Fresh off its December 19 opening, Hickory Hills in Traverse City is off to a promising, if slightly thin, start to the 2025-26 ski season. 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 held at a steady 32.6°F, preserving the existing 2-inch snowpack. Though base depth remains light, a modest 0.11 inches of precipitation is forecast in the next 24 hours, with a much-needed 2.63 inches expected over the coming 72 hours. With an additional 2 inches forecasted in the 5-day outlook, conditions are set to improve heading into the holiday week. Skiers and snowboarders should anticipate firm early-day corduroy with softening by afternoon—ideal for carving on open groomers.
Excitement is building across Hickory Hills, bolstered by recent facility upgrades and a strong turnout on opening day. While early operations experienced a few hiccups, the mood remains upbeat, with expanded terrain on the horizon as part of a 76-acre growth plan. Traverse City officials are also eyeing further improvements to local parks, including new signage and restrooms, enhancing the area’s outdoor offerings. With scenic views and fresh snow on the way, Hickory Hills is shaping up to be a top winter destination this season. Keep your edges sharp—the best is yet to come.
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, snow showers likely, mainly before 1pm. cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 35. south wind around 15 mph becoming west in the afternoon. winds could gust as high as 35 mph. chance of precipitation is 60%. new snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Hickory Hills is expected to receive up to 2.67" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Ski enthusiasts looking for fresh powder should direct their attention toward the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountains, as recent observations indicate new snowfall in these regions. In Washington, the Nohrsc Sawmill Ridge has received 2 inches of fresh snow over the past 24 hours, with a considerable base of 170 inches. Despite the haze and slight chance of thunderstorms, ... Read more