A flurry of night skiing options means visitors may have the chance to see the northern lights, too.

Northern Michigan is (rightly) celebrated for its summer season.

But winters here have been the most unexpected surprise."

A skier under the ski lift

Credit:Courtesy of Shanty Creek

Their 360-degree fireplace is the best place to warm up.

Stock up on your visit for the ultimate Northland accessory.

Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville

Courtesy of Crystal Mountain

Brugeman also recommendsCrystal Mountain.

A person skiing down a hill

Courtesy of Pure Michigan

Its a super hill, and so family-friendly.

For parents, I love hitting the canvas tents at nearbyIron Fish Distilleryfor apres, she explains.

Think steep slopes and a 900-foot vertical drop on 585 skiable acres.

A person skiing down a mountain that has several ski lines

Courtesy of Snow River Mountain Resort

This spot also stands out for its on-siteNordic Spa, complete with thermal pools.

Shanty Creek has over 15 miles of cross-country ski trails, alpine tubing, and multiple terrain parks.

Locals love Nubs Nob… “You know that saying where there’s no such thing as friends on a powder day?

Two cross country skiers

Courtesy of Crystal Mountain

Lucky for my kids, I’m family.

We stuck together and had a blast.

The Highlands at Harbor Springs gets an average 140 inches of annual snowfall on its 54 runs.

Snowboarders at Mt Bohemia

Courtesy of Pure Michigan

Skiers at Shanty Creek

Courtesy of Shanty Creek

A skier at Nub’s Nob

Courtesy of Pure Michigan

Two snowboarders at Highlands at harbor springs

Courtesy of Pure Michigan