Winter is here, and it's time to hit the slopes with your family! Alpine Valley and Mt. Brighton are two fantastic destinations in and around Livingston County that offer a range of activities and amenities for skiers of all ages and skill levels.
Let's dive into what makes these resorts perfect for a family-friendly skiing adventure.
 |  |
 |  |
Alpine Valley Resort
Location: 6775 Highland Rd, White Lake, MI
Hours:
- Weekdays: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Weekends & Holidays: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Prices:
- Weekday Lift Tickets: $68 (All Area), $44 (Beginner Area)
- Weekend & Holiday Lift Tickets: $78 (All Area), $54 (Beginner Area)
- Full Day Lift Tickets: $92 (All Area), $69 (Beginner Area)
- Children (5 and under): Half-price tickets
- Seniors (65+): $5 discount on one full-price ticket with ID
Lessons:Alpine Valley offers a variety of lessons for children and beginners. Group lessons for kids aged 7-14 are available on weekends and holidays, with morning sessions from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and afternoon sessions from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Prices for group lessons start at $60 per child for a 2-hour session.
Places for Parents to Sit and Wait:Alpine Valley has several cozy spots for parents to relax while their kids are in lessons. The resort offers a lodge with a fireplace, a café with hot drinks and snacks, and outdoor seating areas with beautiful views of the slopes.
 |  |
Mt. Brighton
Location: 4141 Bauer Rd, Brighton, MI
Hours:
- Weekdays: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Weekends & Holidays: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Prices:
- Weekday Lift Tickets: $71 (Adults & Juniors), $51 (Seniors)
- Weekend & Holiday Lift Tickets: $84 (Adults & Juniors), $64 (Seniors)
- Children (5 and under): Free with a paying adult
Lessons:Mt. Brighton also offers a range of lessons for children and beginners. Group lessons for kids aged 7-14 are available on weekends and holidays, with morning sessions from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and afternoon sessions from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Prices for group lessons start at $60 per child for a 2-hour session.
Places for Parents to Sit and Wait:Mt. Brighton has several comfortable areas for parents to wait while their children are in lessons. The resort offers a lodge with a fireplace, a café with hot drinks and snacks, and outdoor seating areas with beautiful views of the slopes.
Both Alpine Valley and Mt. Brighton provide a wonderful environment for families to enjoy a day on the slopes. With their convenient locations, affordable prices, and excellent lesson programs, these resorts are perfect for creating lasting winter memories with your loved ones. So grab your gear and get ready for an unforgettable skiing adventure!
Looking for an affordable way to get your kids on the slopes?
Michigan's Cold is Cool Program: A Winter Wonderland for Kids!
Michigan's Cold is Cool program is an exciting initiative designed to get fourth and fifth graders out on the slopes and enjoying winter sports! I used this initiative with my 2 older children to get them out on the slopes.
What is the Cold is Cool Program?The Cold is Cool program, organized by the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA), offers fourth and fifth graders the opportunity to ski or ride for free at participating ski areas across Michigan!
How Does it Work?Families can purchase a Cold is Cool Ski & Ride Passport for $30. This passport grants up to three free lift tickets or trail passes for the child when accompanied by a paying adult. The program also includes additional discounts at participating ski shops and on helmet purchases.
Benefits:
- Free Lift Tickets: Up to three free lift tickets or trail passes at 29 participating ski areas.
- Discounts: 20% off helmet purchases and $20 off purchases of $100 or more at participating ski shops.
- Family Fun: A great way for families to enjoy winter sports together.
How to Participate:
- Register: Families need to register their fourth or fifth grader and upload a photo and proof of grade.
- Download the App: Once approved, families will receive instructions to download the WinterKids app, which will be used to redeem lift tickets.
- Redeem Offers: Show the offer in the app at the ski area to receive the lift ticket.
Important Dates:The passport is valid through the end of the 2024/25 ski season, but it's essential to check the exclusion dates and participating ski areas' websites before heading out.
Additional Information:A portion of the passport fee goes to MIsnow, a charitable organization that helps underprivileged kids experience winter sports and promotes sustainability education.
Learn to Ski and Snowboard INDOORS before trying one of our local ski hills.
Shredder Ski School in Livonia: A Family-Friendly Adventure
Another opportunity to introduce your kids to skiing and snowboarding is a fun, INDOOR option. Shredder Ski School in Livonia offers a variety of programs designed to make skiing and snowboarding fun and accessible for the whole family with the comfort of being inside.
 |  | |
Programs for Kids:
- Yeti School: Perfect for the littlest shredders, ages 1-3. This program introduces kids to skiing and snowboarding in a fun, parent-child setting that emphasizes play-based learning.
- Little Shredders: For kids aged 3-5, this program focuses on independence and engages children in the total ski and snowboard experience. It's designed to be fun and educational.
- Snowboard & Ski Lessons: For children aged 4-14, these lessons help kids develop confidence and skills on the slopes. The lessons are tailored to different age groups and skill levels.
Programs for Teens and Adults:
- Private Lessons: Available for all ages, private lessons offer personalized instruction to help individuals improve their skills at their own pace.
- Open Gyms: A great way for families to practice together, open gyms provide time for free skiing and snowboarding in a controlled environment.
- Parents Night Outs: Parents can drop off their kids for a night of fun and learning while they enjoy some free time.
Additional Offerings:
- Summer Camps: Shredder Ski School also offers summer camps, providing year-round opportunities for kids to learn and practice their snow sports skills.
- Gift Certificates: Perfect for birthdays or holidays, gift certificates can be purchased for lessons, open gyms, and other programs.
Location and Contact Information:
Shredder Ski School provides a safe, fun, and convenient environment for families to enjoy skiing and snowboarding together. With a range of programs for all ages and skill levels, it's the perfect place to start or continue your family's winter sports adventure.
