...SNOW, STRONG WINDS, BLOWING SNOW, FLASH FREEZE... * WHAT...Snow developing late. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches with locally higher amounts possible. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph late leading to blowing snow with low visibility. * WHERE...A portion of Northern Lower Michigan. * WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 4 PM EST Friday. * IMPACTS...Rapidly falling temperatures later tonight will lead to icy road conditions. Gusty winds combined with falling snow will result in very poor visibilities at times tonight into Friday. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches and cause isolated power outages. The hazardous conditions will impact the Friday morning commute.
A crisp winter morning greets skiers at Hickory Hills on December 18, 2025, as the season officially kicks off today. Hickory Hills Ski Resort in Michigan is a small and charming ski resort that offers a variety of trails for all skill levels.
Wind
Humidity
Overnight temperatures dipped to 21°F, preserving a modest snowpack of 6 inches—about 68.8% of the seasonal average—providing a decent early base for eager visitors. While current conditions are best suited for intermediate groomed runs, light snow flurries are expected today with a 24-hour accumulation of 0.2 inches. Looking ahead, over 2 inches of fresh snow are forecast in the next 72 hours, with another 2 inches possible by the weekend, promising a gradual but welcome powder refresh just in time for holiday crowds.
Despite a few minor opening-day "hiccups," spirits remain high at Hickory Hills following an enthusiastic launch. Local buzz surrounding the area's rejuvenation and its inclusion in several regional ski guides has amplified interest, drawing both seasoned locals and first-timers to Traverse City’s beloved slopes. With surrounding forests open for seasonal activities and Michigan’s outdoor economy on a steady upswing, Hickory Hills is poised for a vibrant winter. Stay tuned as conditions continue to improve with the upcoming snow—perfect for tuning those skis and soaking in the charm of Northern Michigan’s alpine playground.
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, showers, mainly after 7am. high near 46. breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. chance of precipitation is 100%. new precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Hickory Hills is expected to receive up to 2.43" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Ski enthusiasts in Washington and Colorado can expect fresh snow on the trails, adding a delightful dusting to the already favorable conditions. Nohrsc Sawmill Ridge in Washington has reported a modest 2 inches of new snow over the last 24 hours, with a base sitting at a substantial 170 inches. The local ski areas such as Crystal Mountain Resort and ... Read more