“A pair of skis are the ultimate transportation to freedom.”
-Warren Miller

Oakland County is well known for its downhill ski slopes and cross country skiing trails. With 3 downhill ski slopes for skiers and snowboarders, and 7,000 acres of Oakland County Parks trails and land, there is so much to do in this winter wonderland!

Ski Hills

Both seasoned skiers and snowboarders, or newcomers to the hill can enjoy themselves this winter. Ski and snowboard rentals, and ski school programs can get you on the hill in no time.

In fact, professional skiers and snowboarders have gotten their start on local hills, such as snowboarders Karly Shorr from Milford and Kyle Mack from West Bloomfield. They were both recently named to the 2015-2016 U.S. Snowboarding Team, alongside fellow Michigan teammates Eric Beauchemin and Nick Baumgartner.

Oakland County skiers and snowboarders can find a local hill to enjoy this winter:

 

Brighton

Mt. Brighton
4141 Bauer Road
Brighton, MI 48116
(810) 229-9581

 

Clarkston

Pine Knob Ski & Snowboard Resort
7778 Sashabaw Road
Clarkston, MI 48348
(800) 642-7669

 

Holly

Mt. Holly
13536 South Dixie Highway
Holly, MI 48442
(248) 634-8269

 

 

 

White Lake

Alpine Valley
6775 Highland Road
White Lake, MI 48383
(248) 887-4183

 

 

Cross Country Skiing Trails

Michigan is an excellent place for cross country skiers with more than 3,000 miles of trails across the state. Oakland County Parks and Recreation boasts many trails to get you around the parks this winter on your skies:

• Addison Oaks – groomed and ungroomed
• Highland Oaks – ungroomed
• Independence Oaks – groomed, rentals available
• Lyon Oaks – ungroomed
• Orion Oaks – ungroomed
• Rose Oaks – ungroomed

Safety Tips

Knowing the rules of the trail or hill is very important. Understanding who has the right of way, and staying in control will ensure that everyone has a good time. Before you head out to the hill, use these tips to make sure you’re prepared:

1. Perform a physical check of all equipment to make sure that no bindings are loose, and everything is in good working order.
2. Double check bags for gear such as: a helmet, gloves, snow pants, gloves, ski poles (if applicable) and ski or snowboard boots.
3. If your hands or feet get cold out on the hill or trails, packing warmers can give you a quick boost to keep going. Make sure you have thinner socks and gloves to create a barrier between the warmers and the skin to avoid burns.
4. If you are using a ski or snowboard carriers on the car, double check all clasps to make sure the carrier is secure.
5. Accidentally leave your boots in the car, and now they’re freezing? Put them upside down over a heating vent to warm them up before heading out, but do not leave them unattended.

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Find even more to do this winter in Oakland County with our Winter Fun page, and get out on the slopes and trails this year!

Visit the Oakland County website for more information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Pinterest for more ways to have fun in Oakland County year round!