Skiing in Grand Rapids

Like all outdoor recreation activities in Grand Rapids, great skiing is available just minutes from the city’s bustling downtown. Downhill aficionados flock to Cannonsburg Ski Area, 20 minutes away. Cross-country connoisseurs know that there’s a trailhead five minutes from the city center, connecting to 18 miles of Fred Meijer Millennium Park trails through extensive natural areas with mostly flat terrain. And that’s just one of many convenient cross-country locations!

Downhill Skiing

Cannonsburg Ski Area features 21 runs, from beginner to advanced, and nine lifts – three chair lifts, four rope tows and two Magic Carpets. The longest run is 1,500 feet, with a vertical drop of 250 feet, the longest vertical in southwest Michigan. Amenities include a cozy lodge, pro shop and equipment rentals. Don’t be deterred by a lack of white stuff – if it’s cold enough, Cannonsburg makes its own snow.  

Cannonsburg also offers a tubing park and trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking. It’s a fantastic way to spend a winter day!

Grand Rapids is a convenient home base for exploring two other ski areas a little further afield than Cannonsburg. Bittersweet Ski Resort features a 350-foot vertical drop with 20 runs and Mulligan’s Hollow serves up a 130-foot vertical drop with six runs. Both destinations, which also offer snowboarding, are within 30-40 minutes of the city.

Cross-Country Skiing

In addition to Millennium Park, several other county parks offer scenic cross-country opportunities, with trails of varying challenges. Trails are groomed for skiing at Palmer Park, the other 10 parks deliver more of a back-country experience.

Other popular cross-country destinations include:

Northeast

• Cannonsburg State Game Area
• Robinette's Orchard
• White Pine Trail State Park

Northwest

• Aman Park
• Blandford Nature Center
• Richmond Park

Southeast

• Cascade Peace Park
• Paul Henry Thornapple Trail
• Plaster Creek Trail

Southwest

• Grand River Park
• Kent Trails
• Pigeon Creek Park

Equipment Rentals

Don’t let a lack of your own gear keep you from enjoying our winter wonderland – you can rent equipment at Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus and the Palmer Park clubhouse. Bundle up and join us on the slopes and trails!