The Highlands Ski Resort

The Highlands at Harbor Springs is located in northern Michigan’s Emmet County, just outside the charming town of Harbor Springs. With 435 acres of skiable terrain and an average annual snowfall of 125 inches, the resort offers a reliable winter season supported by extensive snowmaking. The base sits at 745 ft and rises to a summit of 1,290 ft, delivering a vertical drop of 552 ft across 55 trails and 11 lifts.

The terrain is thoughtfully distributed with 27% beginner runs, 36% intermediate, 27% advanced, and 9% expert, making it a balanced destination for skiers of all abilities. Families will appreciate the two tubing lanes, three terrain parks, and dedicated learning areas, while seasoned skiers can challenge themselves on longer descents like the 1.3-mile North Challenger. The resort also features 15 park rails and a variety of lift types including high-speed quads and surface lifts.

Visitors choose The Highlands for its welcoming atmosphere, scenic surroundings, and year-round appeal. Beyond skiing, the resort offers snowshoeing, fat tire biking, and Nordic trails, making it a versatile winter destination. Its blend of approachable terrain, modern infrastructure, and family-focused amenities makes it a standout choice for those seeking a relaxed yet active alpine experience.

Traveling to The Highlands at Harbor Springs is straightforward, with several regional airports nearby. Pellston Regional Airport is just 20 minutes away, while Traverse City’s Cherry Capital Airport and Alpena County Regional Airport offer additional options within a two-hour drive. From these hubs, rental cars and private shuttles are available, and many accommodations offer direct transfers to the resort.

For those driving, the resort is accessible via US-31 and M-119, with scenic routes through Petoskey and Harbor Springs. Free parking is available on-site, and ride-sharing services operate in the area. While there’s no gondola or snowcat transport, ski-in/ski-out lodging and proximity to the lifts make navigating the resort easy once you arrive.

The Highlands at Harbor Springs offers a diverse mountain layout that caters to skiers of all levels. The base area features gentle slopes and beginner-friendly lifts, making it ideal for families and first-timers. Runs like Valley View and Interconnect provide wide, forgiving descents with easy access to ski school and rental services.

Intermediate skiers will find plenty to explore across the central ridge, where trails like North Challenger and Camelot offer longer descents with consistent pitch. These runs are serviced by high-speed quads and triple chairs, ensuring smooth access and minimal wait times. The terrain here is perfect for building confidence and enjoying scenic views of northern Michigan.

Advanced skiers can head toward the North Peak area, where steeper pitches and tighter turns await. Runs like MacGully and Hemlock offer a satisfying challenge, especially on fresh snow days. The vertical drop of 552 ft may be modest by alpine standards, but the terrain is well-designed to maximize flow and variety.

Expert terrain is concentrated around the upper ridgelines, with narrow chutes and ungroomed sections that reward technical skill. While only 9% of the resort’s trails fall into this category, they’re well-maintained and offer a rewarding experience for those seeking intensity. These areas are best tackled early in the day when conditions are crisp and visibility is high.

Freestyle riders will appreciate the resort’s three terrain parks, each offering a unique layout. The Funland Park is geared toward beginners, while Challenger Park features medium-sized jumps and rails. The Burton Riglet Park is designed specifically for young riders, with scaled-down features and a playful atmosphere. Across the parks, 15 rails and progressive lines provide ample opportunity for creativity.

Natural features like wooded glades, open bowls, and scenic ridgelines enhance the skiing experience. The resort’s longest run stretches 1.3 miles, offering a full descent from summit to base. With 32.6 miles of skiable terrain and a well-integrated lift system, The Highlands delivers a satisfying mix of accessibility and adventure.

Start your day on North Challenger. It’s the longest run at the resort and tends to stay quiet until mid-morning. The early light over the valley makes for a beautiful descent, and the snow is usually untouched for the first few hours.

For powder days, head straight to Hemlock. It’s tucked away near the North Peak and often overlooked, but it holds snow exceptionally well and offers a mix of steep pitches and tree-lined sections. It’s best hit right after a storm when the base is fresh and coverage is deep.

Families should check out the Burton Riglet Park near the base lodge. It’s designed for young snowboarders and features scaled-down obstacles that make learning fun. The park is open daily and includes a mini rail garden and mellow rollers.

If you're looking for a quiet spot to ski mid-day, try Valley View. It’s a beginner run but offers great views and tends to be less trafficked after lunch. It’s also a good warm-up if you’re planning to tackle more challenging terrain later in the day.

Après-ski at the Main Lodge Lounge is a must. The fireplace seating and relaxed vibe make it a perfect spot to unwind. Try the local whitefish dip or a Michigan craft beer while watching the sunset over the slopes.

For freestyle riders, Challenger Park is best in the early afternoon. The snow softens just enough for smooth landings, and the layout includes medium-sized jumps and rails that are ideal for progression. The park crew keeps it well-groomed and rotates features weekly.

Looking for a scenic ride? Take the Camelot 6 lift to the summit and ski down Interconnect. The views of Lake Michigan on clear days are stunning, and the run offers a gentle descent that’s great for cruising.

Tubing is available near the base area with two groomed lanes and lift access. It’s a fun break from skiing and especially popular in the late afternoon. Go around 3:00 PM when the crowds thin out and the lighting is perfect for photos.

If you're staying overnight, book a sleigh ride through the resort’s wooded trails. It’s a peaceful way to explore the area and includes a stop at a warming hut with hot cocoa and snacks. Rides depart from the Bartley House and run hourly.

Finally, don’t miss the mountaintop dining experience at North Peak. It’s open on weekends and offers panoramic views with a locally inspired menu. Reservations are recommended, and the ride up via the Camelot 6 adds a touch of adventure to your evening.