• A snowboarder on a groomed hill.ski resort image by Radoslav Stoilov from Fotolia.com
  
  Southern Michigan may not seem like it would be a hot spot for downhill skiing, but it is. There are a few ski resorts and hills within an hour's drive from Detroit that offer skiing, tubing, snowboarding and lessons for those who would like to learn any of the above. The snowfall on the ski hills is aided by man-made snow, but the natural snowfall is good most years.
  
  

Mt. Holly

• Mt. Holly is a ski hill one hour's north drive up I-75 from Detroit. Mt. Holly offers slopes from the easy to difficult level, but there are no double black diamonds. Seven different lifts are available to get skiers and snowboarders up to 16 different groomed runs.
  
  Mt. Holly has a ski school and offers private, semi-private and group lessons for adults and children. There are two leagues for racers, ranging from intermediate to advanced ski levels. There is also a pro shop, a gift shop and a snack bar on site. Mt. Holly does not have lodging on the premises.
  
  Mt. Holly
  
  13536 Dixie Highway
  
  Holly, MI 48442
  
  248-634-8269
  
  skimtholly.com
  
  

Pine Knob

• Pine Knob is located in Clarkston, Michigan, which is a suburb on the northwestern side of Detroit. Pine Knob has 10 lifts to take skiers up to 15 trails. The ski runs range from easy to expert in difficulty, with 5% of the runs being double black diamond. There is a 300 foot drop on the steepest hill.
  
  A ski school offers private and group lessons for beginners and intermediate skiers. A pro shop has ski and snowboard rentals. There are five local hotels which offer special packages for ski and stay promotions since there is no lodging on the grounds.
  
  Pine Knob Ski Resort
  
  7778 Sashabaw Road
  
  Clarkston, MI 48348
  
  248-625-0800
  
  

Alpine Valley

• The Alpine Valley ski hills are just 15 minutes to the west of Detroit. Alpine Valley has 25 slopes, ranging from easy to difficult, with no double black diamond runs. The longest run is 2,000 feet with a gradual drop of 300 feet. There are 15 toe ropes and lifts available to get you quickly up to the hill.
  
  The pro shop offers ski and snowboard rentals, as well as a day care facility for children too small to ski. Restaurants and lodging facilities are nearby, but not on site.
  
  Alpine Valley
  
  6775 Highland Rd.
  
  White Lake, MI 48383
  
  248-887-4183
  
  skialpinevalley.com