Pine Knob Ski Resort

Sitting just outside of the northern reaches of the Detroit metro area, the Pine Knob Ski Resort offers well-maintained downhill skiing and snowboarding for locals. With a large population close by, the winter venue has lots of visitors each season. It might not provide all of the non-alpine activities one can find farther north, but it does provide various trail ratings that will challenge ski bums, including experts.

Driving to the ski area is easy, using Interstate 75 to head north out of Detroit. Exiting at Independence Charter Township gets motorists to the resort that sits north of the golf course. Detroit's Metropolitan Wayne County Airport is the arrival and departure point most used to get into the region.

One of the Highest Areas in Southeast Michigan

Pine Knob is a hill with a golf club, homes, a mansion, a music theater, and the Pine Knob Ski Resort. The hill classifies as a summit and reaches 1,201 feet in elevation. That makes Pine Knob Ski Resort number two in height in southeast Michigan (Alpine Valley ski area is number one). It translates to higher trail ratings than those found in some of the other resorts near Detroit.

Lake-effect snowstorms do not reach this far south into the state, explaining the modest average annual snowfall amounts of 33 inches in Clarkston and the surrounding area. The Pine Knob Ski Resort has invested in a snowmaking system that covers the entire venue, providing the snow base needed for quality downhill skiing and snowboarding. Amenities offered include a day lodge and cafeteria that sells food and drinks, as well as a shop for tune-ups, repairs, and equipment rentals. Lift tickets for day use cover guests until late afternoon, while nighttime lift tickets go from afternoon until ten at night. Lighting covers much of the 80-plus acres of skiable terrain here.

The Slopes Favor Seasoned Ski Bums

The Pine Knob Ski Resort has an excellent lift system to cover the hill and keep guests moving up it. Six chair lifts, four rope tows, and three wonder carpets are in operation during high traffic days. Some ski lifts will shut down if the crowds are manageable with fewer lifts operating, though. The staff maintains the snow so that skiers and riders have plenty of opportunities for good carving down the hill without the tracked-out feel.

There are three terrain parks at the Pine Knob Ski Resort. Pinery, Timberline, and Snowbird provide enhanced terrain that guests can work down. There is plenty to do for all skill levels, but intermediates and advanced ski bums will find more freestyling opportunities here.

The terrain at the Pine Knob Ski Resort also favors experienced skiers and snowboarders. There are three trails rated as green that newbies can learn and practice down. Five runs (and the upper and lower Cedar Bowl) are rated blue, making them challenging and fun for visitors with experience. Three trails at Pine Knob Ski Resort rate at a black diamond for advanced explorers, and "The Wall" rates as a double black diamond for experts to try.