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When I was young, for five winters I participated in a program for children that offered day trips twice a month to various ski resorts in the area. The program was based in Lansing, so all of the resorts mentioned in detail here are within two hours drive or so east of the Lansing area and are probably within reach for a weekend trip for anyone in the Lower Peninsula, since Lansing is a rather central location. For those living in the Upper Peninsula, closer resorts such as Caberfae or Boyne Mountain would be best for a trip.

If you are learning to ski or have only been skiing a few times, then often it is best to take just a day trip to a nearby resort. Skiing for most of one day is usually enough to tire those who are not accustomed to skiing, such as beginners or children. Most ski resorts have a day pass price, often with a combined price for ski rental as well, which is usually quite reasonable. A day trip can often combine the fun of a road trip with the exercise of skiing, without having to bring too many supplies along. On our trips, all we ever had to bring was a lunch and plenty of warm winter gear, including our own skis if we owned them. Most people rented theirs though.

Mt. Brighton (www.MtBrighton.com)
This resort is one of the closest, if not the closest resort beyond Lansing itself, at about 60 miles away and located east and a little south. In good conditions, it should not take more than an hour and a half to get there from Lansing, and even less from Detroit. For a first time, this place is definitely worth trying due to the ease of travel, reasonable rates, and numerous different runs to ski. An all-day pass on a weekend with ski rental is $52 (snowboard $58), while the mid-week rate is $5 less. The park itself covers 130 acres with 26 runs serviced by 7 chairlifts and 11 rope tows. Due to its variety and convenience, it can sometimes be crowded, especially during peak season.

Pine Knob (www.SkiPineKnob.com)
Located 80 miles east of Lansing, this is one of the farther local resorts, but still achievable in about two hours normally. Their rates vary based on day, but individual rates are not more than $59 for a day lift ticket plus ski or snowboard rental. Weekday rates are $9 cheaper total.

This mountain is a little more challenging than Mt. Brighton, with just a few short bunny hills but several intermediate and black diamond runs. With some experience and caution, even the black diamond runs can be successfully skiied. The variety is a somewhat

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