Top Stories

El Nino continues to play the same tune across North America with abundant snow in the west and spring-like temperatures throughout the lower midwest and Northeast, and the forecast shows little signs of change.

Mountain top dining is popular at ski resorts in the west. But, there are a handful of resorts scattered around the Heartland that offer distinctive mountain top dining experiences as well.

 Once again Minnesota’s Wild Mountain, east of the Twin Cities along the Wisconsin border, is the first to open for skiing and snowboarding in the Midwest. A major winter storm is sweeping across the region, leaving 3-20 inches in Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana.

Three ski resorts in Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula—Shanty Creek, Treetops and Caberfae Peaks— have been busy making improvements for the coming winter season. Look for more snowmaking capability, lodge renovations, upgraded rental equipment and cross country improvements.

Thanksgiving Weekend is when Midwest resorts have high hopes to kickoff the ski season. Frequently it happens, but not always. A handful of Heartland ski resorts are scheduling weekend events in anticipation.

Northwestern Lower Michigan around the Lake Michigan villages of Petoskey and Harbor Springs is known to Midwest snowsports enthusiasts as Boyne Country, home to Nubs Nob, Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands. They are offering some attractive early season lift and lodging packages.

For a Midwest resort that has been named one of the 50 Best Places to Ski & Stay in North America by Condé Nast Traveler, Michigan’s Crystal Mountain Resort just continues to improve.

From a stroll in the haunted forest to great pumpkin races, shred ‘til you’re dead jam and a Halloween party in a wilderness cabin, a handful of Heartland ski resorts have some haunting good fun planned this Halloween. Some of it even starts earlier. Get your ghoul on. 

How would you like to ski Michigan’s top ski areas for just about $7 per visit this winter? All you have to do is purchase the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) White Gold Card, which is now on sale in very limited supply for $249. 

Autumn sweeps across the upper Midwest like a blaze. Lakes and rivers shimmer in the Autumn sun add to the beauty. It’s time for a leaf-peeping trip.

It’s that time of year to be locking down your season pass for the coming winter. A Boyne Mountain or Boyne Highlands pass not only offers you the local resort, but the opportunity to purchase a M.A.X. Pass and ski or ride all across North America.

Mackinac Island has long been one of the Great Lakes most recognized vacation destinations. Conde Nast Traveler calls it “One of the top island destinations in the world.”

Working towards the goal of making Cannonsburg Ski Area a year-round recreation area. the resort has opened a multi station zipline tour, and Chestnut Mountain opened a Soaring Eagle Zip Line adding to their summer activities.

Michigan’s Treetops Resort, which filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 last November, has announced that the process is now complete and looking forward to the future, according to General Manager Barry Owens.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of the top summer attractions in the Heartland and around the Great Lakes. About 2 million visitors came to climb the dunes and enjoy this pristine environment last summer.

Midwestern shredders should check out the summer Treetops snowboard camps next month in northern Michigan.

Zipline tours are popular pursuits at ski resorts along the east coast and out west. They are just starting to catch on in the Heartland. Ski resorts in Michigan and Wisconsin are now offering multiple station zipline tours.

Known for its great downhill and cross country skiing and snowmobiling during winter, Michigan's Traverse City is also one of the country’s top summer destinations. National Geographic lists it as one of the Top 10 Summer Trips; Family Fun writes it’s one of “America’s top 10 tourist towns;” and Women’s Day calls it the “Top Small Beach Town in the USA.

The Midwest is known as America’s Summer Golf Capitol  for good reason. The upper Midwest offers plenty of sunshine, pleasant temperatures and little humidity, perfect for golf, and many of the ski and golf resorts are ranked among the top destinations in the country. Here are some of the best.

The 2014/15 season got off to a great start when one of the snowiest Novembers on record roared into the Midwest, but from there on it was a bit of a roller coaster ride.