• Downhill skiingextreme skiing image by Maxim Petrichuk from Fotolia.com
  
  Kalamazoo, Michigan, located midway between Chicago and Detroit, is close to two ski areas, and boasts a huge family-friendly winter sports park where locals and visitors of all ages can enjoy the cold weather. The average annual snowfall is 69.7 inches but winds across Lake Michigan help moderate the climate.
  
  

Bittersweet Ski Area

• Bittersweet Ski Area is located 20 minutes from Kalamazoo and has six ski lifts, including one quad, a Magic Carpet for novices and tow ropes at beginners' terrain. The 20 ski trails include six intermediate and four expert trails. A Ski School offers private and group lessons in skiing and snowboarding for adults and children. A terrain park includes jumps and rails for snowboarders.
  
  Bittersweet Ski Area
  
  600 River Road
  
  Otsego, MI 49078
  
  269-694-2820
  
  skibittersweet.com
  
  

Timber Ridge Ski Area

• Timber Ridge Ski Area is 27 minutes from Kalamazoo, and has nine lifts serving 16 trails. Timber Park and Pumpkin Park snowboarding areas include jumps, rails, table tops and pipes. A tubing hill offers more fun after you tire of skiing. There are group ski lessons for adults and kids ages 5-12, and snowboarding for ages 8 -12. Private lessons are offered for any age group or ability.
  
  Timber Ridge Ski Area
  
  07500 23 1/2 Street
  
  Gobles, MI 49055
  
  269-694-9449
  
  timberridgeski.com
  
  

Echo Valley

• Echo Valley Winter Sports Park offers family friendly winter fun. A huge outdoor ice skating rink lets you glide in the woods, and the tubing hill has a long run and a tow rope to bring you back up. Snow machines and grooming equipment ensure smooth rides. Tobogganing offers adrenaline rushes as you speed down the quarter mile long runs at up to 60 mph.
  
  Echo Valley Winter Sports Park
  
  8495 East H Aveue
  
  Kalamazoo, MI 49004
  
  269-349-3291
  
  echovalleyfun.com