It’s an exciting start to the season at Hickory Hills in Traverse City as the ski area officially opens its slopes today, December 23, 2025! Hickory Hills Ski Resort in Michigan is a small and charming ski resort that offers a variety of trails for all skill levels.
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Humidity
While the current snowpack is a modest 1 inch—well below the seasonal average by about 30%—enthusiasts are still carving early-season turns thanks to dedicated grooming and trail preparations. Overnight temperatures dipped to a chill 21.8°F, helping preserve what snow remains, though natural snowfall has been scarce with just 0.05 inches in the past 72 hours. Looking ahead, the 5-day forecast shows a slight uptick with up to 1 inch of snow expected, offering a glimmer of hope for improved conditions heading into the holidays.
Despite the lighter base, energy is high on the freshly opened runs, with local news celebrating Hickory Hills’ official season kickoff. Trail expansion projects and park upgrades are also making headlines, hinting at a promising long-term vision for the area. Visitors should expect limited terrain and variable coverage, but with new signage, restrooms, and a renewed commitment to winter recreation, Hickory Hills is proving resilient in the face of a warming winter. Early risers can still find joy on the slopes—just be sure to bring your rock skis and a sense of adventure.
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, a 30 percent chance of showers before 7am. cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 39. southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.
Hickory Hills is expected to receive up to 1.15" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Ski enthusiasts in Washington state can expect fresh powder at the slopes near Nohrsc Sawmill Ridge, where 2 inches of new snowfall have been recorded over the past 24 hours. While the weather has been hazy with a slight chance of thunderstorms, the base depth of 170 inches at nearby resorts such as Crystal Mountain and The Summit at Snoqualmie ... Read more