Skiing, Snowshoeing, Fat-Tire Biking and Groomed Trails in Grand Traverse County

Grand Traverse County has an extensive network of winter recreation that ranges from groomed cross-country corridors to ungroomed conservancy preserves and lift-served tubing hills. Trails are maintained by local non-profits, township parks and state forestlands, creating options for beginners, families and experienced winter riders and skiers.

For downhill and lift-served options, Shanty Creek Resorts is a regional hub: "a 4,500-acre recreational complex in the beautiful Chain of Lakes region, about 30 miles northeast of town. Shanty’s two ski areas, Schuss Mountain and Summit Mountain, provide 53 downhill slopes, six terrain parks, 30km of cross country Nordic trails, and a multi-lane alpine tubing park." Local day hills include Mt. Holiday and Hickory Hills. Timberlee Hills is identified locally as a premier tubing hill and, as one description notes, "On clear days, it has breathtaking views of Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Leelanau." The county’s main tubing sites use mechanical lifts to maximize time on the hill; sessions are popular and often busy on weekends and school snow days.

Cross-country skiers and fat-tire bikers will find groomed routes such as Hickory Hills, the VASA pathway or singletrack components, the Forty-Five North Winery winter recreation trail and the Leelanau Trail. Snowshoeing and singletrack riding also flourish on regional conservancy lands. As one local summary puts it, "Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fat tire biking are great ways to get some fresh air and experience our beautiful trail systems in the winter. Plus, they are great activities for all ages and experience levels."

The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy properties supplement municipal offerings. Cedar Run Creek Natural Area and Timbers Recreation Area in Grand Traverse County, Maplehurst Natural Area, Glacial Hills Pathway, Seven Bridges and others provide scenic, often ungroomed terrain; the conservancy calls Maplehurst "This spot is simply gorgeous in all seasons. Go explore it!" Where grooming is limited - for example the Timbers Recreation Area trail system - expect more challenging travel or the need to break trail.

Economic and equity considerations shape access. Downhill skiing and tubing often carry lift fees and session limits, while rentals and public preserves reduce entry barriers. Local rental shops include Brick Wheels, Don Orr Ski 'n Beach Haus and Grand Traverse Bike Tours, which provide equipment options for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat-tire biking. Tubing vendors and resorts advise that "No skills or experience necessary!" but also stress "Reservations required."

Public health benefits are clear: regular winter outdoor activity supports cardiovascular fitness, mental well-being and social connection. Yet stewardship and funding matter for safety and equitable access - grooming schedules, rental availability and transport to trailheads influence who can take part. Some trail names appear in multiple lists - Hickory Hills versus Hickory Meadows and VASA Singletrack versus VASA Pathway - and those naming discrepancies are worth confirming before heading out.

For readers: check grooming calendars with VASA Trails, township parks or resorts, reserve tubing sessions in advance and contact rental shops to confirm inventory and hours. With planning, Grand Traverse County’s silent-sports network can be a low-cost, high-value way to stay active and connected through winter.