Mt. Holiday

If you are looking for the perfect spot for an active family vacation, Mount Holiday is an excellent choice. This cozy ski and recreation complex, located in the picturesque city of Traverse City, invites guests to immerse themselves in a true winter wonderland. Situated in northern USA, the resort is famous for its breathtaking bay views and welcoming atmosphere.

The complex positions itself as a non-profit project focused on community interests and accessibility for everyone. It offers excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding, as well as fun snow tubing runs. Notably, the facility is a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC), making it exceptionally comfortable and friendly for families with children who have developmental needs.

In addition to 16 diverse trails suitable for both beginners and advanced athletes, Mount Holiday attracts tourists with unique attractions. For example, there is an impressive 10-station zipline course with a total cable length exceeding 1,200 meters. This destination harmoniously combines active recreation traditions established in the mid-20th century with modern safety standards.

When planning your visit to Mount Holiday, it's helpful to have current contact information handy to check details or book lessons. The main office and slopes are located in the northeastern part of the city, making them easily accessible for tourists.

Visitors to Mount Holiday can expect a packed program geared toward snow adventure enthusiasts. The main focus is on the 16 ski trails of varying difficulty. There are gentle slopes for those putting on skis for the first time, as well as steeper sections for experienced riders. The presence of lit slopes allows you to enjoy skiing even in the evening, when the complex takes on a special charm.

One of the most popular attractions here is snow tubing. Thanks to a special express lift, visitors don't have to waste energy climbing the hill—they can focus entirely on the high-speed, fun descent. For those looking to improve their skills, private and group lessons are available with professional instructors who will help you feel confident on the slopes.

During the summer season, the complex transforms into an outdoor family entertainment center. Guests can test their strength on climbing walls, play a round of mini-golf, or race on go-karts. Families with children especially appreciate the trampolines, arcade games, and special water spray pads, where little travelers can safely play and cool off on hot days.

Getting to Mount Holiday is quite simple, as it is located just a 10–15 minute drive from downtown Traverse City. The main route follows US-31 N (about 11 kilometers), then you turn onto Holiday Rd. For travelers arriving by car, there is ample parking available on-site.

If you are arriving by air, the trip from Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) takes no more than 15 minutes. Since there is no developed subway system in the area, it is recommended that tourists use a taxi, Uber, or rent a car right at the terminal. Roads to the resort are regularly cleared of snow, but caution should be exercised during winter due to potential snowy conditions.

Guests from neighboring Grand Traverse County areas can easily find their way by following signs to Holiday Rd. Thanks to its convenient location, a visit to the slopes can easily be combined with a trip along the scenic shores of northern Michigan.

The history of this place began in 1949, when a group of proactive young entrepreneurs from Traverse City decided to turn empty hills into an active recreation zone. They received permission to use land from the Fife Lake State Forest and cleared the slopes themselves so that townspeople would have something to do during the long winter months. This project became a true symbol of community unity.

Since its founding, Mount Holiday has maintained its status as a non-profit recreational area. This means that infrastructure development happens with the active support of Grand Traverse area residents, who invest not only money but also their time into the site. Several generations of local skiers have grown up on these slopes and now bring their children and grandchildren here.

In recent years, the complex has been undergoing a new stage of development, striving to return to its roots of maximum accessibility for families. Modern LED lighting was installed on the west side of the hill, and the lift system was modernized. The project's new leadership focuses on preserving the unique historical connection with the local community while implementing advanced technologies for visitor comfort.

To fully enjoy everything Mount Holiday has to offer, a typical visitor should set aside 3 to 5 hours. This is plenty of time for several ski or snowboard runs, a few tubing sessions, and a relaxing break for hot chocolate at the local cafe. If you plan to take a lesson with an instructor, your stay may be longer.

For families traveling with children, the best option is to plan for a half-day visit. This allows you to try different activities, including the zipline or summer attractions, without rushing or worrying about long lines. A morning or afternoon session will let you catch the best snow in winter or avoid the midday heat during the summer season.

The Mount Holiday schedule has its own peculiarities and depends directly on weather conditions and the current season. Traditionally, the complex is closed on Mondays. From Tuesday to Friday, the slopes usually welcome guests from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, which is perfect for evening skiing after work or sightseeing. On Saturday, hours are extended from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and on Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Since the resort's operation depends heavily on snow conditions, visitors are strongly advised to check for real-time updates on the official website before their trip. It is also worth noting that activities like the zipline may operate on an individual schedule and require advance booking.

A visit to Mount Holiday can easily be complemented by exploring other interesting locations in Traverse City. Its proximity to the historic center and scenic parks allows you to create a rich itinerary that will appeal to both history buffs and families with active children.

The surrounding area offers a variety of sites: from old hospital complexes transformed into modern cultural spaces to cozy wineries. Below is a list of notable places located nearby: