A winter holiday to Michigan offers much more than just downhill skiing. The Midwest state is home to 6,500 miles of snowmobile trails, 3,000 miles of cross-country skiing trails, beautiful terrain for snowshoeing, tubing, ice fishing and dog sledding. Downhill skiers and snowboarders can take advantage of 47 ski areas, boasting more than 260 lifts and nearly 1,000 runs, giving adrenalin junkies some of the most exciting, diverse terrains in the Midwest.

Michigan has one of the most extensive systems of interconnected trails in the United States. The state also boasts a varied terrain, which includes national forests and 11,000 frozen lakes. Michigan's groomed snowmobiling trails are one of the most extensive systems of interconnected trails in the nation.

Some of the most popular places for snowmobiling are Grayling, Gaylord, Cadillac and Mancelona, with a large number of trails that allow you to take off in just about any direction.

Farther north in the Upper Peninsula, the snowmobile season goes from December 1 to March 31. A popular spot for snowmobilers is Trout Lake Township, which is just 30 miles from the Mackinac Bridge and is home to one of the main crossroads for Upper Peninsula snowmobile trails. Heading southwest from there is the Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum in Naubinway, where you'll find loads of vintage snowmobiles.

Two of the most popular places for skiing are Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls and Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville. Boyne Mountain offers 60 downhill trails, 12 lifts and ski-in/ski-out accommodations. Crystal Mountain, located 28 miles southwest of Traverse City, is a family-owned resort with 58 downhill slopes and almost 16 miles of cross-country skiing.

In the Upper Peninsula are the Mont Ripley Ski Area in Hancock and Porcupine Mountains Ski Area in Ontonagon. Mont Ripley gets an average 250 inches of dry lake effect snow every year, adding to the experiences you'll have with its 440-foot vertical drop ski area on 112 acres and 22runs. Mount Bohemia, also in the UP, has the longest runs with the highest vertical and deepest powder in the Midwest and offers extreme and snow cat skiing.

Billed as the place with trails and views that get kids outdoors, the Porcupine Mountains Ski Area has 641 feet of vertical drop with 15 trails and four wooded areas. Visitors can also choose to rent snowshoes and experience the peaceful solitude of Michigan's northern forests as they enjoy a quiet trek through the snow.

Tubing and sledding are among Michigan's most popular winter activities. Ski resorts offer slopes and hills specifically for tubing and sledding activities. County parks and recreational areas offer toboggan runs. And, of course, there is almost always a nearby hill daring you to sled it.

Dog sledding is a wild winter challenge with tours and day trips for people of all ages and abilities. Guests can drive their own dog sled team and can select from 10- and 20-mile dog sled trips. They can also choose between day rides or an overnight adventure. In February, watch as dog sled teams race 230 miles through the Upper Peninsula during the UP 200 race.

Snowshoeing in Michigan offers outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers a respite among picturesque trails and terrains. A silent sport, snowshoeing offers a unique opportunity to meld into your surroundings and feel what ancient cultures must have experienced as snowshoeing is one of the oldest forms of transportation.

For the ultimate winter adventure, learn to ice climb. Michigan's miles of sandstone cliffs are lined with hundreds of frozen waterfalls and ice formations, creating some of the best ice climbing spots in the nation ranging from 20 to 210 feet in height. There's even the Michigan Ice Fest in Munising, 12-17 February 2020. Filled with classes for all skill levels and after parties, attendees can have fun while getting learning from some of the best climbers in Michigan. #Letswinter

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Notes to Editors                   

The State of Michigan is a state blessed with the riches of unspoiled nature: the longest freshwater coastline in the United States, lakes that feel like oceans, shimmering beaches, miles and miles of cherry orchards, glorious sunrises and sunsets, daytime skies of the deepest blue, nighttime skies scattered with stars.

Home to more than 100 public beaches, some of the highest freshwater sand dunes in the world, stunning multi-colored sandstone cliffs, two National Lakeshores and the only national marine sanctuary in the Great Lakes, the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Lake Huron. More than 129 lighthouses, numerous maritime museums, ten shipwreck-diving preserves and historic military fortifications rim Michigan's Great Lakes shoreline.

Lakes, campgrounds, wildlife refuges and 103 Michigan state parks and recreation areas create a wide variety of recreational pursuits. Rivers for water sports, and thousands of miles of hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling trails thread their way among some 100 species of trees.

Long days, relaxing weather and more than 650 pristine Michigan courses make for the perfect tee time. Because being able to play all day is Pure Michigan. www.michigan.org

For all PR enquiries please contact Fiona Pettitt- fiona@cellet.co.uk, 01295 722 816.