Hit the Slopes in Oakland County

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Winter weather is here so it’s time for some early season shredding at the three ski and snowboard resorts in Oakland County. Skiers and snowboarders can hit the slopes at Alpine Valley in White Lake, Mt. Holly in Holly, and Pine Knob in Clarkston. From beginner hills with tow ropes and Wonder Carpets to terrain parks and racing – there is something at each resort for everyone!

Check out our video and see all of the winter fun there is to be had on the slopes in Oakland County.

Whether you are a beginner or experienced skier or snowboarder, each resort offers rentals, lessons, school clubs, season passes, and other programs to complete your winter weather excursion close to home. While you’re there, skiers, snowboarders, and even spectators can take advantage of the lodge, pro shops, and events at each resort.

Learn more about each of the ski and snowboard resorts in Oakland County below. Before heading out to the slopes, contact each resort for current snow conditions, run and terrain park statuses, as well as what other feature and amenities that will be open during your trip.

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A First Look at Holly Oaks ORV Park

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) was tasked many years ago with developing an opportunity for off-road vehicle recreation in southeast Michigan, a venture that would also reduce illegal and dangerous riding on utility corridors and railway beds, as well as in parks and on private lands. Oakland County had depleted sand and gravel mines that were unlikely to ever be redeveloped for residential or commercial use because of noise from I-75 and challenging topography. It was a marriage that was meant to be and after years of labor pains, the result will soon emerge as Holly Oaks ORV Park, the first ORV Park in Oakland County.  It will be the second state park in Michigan to be jointly managed by the state and a county parks agency. Continue reading

Oakland County Skiing and Snowboarding at Mt. Holly

Three skiers ride down Mt. Holly in a dark Michigan night lit up by the lights of the resort.

Mt. Holly is one of three locations to ski and snowboard in Oakland County. The resort hosts 20 trail runs, seven chairlifts, four rope tows, two SunKid Wonder Carpets, and Southeastern Michigan’s only high-speed detachable chairlift. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels can discover fun at Mt. Holly, whether you’re searching for easier trail runs to try, terrain parks to style on, or expert level slopes to race your friends. Visit “where the north begins” and stay active during this chilly time of year.

Located in Groveland Township, Mt. Holly is open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday. Watch this quick preview of the resort before you head out:

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Ski and Snowboard in Oakland County!

A snowboarder cuts in front of the camera

Winter weather is here to stay and that means it’s a great time to have some fun at the ski and snowboard resorts in Oakland County. With all three being just a short drive away, you can choose from Alpine Valley in White Lake Township, Mt. Holly in Groveland Township, and Pine Knob in Clarkston. The resorts offer student, child and senior discounts, school ski-clubs, rentals, lessons, and terrain parks. If you’re just starting out on the slopes, have no fear! All three offer beginner hills with tow ropes and magic/wonder carpets to make things easy for you.

Check out our video and see all of the winter fun there is to be had on the slopes in Oakland County!

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Autumn Beauty on an Oakland County Trail

A cement path winds down through a heavily wooded area. Foliage is turning from green to shades of yellow and orange. A deer stands near a tree and is almost hidden as its color blends in with the foliage around it.

As the leaves transition to shades of red, orange, and yellow, and the air gains a crisp autumn edge, there is no better time to venture along one of Oakland County’s many scenic trails. To find the best place to take a walk in nature, check out our list by clicking on the button below:

List of Nature Trails in Oakland County

You can also check out the Oakland County Trail Viewer, an interactive map developed by Oakland County’s award-winning GIS team. Each trail is marked using brown lines, while green icons represent parks. When a trail is selected, the map allows you to reference both its length and elevation. When users click on a park icon, its name, size, website, and other helpful information will appear.

From the paved paths at Groveland Oaks in Holly to the expansive trails at Waterford Oaks, you are sure to find the perfect nature trail for you using our list and interactive map.

Do you have a favorite trail in the Oakland County area? Let us know via Facebook or Twitter, by contacting us at socialmedia@oakgov.com, or leaving a comment below.


Visit the Oakland County website, and follow along us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest for more news and fun year round. Join the conversation using #OaklandCounty.