Indy Pass Michigan Road Trip One Of Best In Midwest
When it comes to Indy Pass road trips one of the best in the Midwest is concentrated in the northwest corner of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. There's about 100 miles distance between four well known and popular resorts grouped around Traverse City, a popular Midwest destination in the winter. It makes a good choice for southern Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Chicago Indy Pass holders to consider making a road trip.
Start with Caberfae Peaks, located 15 miles northwest of Cadillac. Home to the Lower Peninsula’s highest lift served terrain it looks out over an expansive National Forest. Skiing off two peaks with close to a 500-foot vertical, it offers five lifts, 34, two terrain parks and even some back country . The resort has a couple of restaurants, a bar and lodging. Slopeside lodging is available.
About a half-hour northwest on M-115 is Crystal Mountain, considered one of the top ski resorts in the Heartland, offers 59 runs, variety of glades, three terrain parks, eight lifts including a high-speed quad, cross country trails and fat tire biking. The compact village puts lifts, ski school, hotel, condos and restaurants within an easy, five-minute walk. There are three restaurants and variety of lodging scattered around the ski hill.
An hour-and-half northeast through Traverse City will get you to Shanty Creek Resort near Bellaire. It's Schuss Mountain slopes offer a 450-foot vertical with 42 runs and three terrain parks serviced by eight lifts. A handful of advanced runs range from steep open slopes to narrow, quick tree lined trails. The backside slopes are a nice collection of intermediate cruisers and advanced glades. There is a variety of hotel lodging choices and restaurants available.
From Shanty Creek it's only about a half hour drive to Gaylord and Treetops Resort, which sits on the far side of the town. Perched on a ridge overlooking the scenic Sturgeon River it offers 23 downhill ski runs, tubing and miles of cross country trails. Surrounded by thousands of acres of unspoiled forests and rolling hills it offers both several lodging and dining choices.
I can't think of a better Indy Pass road trip for Heartland skiers where you can combine eight days of free skiing, great lodging and gourmet restaurant choices.
