With the recent cold weather, most ski areas across Michigan have fired up their snow guns. The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association anticipates that some will open this weekend and many will be open by Thanksgiving! Ski areas planning to open on or before Friday, November 28 (day after Thanksgiving) include:  Boyne Mountain, Boyne Highlands, Marquette Mountain, Ski Brule (opened 11/10) Crystal Mountain, Nubs Nob, Alpine Valley, Mt. Holly, Mt. Brighton, Pine Knob, Indianhead Mountain, Pine Mountain, Caberfae Peaks, Cannonsburg, Norway Mountain and Shanty Creek. >Michigan Winter

Michigan is fortunate to experience four distinct seasons, but only one quarter of the year matters to skiers of all abilities who enjoy 42 ski areas with over 200 chairlifts, 840 runs, 40 terrain parks and more than 3,000 miles of cross country trails. The gentler hills at the southern end of the Lower Peninsula gradually give way to more challenging slopes approaching the tip of the Mitt. The western Upper Peninsula is Big Snow Country, where the annual snowfall averages 200" and the northern UP has some of the most challenging verticals in the Midwest. >more

Snow wonder: Michigan, the four-season wonderland, offers great wintertime adventures less than a tank of gas away, whether you are a snowsport fanatic waiting for the first flakes to fly, or look forward to the chilly temperatures as an excuse to stay inside to explore museums. You’ll find free and low-cost things to do and places to go in the eight regions of this 19 million acre playground, plus great outdoor events every winter weekend. There are plenty of special deals on lodging packages, too. It all adds up to making affordable and memorable, warm Pure Michigan memories. >more