Michigan’s Sweet Spot of Ski Season Is Here — Enter to Win a Shanty Creek Getaway!
If you’re thinking winter is winding down — think again. Northern Michigan still has plenty of ski season left, and Shanty Creek Resort (home to Schuss Mountain) is skiing beautifully right now.
With over 150 inches of snowfall already this season and 100% of their trails open, conditions remain strong heading into late February and early March. And if you know Michigan skiing, you know this stretch can be the sweet spot — longer daylight, slightly warmer temperatures, and some of the best turns of the season.
Tucked into the rolling hills near Bellaire, Shanty Creek continues to deliver one of the best all-around ski getaways in the Midwest: approachable pricing, laid-back Northern Michigan vibes, and terrain for everyone from beginners to seasoned skiers.
A Northern Michigan Resort with Personality
If you’ve followed along for a while, you know part of what makes Shanty Creek so unique isn’t just the skiing — it’s the story behind it.
Spread across 5,500 acres of rolling Northern Michigan terrain, Shanty Creek isn’t a resort that appeared overnight. It was shaped by two very different, very ambitious visions in the 1960s — and that independent spirit still shows up today.
Summit Village: Built for Gathering
Summit Mountain (now Summit Village) was developed by Roy Deskin, the son of a coal miner who rose through Detroit’s steel industry before retiring to Torch Lake. What started as a place to gather friends and entertain guests gradually evolved into a full ski, golf, and lodging destination.
You can still feel that original intent — Summit has always leaned into hospitality, views over Lake Bellaire, and that classic Northern Michigan resort feel.
Schuss Mountain: The Kingdom That Almost Was
A few miles away, Daniel Iannotti — a former Chicago stockbroker — had a much bigger (and more theatrical) vision. He built Schuss Mountain as a Bavarian-inspired ski kingdom. Not just a resort — a kingdom.
It had its own currency (the “Squaller”), its own language (“Schwiss”), and even its own time zone: CFT — Central Fun Time. Iannotti crowned himself King, and his wife Dorothy, Queen.
It was bold. It was eccentric. It was pure 1960s ski culture.
Two Visions. One Resort.
For nearly two decades, Summit and Schuss operated independently before merging in the 1980s to form what we now know as Shanty Creek Resort.
Today, the combined property includes:
Four distinct villages
275 lodging options
Five championship golf courses (90 holes total)
42 ski runs at Schuss Mountain
25 km of Nordic trails
Year-round recreation and dining
You’re skiing at a place of Michigan resort history. And that layered personality is part of why Shanty Creek continues to feel so unique compared to other Midwest ski destinations.
Why It’s a Great Time to Go (Late Winter + Early Spring)
Shanty Creek offers an unparalleled array of winter activities for guests to enjoy:
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
42 runs with terrain suitable for all skill levels.
450 feet of vertical drop at Schuss Mountain.
7 chairlifts, including 2 high-speed quad options.
2 terrain parks with jumps, rails, and features for all skill levels.
NASTAR weekend racing options.
Snowmaking systems cover 90% of trails.
Over 160” of snowfall annually with 150” already this season!
Late February and March often bring:
Shorter lift lines outside peak holiday windows
Bluebird days and epic sunsets
Lessons and Programs
Shanty Creek features a PSIA-certified ski and snowboard school, making it a strong option for first-timers as well as those looking to sharpen their skills. The program offers both private and group lessons for children and adults, with experienced instructors who focus on building confidence, technique, and comfort on the mountain. Whether you’re learning to link your first turns or refining your edge control, the instruction here is structured, supportive, and approachable.
Cross-Country Skiing
25 kilometers of groomed track-set cross country ski trails.
Snow making specific for cross-country skiing helps ensure consistent trail conditions.
Additional Activities
Fat Tire Biking – Explore the resort’s groomed winter biking trails for an exciting off-road adventure.
Snow Glider Rides – Take a scenic one-hour ride through snow-covered woods on an Alpine Dual Track Sled.
Heated Outdoor Pool & Hot Tub – Relax at The Lodge at Cedar River after a day on the slopes.
Indoor Pool & Hot Tub – Unwind at The Lakeview Hotel at Summit Village with year-round amenities.
Multi-Lane Alpine Tubing – Enjoy thrilling tubing runs with a magic carpet lift at The Lakeview Hotel.
Snowshoeing – Trek through picturesque winter landscapes on designated snowshoe trails.
Complimentary Shuttle – Convenient transportation between villages and to downtown Bellaire.
Bonfires & Après-Ski Fun – Gather around multiple bonfire spots and enjoy a vibrant après-ski scene.
Dining and Après-Ski Options
The River Bistro – A casual dining spot in Cedar River Village, perfect for après-ski drinks and food. Enjoy 40 international and regional beers, big-screen TVs, and the TopGolf Swing Suite for interactive golf entertainment.
Ivan’s Café – A classic ski lodge eatery at the base of Schuss Mountain, offering fresh salads, sandwiches, soups, wraps, chicken fingers, pizza, and fries—a favorite après-ski gathering spot.
Lakeview Restaurant & Lounge – Located in Summit Village, this freshly renovated restaurant serves regional fare with incredible sunset views over Lake Bellaire, making it the perfect spot for a memorable meal.
CoffeeBAR – Conveniently located in The Lakeview Hotel lobby, this café serves a full menu of Starbucks hot and cold beverages, along with fresh pastries and sandwiches for a quick bite.
Where to Stay - Lodging Options to Suit Every Guest
Shanty Creek accommodations cater to groups of all sizes and budgets and are exceptional at catering to reunions, weddings, group golf, corporate events, and even dog lovers. Lodging options include:
The Lodge at Cedar River Village
The Lodge at Cedar River Village offers a ski-in/ski-out experience with upscale accommodations and year-round activities. Guests enjoy spacious suites with fireplaces and full kitchens, direct access to Schuss Mountain slopes, and golf at the Tom Weiskopf-designed Cedar River Golf Course. Amenities include a four-season outdoor pool, hot tub, on-site dining at The River Bistro, and a complimentary shuttle to other Shanty Creek properties and downtown Bellaire.
Schuss Village
Schuss Village is a classic alpine-style village known for its affordable ski-in/ski-out access to Schuss Mountain. It features lodging options ranging from hotel rooms to condos, making it a great choice for families and groups. The village includes Ivan’s Café, a lively après-ski spot, and easy access to terrain parks, Nordic trails, and downhill skiing. In warmer months, it’s close to golf courses, hiking, and biking trails.
Lakeview Hotel and Conference Center
The Lakeview Hotel & Conference Center offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Bellaire and a full-service resort experience. Featuring contemporary rooms, an indoor and outdoor pool with hot tub (outdoor pool is seasonal), and fitness center, it’s perfect for both leisure and business travelers. Guests have easy access to golf, alpine tubing, and on-site dining at The Lakeview Restaurant & Lounge. With a large conference center, event spaces, and a complimentary resort shuttle, it’s ideal for weddings, corporate retreats, and group getaways. Located near Torch Lake and local breweries, it combines convenience, comfort, and spectacular scenery.
Hot Lodging Deals and Family Perks
Shanty Creek is known for its affordable pricing and family-friendly discounts, making it one of the best ski values in Michigan.
For budget-conscious travelers, Shanty Creek Resorts offers Ski + Stay Packages that include the following perks:
KHQ Ski Nights – $22 lift tickets and $33 rentals on Wednesday nights from 5 PM to 9 PM (Jan 7 – Mar 11).
Super Sundays – Includes an afternoon lift ticket, rental equipment, and a beginner group lesson for just $60.
Thankful Thursdays – Discounts for military, educators, emergency personnel, and service industry employees.
College Discounts – Pricing Specials and Sunday lift ticket + rental for just $60 with a valid student ID.
Lift tickets are just $10 for ages 8 and under and adults 70+.
Giveaway Alert: Win a Shanty Creek Ski Getaway + a $250 Gift Card!
Great Lakes Travel Deals is partnering with Shanty Creek Resort for an exciting winter giveaway! One lucky winner will receive two single-day lift tickets, two nights of lodging at The Lakeview Hotel, and a $250 gift card. This package has a couple blackout dates (i.e. Christmas, New Year’s, MLK, and Presidents Day weekend) and is subject to availability. It must be used by 1/31/27. To enter:
How to enter:
Like this post
Email support@greatlakestraveldeals.com with “Shanty Creek” in the subject line
Follow Great Lakes Travel Deals on Facebook
The winner will be selected and notified via email on Friday, February 20th!
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