Welcome to Hickory Hills on this New Year’s Day, 2026! Hickory Hills Ski Resort in Michigan is a small and charming ski resort that offers a variety of trails for all skill levels.
Wind
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While we’re ringing in the year with enthusiasm, Mother Nature has been a bit stingy with snow. Currently, the snowpack sits at just 1 inch—significantly below average for this time of year—and daytime temperatures are hovering above freezing at 36.8°F. The base is thin and patchy in areas, and ski conditions are marginal, especially for downhill enthusiasts. However, there’s a glimmer of hope: the five-day forecast predicts up to 2 inches of fresh snow, with light flurries (0.73") expected in the next 24 hours. That could be just enough to give the trails a fresh dusting and improve the surface for weekend riders.
Despite the challenging conditions, Hickory Hills is officially open for the season and ready to welcome snow-lovers of all kinds. The resort has rolled out a "New Feel," according to local buzz, with updated amenities and a revitalized lodge experience. While downhill trails are limited, cross-country skiers may find the nearby scenic trails worth exploring, especially with gorgeous views across Northern Michigan. Keep an eye on the skies and the forecast—winter is just getting started, and Hickory Hills is poised to make the most of every flake that falls.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Nw Michigan Research Farm.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Hickory Hills.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Hickory Hills impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Hickory Hills Ski Resort in Michigan is located in the Traverse City area and is known for its small but challenging terrain. The mountain ranges and mountain aspects that are pertinent to the resort include:
1. The Hickory Hills Ski Area: This small ski area features a vertical drop of 127 feet and offers a variety of runs for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The mountain aspect of Hickory Hills is characterized by its wooded slopes and narrow trails.
2. The Uphill Mountain: Hickory Hills features an uphill mountain that is popular for snowshoeing and backcountry skiing. This mountain aspect offers stunning views of Traverse City and Lake Michigan.
3. The Hickory Hills Lodge: The lodge at Hickory Hills is situated at the base of the ski area and provides a cozy place to warm up and relax after a day on the slopes. The lodge also offers ski rentals and lessons for visitors.
Overall, the mountain ranges and mountain aspects of Hickory Hills Ski Resort in Michigan offer a unique and challenging skiing experience for visitors to enjoy.
The resort's best trails are the more challenging black diamond runs, such as Ridge Run and Top Notch. A little-known historical fact about the resort is that it was originally built as a sled hill in the 1940s before being converted into a ski resort. For beginner skiers, the resort suggests starting on the learning hill before moving on to the easier green runs like Lucky and Stardust. After a day on the slopes, skiers can head to the Apres Ski Bar for a cozy atmosphere and a delicious selection of food and drinks.
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, scattered snow showers before 10am, then scattered snow showers after 1pm. mostly cloudy, with a high near 18. wind chill values as low as -2. west wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. chance of precipitation is 30%.
Hickory Hills is expected to receive up to 2.26" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Ski enthusiasts, take note: recent snowfall across the country has brought fresh powder to several beloved slopes, with a mix of weather patterns that could affect your plans in the coming days. In Washington state, Nohrsc Sawmill Ridge reported a modest 2 inches of new snow over the last 24 hours, with a substantial 170-inch base, despite the forecast of ... Read more