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The Highlands at Harbor Springs, located in northern Michigan, is a popular family-friendly ski destination. With a variety of slopes suitable for all skill levels—from beginners to more advanced skiers—it offers a welcoming atmosphere and beautiful, scenic views. The resort features a solid lift infrastructure and plenty of off-slope activities, making it an ideal spot for a well-rounded winter getaway. While it may not offer the extreme terrain of western resorts, The Highlands provides an enjoyable and accessible skiing experience for everyone.
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The Highlands ski resort
Discover the charm of The Highlands, a true hidden gem in the Midwest, nestled between the picturesque towns of Petoskey and Harbor Springs. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Lake Michigan’s shoreline and the serene northern woodlands, the resort offers the most skiable terrain in lower Michigan—making it the perfect winter escape for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
The slopes
Carve your way down 55 trails, ranging from gentle greens to challenging double blacks, across 435 acres of skiable terrain. Ride in comfort on Camelot 6, the Midwest’s first and fastest heated 6-person bubble chairlift, and enjoy even greater access to the mountain with the all-new Interconnect Lift. With 8 lifts and 3 terrain parks, there’s always something new to explore.
Whether you’re just starting out or fine-tuning your technique, the Snowsports School at The Highlands is here to help. From kid-focused programs and camps to group and private lessons, our expert instructors create a fun, safe, and confidence-boosting environment for all ages. At The Highlands, every visit promises unforgettable turns, crackling bonfires, and après-ski vibes in a setting that feels like home.
Unforgettable experiences at The Highlands
The magic of winter goes far beyond skiing and snowboarding. Whether you’re looking to unwind or try something new, there’s a full lineup of activities for every kind of adventurer. Embark on a scenic horseback trail ride through snow-dusted woods, or immerse yourself in the whimsical charm of the Enchanted Trail—a magical, lantern-lit winter walk. For those craving a different pace, explore miles of cross-country skiing, fat tire biking, and snowshoeing trails. When the sun sets, the fun continues with night skiing under the lights, fireside s’mores, and live music. Cozy up at one of our inviting après spots and soak in the warmth, good vibes, and unforgettable views that make The Highlands a true winter wonderland.
The Highlands in summer
When the snow melts, The Highlands transforms into a vibrant playground for warm-weather adventure, surrounded by the lush beauty of northern Michigan. Tee off on one of four championship golf courses—or enjoy a more relaxed round on the resort’s short course. Hike through scenic wooded trails, or take your adrenaline to new heights on lift-served mountain biking trails designed for all skill levels, featuring flow tracks, berms, and winding singletrack through the trees. For a more laid-back experience, hop on a scenic chairlift ride and take in sweeping views of the rolling hills, forests, and Lake Michigan beyond. Summer here is all about exploration, relaxation, and unforgettable outdoor moments.
Environmental and sustainability efforts at The Highlands
At The Highlands, sustainability is a core value guiding our operations and future planning. Through our ForeverProject initiative, we are committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030, enhancing energy efficiency, reducing waste, and preserving the natural environment. Our efforts include transitioning to clean electricity, implementing comprehensive recycling and composting programs, and engaging with the community to promote environmental stewardship.
In addition, The Highlands has partnered with Emmet County Recycling to compost all of its pre-consumer food waste, supporting a program that diverted over 220,000 pounds of restaurant food waste from landfills last year. This waste is combined with yard trimmings and transformed into nutrient-rich compost for local farmers and gardeners. In addition, the resort’s food and beverage department now uses Your Green2Go compostable takeout containers and plant starch utensils. This new composting initiative complements The Highlands’ ongoing recycling efforts, which last year alone diverted more than 290,000 pounds of paper and 115,000 pounds of mixed containers from the landfill.
Lastly, The Highlands has upgraded its snowmaking capabilities on North Peak by replacing several older snow guns with state-of-the-art HKD R5 Impulse towers and sleds. This modern installation enables earlier season openings on one of skiers’ favorite runs while significantly reducing compressed air usage. The energy-efficient snow guns have cut the time required to cover the same terrain by nearly 24 percent, helping The Highlands stay ahead of the regional impacts of climate change. The upgrade is expected to save over 600,000 kWh each season.
Where to stay?
The ski resort offers a range of accommodations with easy access to the slopes and amenities. You will find your perfect stay whether you want ski-in/ski-out convenience or a quiet retreat.
The Highlands Main Lodge ****
The Main Lodge combines the charm of an English country estate with modern comfort, featuring newly updated rooms and a range of guest-focused amenities. Centrally located near the slopes and golf courses, it offers easy access to all The Highlands has to offer. Guests can enjoy popular amenities like an outdoor pool, hot tub, on-site dining, and a cozy café—making it the perfect home base for a Highlands getaway.
Heather Highlands Inn ***
Heather Highlands Inn offers a family-friendly lodging experience with spacious, condo-style accommodations featuring separate bedrooms and loft areas. Conveniently located near the ski slopes and the first hole of The Heather golf course, it provides easy access to year-round activities. With its central location and home-like comfort, it’s an ideal choice for a relaxed and convenient family getaway.
Alpine Village Condos ***
Crafted with the rustic charm of a North Woods cabin, Alpine Village features two-, three-, and four-bedroom slopeside condominiums near North Peak Pass. Each unit offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with natural wood accents, ceramic tile flooring, comfortable furnishings, and modern amenities. Ideally located at the heart of the resort, just steps from the Main Lodge and golf courses, Alpine Village is a perfect year-round retreat for families and groups.
