Skiing

Every season brings great outdoor recreation opportunities that are easily accessible from downtown Grand Rapids. In winter, downhill ski aficionados flock to Cannonsburg Ski Area, just 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. 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, as well as various foodservice outlets for relaxing and refueling. Just starting out? Private and group lessons for both skiers and snowboarders of all ages are available. Check out this short video for a look at the destination.

People with physical, mental and/or developmental disabilities can connect with the Adaptive Ski Association of West Michigan (ASAWM) for lessons and the use of adaptive downhill ski equipment at Cannonsburg. ASAWM offers a five-week training program for ages six and above in January, but slots fill up fast – registration for the 2025/2026 season is full, but there is a wait list available.

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

Numerous other parks in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan offers scenic cross-country opportunities, on trails of varying challenges. (New to the sport? Click here for some tips.) Here are some of our favorite places to traverse snow-covered terrain:

Northeast

• Cannonsburg State Game Area: 8.3 miles of ungroomed trails in four sections.
• Pickerel Lake Park: 4+ miles of ungroomed trails  include a 2-mile loop around the lake.
• Townsend Park: Almost 1 mile of ungroomed trail in a single loop through a mature pine stand.
• White Pine Trail State Park: 92-mile paved, ungroomed trail from Grand Rapids north to Cadillac.

Northwest

• Aman Park: 2.3 miles of ungroomed trails with some hills.
• The Highlands: 2.6 miles of ungroomed trails through a naturalized golf course.
• Muskegon Luge Adventure Park: 9+ miles of groomed and lighted trails 45 minutes from GR.
• Wahlfield Park: Loops ranging from 0.5 miles to 4.3 miles, with rolling hills and a mix of woods and open fields.

Southeast

• Cascade Peace Park: About 4 miles of hilly, ungroomed trails in dense woods.
• Donald Lamoreaux Park: 5 miles of fairly flat trails through the woods along the Grand River.
• Indian Trails Golf Course: 2 miles of groomed trails just off the 28^th Street commercial corridor.
• Lepard Preserve: 1 mile of ungroomed trail through heavily wooded rolling hills.
• Provin Trails Park: 2 miles of ungroomed hilly trails through woodlands.
• Seidman Park: 5 miles of ungroomed trails that receive regular use so are easy to follow.

Southwest

• Grand River Park: About 3 miles of ungroomed trails through woods, wetlands and native grasslands.
• Kent Trails: 15 miles of paved but ungroomed trails can be accessed from Millennium Park.
• Palmer Park: 5 miles of groomed trails, with on-site ski rentals and clubhouse.
• Pigeon Creek Park: 3 miles of groomed trails plus ski rental and a warming house.

Equipment Rentals

Don’t let a lack of your own gear keep you from enjoying our winter wonderland – you can rent equipment at Cannonsburg Ski Area, Bittersweet Ski Resort, Mulligan’s Hollow, Palmer Park and Pigeon Creek for use on their properties. You can rent gear at Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus  for use anywhere.

Many of these trails also offer snowshoeing and fatbiking. Choose your pleasure and bundle up – layers are best – to enjoy our slopes and trails!