which totals approximately 8 miles, offers something for all fat tire bikers. The groomed trail provides a more “singletrack” feel than many other fat tire bike trails.
Whether you’re a black diamond expert or an absolute beginner, Shanty Creek is fun for the entire family. When you choose Shanty Creek, you’ll have access to the best skiing in Michigan. The affordability and various options for all ages is what makes Shanty Creek one of the best ski resorts in Michigan.
Schuss Mountain & Summit Mountain Ski Resort
Shanty Creek features the best and most versatile skiing in northern Michigan. Our resort offers two ski mountains: Schuss Mountain and Summit Mountain.
Schuss Mountain
Among Michigan’s best skiing resort and snowboarding experiences, Schuss Mountain combines award-winning terrain, pristine grooming and snow conditions, and the perfect mix of gentle, easy runs and steep, challenging slopes. Schuss Mountain features four terrain parks, five quad-chair lifts, friendly lift operators and a nationally recognized two-time Ski Patrol of the Year staff dedicated to the safety and enjoyment of Shanty Creek’s guests in the winter. As far as Michigan Skiing, Schuss Mountain is where it’s at.
Summit Mountain
Fun Michigan skiing for the whole family: Summit Mountain, Shanty Creek’s original ski slopes, offer guests a more family-friendly winter ski resort experience and the best value of all ski resorts in Michigan. The 11 runs are located behind The Lakeview Hotel & Conference Center and are serviced by two double-chair lifts and a magic carpet. With our “Summit Only” weekend offering deals on lift tickets and ski equipment rentals, the fun and excitement of northern Michigan skiing can be affordable, too. Variety is a common theme around Shanty Creek Resorts, and our distinct Michigan skiing experiences make us your best choice for your winter vacation ski getaway.
With a blanket of snow on the ground, visitors can ride to points of interest that are hidden in warmer months and find themselves on a winter adventure for the ages. Explore scenic overlooks and picturesque trails and ride right to the front door of many lodging establishments and restaurants catering to those who travel by sled.
Area information about Snowmobiling: www.msasnow.org
Snowshoeing in Michigan is a great way to see the tranquil beauty of the winter season, offering outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers a respite among picturesque trails and terrains. Catch a glimpse of rabbits, deer and fox as you trek along the state’s thousands of miles of trails. One of the oldest forms of transportation, snowshoeing offers a glimpse into our ancient cultures while staying connected with the world around us today.
Snowshoeing @ Shanty Creek Resorts
If Nordic skiing isn’t your thing, you can still explore the beauty of Shanty Creek’s winter wonderland. Grab a pair of snowshoes and discover the 4,500 acres of Shanty Creek Resorts.
Visit the Nordic Center at Cedar River for snowshoe rentals and take off on the new multi-purpose Nordic trail at Cedar River. It will take you on a beautiful hike through our award-winning Cedar River Golf Course where many say it’s even more beautiful during the snow-covered months of winter.
Snowshoeing @ Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area
Snowshoers love the rolling hills, scenic vistas and quiet of winter. The trails are well marked and can easily followed in even the most intense northern Michigan whiteout. Those seeking something a little easier hike can follow our groomed trails leaving from the Eckhardt Road entance.
Snowshoeing @ Grass River Natural Area:
Winter: The entrance road is plowed all the way to the main parking lot. The Chippewa, Nipissing, Algonquin, and Rail Trails are groomed for classic cross-country skiing (over 3 miles). All other trails are accessible by snowshoeing. If you need to rent skis or snowshoes, go here: RENTALS