Skiing & Snowboarding:

• Crystal Mountain Resort: Located about 30 minutes from Traverse City, Crystal Mountain offers skiing and snowboarding for all skill levels, along with stunning views of the surrounding area.
• Traverse City Ski Resort (Mt. Holiday): A local gem, Mt. Holiday offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, making it great for families and beginners.

Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing:

• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Known for its breathtaking winter landscapes, this park offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities through its forests and dunes.
• Boardman River Nature Center: A beautiful spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with peaceful trails along the river.
• Vasa Trail: A well-known cross-country ski trail that winds through forested terrain just outside of Traverse City.

Ice Skating:

• Centre Ice Arena: If you're in the mood for indoor skating, this arena offers public skate times.
• Outdoor Ice Skating: Some lakes and parks in Traverse City offer outdoor ice skating rinks during the winter months when the weather permits.

Snowmobiling:

• Traverse City is located near snowmobile trails that span across Northern Michigan. You can rent snowmobiles and explore the vast, scenic trails in the area.

Winter Wine Tours:

• Traverse City is home to a burgeoning wine scene, and winter offers a unique, cozy way to experience the local vineyards. Take a winter wine tour along the Leelanau Peninsula or the Old Mission Peninsula, enjoying the quiet beauty of the vineyards in the snow.

Winter Festivals:

• Traverse City Winter Microbrew & Music Festival: A winter festival celebrating local craft beer, food, and live music, often held in early winter.
• National Cherry Festival Winter Celebration: Sometimes, the popular cherry festival gets a winter spin, with events like cherry-inspired foods, winter activities, and performances.

Ice Fishing:

• Traverse City and the surrounding areas offer some great ice fishing opportunities. Grand Traverse Bay is a popular spot for anglers to try their luck in the winter months.

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides:

• Experience the charm of winter by booking a sleigh ride through the woods or a scenic trail, a magical way to enjoy the snowy landscape.

Winter Hiking:

• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: While it’s known for its summer beauty, Sleeping Bear Dunes also offers peaceful winter hikes, with fewer crowds and snow-covered views.
• Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf (winter walking tours): While the golf courses are not in operation during the winter, the trails around this location can be great for peaceful winter hikes.

Hot Springs & Relaxation:

• After a day in the snow, unwind at a local spa or even one of our homes equipped with a hot tub. While Traverse City doesn't have natural hot springs, many resorts offer spa treatments to help you warm up.

Snow Tubing:

• Mt. Holiday: In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Mt. Holiday also offers a fun and family-friendly snow tubing hill.

Sledding:

• For some old-fashioned fun, head to local sledding hills, such as those at Traverse City State Park or Cedar Hill.

Dining & Cozy Cafes:

• Enjoy cozy meals and warm drinks at some of Traverse City’s finest cafes, restaurants, and bakeries. Places like The Cherry Republic and Cafe Manitou offer warm, local foods perfect for a winter’s day.

Scenic Drives:

• Take a scenic drive around Old Mission Peninsula or Leelanau Peninsula, where you can take in the snow-covered landscapes and cozy up with a warm drink at a local café.

Indoor Activities:

• Visit The Dennos Museum Center to enjoy art exhibits or attend an indoor performance at The City Opera House for a warm escape from the winter chill.