Ski Runs, Starry Nights & Sky-High Adventures at the Highlands in Harbor Springs

Head a little farther north in Michigan than most snow chasers dare, and you’ll find a snow-covered gem that is just begging to be explored.

Some ski resorts are all about convenience. Others are about thrill-seeking. The Highlands at Harbor Springs? It’s about something more—skiing, soaking, and slowing down in all the right ways.

First-class skiing without long lift lines. Longer runs, heated seats, midweek deals that make a last-minute trip an easy yes. And beyond the slopes? Twilight sleigh rides that end in mountaintop dinners, a glowing yurt walk through the woods, and Michigan’s longest zipline.

Just 45 minutes past Boyne Mountain, where most people stop, The Highlands has its own rhythm. No waterpark, no Skybridge—just great skiing and unique winter experiences. What started as a single slope with a rope tow in 1955 has grown into a winter playground built for those who want something different.

However you do winter—fast runs, slow soaks, or something in between—The Highlands makes it easy, memorable, and just what you’ve been hoping for.

📍 The Highlands at Harbor Springs: 600 Highlands Dr, Harbor Springs, MI 49740

Skiing at The Highlands: Smooth Runs & First-Class Lifts

Michigan’s ski scene has plenty of options, but The Highlands stands out for its longer runs, fantastic snowmaking, and next-level lift experience.

Gone are the days of clunky lifts and frozen fingers.

Camelot 6, introduced in 2023, replaced three older lifts. It took the standard chairlift and gave it a complete makeover, turning it into your new favorite lift—complete with heated seats, weatherproof bubbles, and a smooth, nearly silent, three-minute ride.

Designed with first-timers, families, and adaptive skiers in mind, riding Camelot 6 feels more like a VIP experience than a chairlift.

Interconnect Lift Makes It’s Debut

New in the 24/25 season, the Interconnect Triple streamlined the ride to North Peak, cutting travel time from 12 minutes to just 8.

The upgrade not only gets skiers to the far side of the resort faster but also helps ease congestion—meaning more time carving turns and a quicker trip to the North Peak snack cabin.

Trail Map

With 435 acres and 55 trails to explore—the largest ski playground in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula—lifts this good just make sense. Because let’s be real: when getting to the top is this smooth, all that’s left to think about is which run you’re taking next down that 552-foot vertical drop.

Beginners Belong, Too

The Highlands is not just for experts. In fact, it is one of the best places in Michigan to learn how to ski.

With two bunny hills—one a mini version with an adorable magic carpet, and the other a more traditional learning slope with a covered magic carpet to keep you warm—it’s a dream for beginners.

Not ready for the big hills yet? Now worries! The instructors here will turn your “What am I doing?” into “Watch me shred!” in no time. Once you’re out on the big hills, you’ll find a great mix of green runs that are just-right for newer skiers.

Beyond the Slopes: Highlands’ One of a Kind Adventures Include Candlelight Dinners & Twinkling Trails

But what happens when the boots come off? This place knows how to help you unwind, Michigan-style.

Ski right up to your door, hand off your gear to the ever-ready ski valet (yes, that’s a thing here), and let the evening unfold. Maybe you’ll sink into the heated outdoor pool or hot tub, or you’ll trade your skis for a fat tire bike, snowshoes, or even a horse!

Even if skiing isn’t your thing, The Highlands has plenty of ways to get your adrenaline going—or just soak in the winter magic at a slower pace.

The Aonach Mòr Moonlight Dinner – Sleigh Ride Included!

If a ski lodge had a secret, candlelit hideaway, this would be it. The Aonach Mòr Moonlight Dinner starts with a sleigh ride up North Peak. At the top, a warm cabin awaits, flickering with candlelight and filled with the sound of live acoustic music.

The three-course meal is just as unforgettable as the setting, with dishes that go beyond your usual resort fare.

Good to know: This experience is only offered on select weekends and holidays through February 2025. Valentine’s Day is next level—roses, chocolate-covered strawberries, and the kind of evening you won’t forget. Reservations are a must.

More about the Moonlit Dinner

The Enchanted Trail

If you’ve never walked through a glowing winter forest, you’re missing out. The Enchanted Trail at the Highlands transforms a 2-mile snowy path into a twinkling, interactive experience, leading to a cozy yurt tucked deep in the woods.

Think s’mores by the fire, a cup of cocoa in hand (adult versions available at the cash bar!), and the smell of woodsmoke in the air.

Bonus: It’s dog-friendly, so bring your leashed pup along for the adventure.

The trail is groomed to perfection, and whether you’re walking or snowshoeing, the route feels like a gentle adventure.

Each way takes about 25-30 minutes, and or families, tickets start at just $15 (kids 5 and under can enjoy the magic for free.)

Michigan’s Longest Zipline

Sure The Highlands sister resort, Boyne Mountain, has the Michigan SkyBridge, but The Highlands has something Boyne doesn’t have: Michigan’s longest zipline.

Yep, it’s here. Add a 100-foot rope bridge and views that go on forever, and you’ve got an adrenaline rush that’ll stick with you all winter.

Stats: Seven ziplines, a 2.5-hour guided tour, and you soaring at speeds up to 25 mph.

Scenic Trail Rides

Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Saddle up for a guided trail ride through the snow-covered pines and hardwoods, That’s right – The Highlands offers winter horseback riding, a rare find at a ski resort.

For younger riders, the Wrangler-Led Mini Experience offers a gentle, hands-on intro to riding.

Heated Outdoor Pool and Hot Tubs

And finally, after a full day on the slopes, nothing hits quite like sinking into one of the outdoor hot tubs at The Highlands (especially after dark!)

For me, it’s watching the steam swirl into the cold night air while the heat loosens every tired muscle until I reach that perfect ‘ahhhh’ moment. And those resort robes and slippers? A small but perfect touch.

Grabbing a Bite

And when it’s time to eat, you’ve got options.

• The Café – Grab-and-go. Specialty coffee, beer, wine, snacks.
• Slopeside Lounge – Casual. Apps, meals, handcrafted cocktails, local beer, wine.
• Main Dining Room – Year-round. Hillside views. Relaxed. Buffet breakfast with omelet station. Amazing fruit & waffes. Yummo!
• Champions Pizza – Hot, cheesy. Dine-in or curbside pickup.
• Food Market – Quick stop in the Day Lodge. Lunch, snacks, drinks.
• Brew Bar – Coffee, mixed drinks, light snacks.
• Waffle Cabin – Ski-in/ski-out. Warm Belgian waffles. Enough said.
• Zoo Bar Cantina – Latin flavors. Tequila, mezcal, margaritas.
• North Peak – Snack cabin. Grilled cheese & chili. Drinks at the top. Beer, cocktails, & more.
• Prime & Vine – Winter pop-up chophouse. Steaks, sides, upscale feel.

A Bit of Scotland in Northern Michigan

The resort’s Scottish ties don’t hit you over the head, but they’re woven in everywhere.

The Highland Cows

Scottish Highland cattle—hairy coos, as they’re called in Scotland—may seem an unlikely sight in Michigan, but at The Highlands at Harbor Springs, they fit right in. More than just a quirky attraction, these shaggy, long-horned grazers are the resort’s unofficial mascots. Once you start looking for them, you’ll see nods to them everywhere—from souvenir shop merchandise to photos throughout the lodge—but the real stars are the ones munching away in the fields near the equestrian center at the resort’s entrance.

For fifteen years, the herd has made itself at home. Della, the curvy-horned one of bunch, is known for her long bangs and distinctive horns.

If you want to get on their good side, bring an old carrot or two when you visit—you might just make a new friend.

Fun Fact: The name The Highlands nods to Scotland’s rugged landscapes, and if you look closely, you’ll spot the theme woven throughout the resort—from the Doon Brae short course (Gaelic for “valley and hillside”) to the Aonach Mòr Moonlight Dinner, inspired by one of Scotland’s tallest mountains. Even the Slopeside Lounge keeps the tradition alive with Bangers and Mash, a classic sausage-and-potato dish straight from Scotland.

Staying at the Main Lodge: Comfort, Convenience & Cozy Vibes

The Main Lodge at The Highlands keeps things simple in the best way. Wake up, grab breakfast at the Main Dining Room, or head to Slopeside Lounge for dinner and drinks—all without stepping outside.

The vibe? Warm and classic. Heavy wood beams, flagstone floors, and wrought iron details give it a little old-world charm without feeling over the top.

The rooms? Recently remodeled! We found them spacious, comfortable, and set up for real relaxation. Our connecting rooms worked great for our family—plenty of space, super comfy beds, and soft, high-quality linens that made it hard to want to get out of bed in the morning.

Right out front, the heated outdoor pool and hot tub steal the show. Inside, there’s a solid fitness center if you feel like getting in a workout, and the ski valet is a total life-saver—especially when you’re wrangling all that gear (or kids).

The staff is another standout—kind, attentive, and always ready to help. From check-in to dining and everything in between, the level of care here makes a difference. Whether you’re here with family, friends, or on a getaway for two, staying at the Main Lodge means settling in, relaxing, and enjoying The Highlands without feeling like you have to try too hard.

The Highlands: More Than Just Another Ski Trip

Some trips take effort—this wasn’t one of them. Ski all day, soak under the stars, grab a drink by the fire—at The Highlands, winter just feels easy. Maybe it’s the little things—heated lifts, a ski valet, midweek deals—small perks that make saying yes a no-brainer.

Between long runs, hot tub soaks, and nonstop adventure, the good times just kept rolling.

Go ahead—turn that last-minute “should we?” into a “heck yeah.” We’re already on the drive home, scrolling through pics and thinking, We need to do this again. Northern Michigan might not keep this place a secret much longer.