Skiing on Mackinac

Ski season thrives in Michigan, especially on Mackinac Island. In fact, the east half of the island in winter is designated entirely for cross-country skiing, awarding the island the best skiing in the country by Traverse Magazine.  Check out Sunset Condos in the January issue of Traverse Magazine on pages 30 - 36 for more details on cross country skiing on Mackinac Island. Trails are specifically groomed to make the skiing and snowshoeing the best it can be.

What's great about cross-country, or Nordic skiing is that you can take it at your own pace and follow any trail you wish. It is much less expensive than downhill skiing and doesn't require a great deal of skill. Anyone can quickly learn to Nordic ski and be on the trail instantly, which makes this sport ideal for families. As with any sport, it is highly recommended to warm-up your muscles prior to taking off, and to do plenty of stretching afterwards to prevent soreness and injury.

Mackinac Island State Park, located in the center of the island is the perfect place to start looking for skiing trails. Volunteers from the Mackinac Island Ski Club and State Park personnel keep these renowned Nordic trails in tip-top shape, perfect for snowshoeing and skiing.

Ski Supplies & Rentals:

For those planning a winter escape to the island, it is always a good idea to bring your own skis. The plane can accommodate skis so feel free to bring them along!  However, there are ski and snowshoe rentals available on the island for a rate of $15.00/day, call 906-847-3591 for details.

Visitor Tips

• In general dress is not formal, any style is acceptable here in the winter.
• Call ahead for taxi service to avoid waiting for one.
• There are many things to do here that cost nothing, but dress warmly to enjoy the beauty of the island. Warm clothes are essential not optional. Dressing in layers is recommended.
• The island has an ambulance, fire station and a medical center for emergencies.
• Although you can rent them, you can also bring your own skis and snowshoes, even on the plane.
• Plan to ski or use a horse drawn taxi for transportation, the roads are snow covered for snowmobile traffic and walking long distances is more difficult if you are not accustomed to slippery surfaces. The roads and downtown sidewalks are plowed.
• If you plan on walking or skiing to get around, bring a small sled to pull your luggage behind you.  It also makes for cheap entertainment for the kids.

Getting Here In The Winter

In the winter access to the island is limited, but not as isolated as many people think. The Arnold Line ferry only runs from St. Ignace (see mapquest map for directions) during the beginning of the winter season. They run a daily schedule, with the exception of Sunday, to the island until the Straits freeze over. Flights to the island from the Mackinac County Airport in St. Ignace are available through Great Lakes Air for $21 per person each way.

If you are a pilot, there is a 3,500 foot lighted runway on the island suitable for small craft. There is no aviation fuel available on the island. Unless you plan on skiing down, you will need a taxi to the harbor district or your hotel, be sure to phone ahead for taxi reservations, especially if you will be arriving after 5:00 p.m.

Northwest Airlines offers commercial flights from either Chicago or Detroit to Pellston. From Pellston you can reach St. Ignace by ground transport through either Mackinaw Taxi or Wolverine Stages. Fares are in the $20 to $24 one-way or $35+ round trip range. Although they both have booths at the Pellston airport, calling ahead is a good idea.  You may call and charter a flight through Great lakes Air from Pellston for $25 per person one way with a 2-person minimum before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m.

Winter taxi :
Reservations must be made by 3 p.m. for taxi service any time after 5 p.m. on the day of service. This is especially important to travelers who will be arriving late or catching the last boat.