Carefree Travel Guide 2022

There’s something truly special about winter in West Michigan: with the dazzling dance of snowflakes, the ink drying on your letters to Santa, and gathering around the fire with friends and family. Check out our favorite ways to celebrate the winter season below.

Winter Fun

Keweenaw Convention and Visitors Bureau

Snow Tubing It may sound like a leisurely way to hit the slopes, but snow tubing provides a rush all its own! There’s no learning curve and it’s accessible for all ages, so bundle up, grab a snow tube, and get ready to fly down the hills at these snow tubing hot spots: • Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls • Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire • Mt. Holiday in Traverse City • Treetops Resort in Gaylord • Echo Valley in Kalamazoo • The Highlands at Harbor Springs

Hit the Slopes Did you know that snowboarding has its roots right here in West Michigan? Snowboarders and downhill skiers have plenty of options when it comes to hitting the slopes, from practicing on the bunny hill to pushing their limits on the black diamond runs. Get Your Skate On Lace up your skates and get ready to show off your triple lutz, or just enjoy a few laps around the rink before warming up with some hot cocoa. You’ll find community skating rinks at many downtown locations

throughout the area, along with some specialty options, like the ice skating trail at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, or indoor skating at Wings West in Kalamazoo. Unique Snow Sports Want to play outside of the box this winter? Head to Echo Valley in Kalamazoo to fly down their toboggan run at up to 70mph, or take a winter river rafting trip with Big Bear Adventures or the Pine River Paddlesports Center.

Can’t-Miss West Michigan Winter Fun

Shanty Creek Resort Bellaire With more ways to play on the snow, Shanty Creek Resort features downhill skiing, terrain parks, alpine tubing, dog-sledding, snowshoeing, groomed Nordic trails, and more. ShantyCreek.com

River Saint Joe Buchanan

Pine River Paddlesports Center Wellston Head out to the Pine River Paddlesports Center for a guided winter rafting tour through a winter wonderland. It’s a unique, safe, and beautiful way to enjoy the Pine River and the snow! ThePineRiver.com

Black Star Farms Suttons Bay Snowshoes, Vines, and Wines invites you to bring the family, hike over three miles of trails through vineyards, forests, and orchards, and then relax by a fire with a cup of soup or hot cocoa. Rentals are available. BlackStarFarms.com

It’s curling! It’s shuffleboard! It’s winter fun for everyone! Reserve a lane to play River Rocks with your brewery crew. Pairs best with good times and a fresh pint. RiverSaintJoe.com

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West Michigan Tourist Association | WMTA.org