For family skiing, Mount Holiday on the northern peninsula of Michigan offers an even split between beginner, intermediate and advanced runs so that every family member of any ski ability can enjoy the slopes. Most of the slopes are more flat than steep so it is a great location to learn to snowboard or ski.
One of the few ski resorts that is known for its charitable work, Mount Holiday provides winter outdoor recreation to underprivileged children in the area including lift tickets, rentals and lessons. It is mostly supported by local area businesses and foundations who donate funds to keep the ski area operating.
Mount Holiday has 200 feet of vertical drop with 7 lifts taking skiers to 14 trails spread out over 46 acres facing the bay. It receives at least 120 inches of annual snowfall and benefits from the "lake effect" with ample snow during the ski season. In addition to skiing, Mount Holiday has lots of other fun winter sports including snow tubing, a terrain park for freestylers and night skiing. Lessons are on offer and the Peter Rabbit tow rope is where the beginner snowboard and skiing lessons take place.
Mount Holiday also has a very attractive ski lodge with cafe food and a lounge that often has live music. The rustic lounge has wood paneled walls and a big stone fireplace. It serves white tablecloth, sit-down dinners three nights a week. On Wednesdays it is Burger and Beer Night. Thursdays it is Mexican & Wing Nite with their popular white chicken chili. And on Friday nights it is Fish & Steak night. All nights you are also able to order salads, appetizers, pizzas, sandwiches and soups. There is also a ski shop in the lodge for rentals and purchasing.
Since Mount Holiday is located right in Traverse City, you can walk to the hill. For lodging in Traverse City when skiing Mount Holiday, take a look at Grand Traverse Resort. It is fun because there is a Dylan's Candy Bar right in the hotel. It is a large resort with 2 pools, a spa, and a casino in its sister hotel with shuttle bus service there as well as around town and to the airport. Try to get a room in the new tower. You can also take a look at Park Shore Resort. It has a great view over the water.
For more personality there are some great B&Bs in the area. Start with a look at the magnificent Antiquities' Wellington Inn, a stately columned home filled with antiques and rooms that are comfortable and well decorated. There is even a "snack stocked self-serve kitchen" for guests to enjoy! For a special treat you have to consider the Tesoro Inn. It is more expensive than the others but it is worth it. Located within a Mission style home, each room is luxuriously appointed. Breakfasts are home cooked and huge. The owners specialize in pointing guests towards the area wineries for wine tastings and wine dinners.
Mount Holiday was founded in 1949 so it has had a long time to become a nostalgic hill for many who first learned to ski and snowboard there. The main lodge was entirely built by volunteers in the 1950s. A ski patrol building was added in 1985. Visit some wineries, do some skiing, relax, learn how to snowboard. Mount Holiday is the place to do it.
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