7 Sledding Hills and Ski Slopes for Kids (and Adults!)

7 Sledding Hills and Ski Slopes for Kids (and Adults!)
This winter, bundle the kids up and head outside. These seven Northern Michigan
sledding hills and ski slopes range from gentle descents to hair-raising verticals.
Whether you’re taking the kids for the first time, looking for a lit hill for nighttime
fun or need loaner equipment, you’ll find it here. Remember to wear a helmet,
especially if you’re shredding the jumps, and hold tight!

Dune Climb | Glen Arbor

With wide open areas and no trees in the middle of
your path, this is a great spot to take your beginning sledders, but it’s also steep,
and those who love to go fast can get some serious speed. (Note: The Dune
Climb is the only place in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore where you
can sled.)

Leland Golf Course | Leland

The best part of this local hangout is parents can grab a bite to eat at the Leland
Lodge while the kids sled out back (or grab hot cocoa after)! The hill is located
right next to the lodge (not the Leland Country Club office)—parking in the street
or lot.

Grace McDonald Park | Traverse City

The park on Arbutus Road has a perfect
hill for easy riders; it’s not too steep but has enough trees at the bottom to make
things exciting. There’s plenty of parking, hiking trails and playground equipment.

Carly’s Hill | Fife Lake

While the big kids cruise down Carly’s Hill, young sledders can enjoy the Chick-a-
dee hill. Both are located at Springfield Recreation Area at the corner of Lund and

Creighton Road. There’s parking, a fire pit, an enclosed pavilion and a rustic
restroom.

Winter Sports Park | Petoskey

This hill works well for little ones (if you go
halfway up) and beginner skiers and snowboarders, too. And if you get tired of
being a speed demon, for $5 you can rent ice skates and glide along the 170×300-
foot rink that’s resurfaced daily. A warming house with a fireplace, restrooms and
concessions make this a premium spot to spend a snowy day or night (the place is
lit!).

Kiwanis Hill | Harbor Springs

This hill boasts some of the best vertical, along
with sled-shredding jumps along the edge of the woods, great walking trails that
circle the property and a warming hut available for rent (dirt cheap rent, we might
add). Located just blocks from downtown at the end of Arbor Street.

Avalanche Mountain Preserve | Boyne City

Loaner sleds are available on a
first-come, first-serve basis. The hill is plenty big enough to elicit screams on the
way down, and the warming house will let you stay all day without fear of frostbite.
Once you’re tired of sledding, head over to the ice rink more fun (skates also available for rent).