Did you know that you can drive to several Michigan ski areas in an hour or two from the Firefly? Here’s a plan! First, grab superb coffee and pastries at the Whistle Stop, Milda’s, or Black Currant Bakery in Union Pier. Then get driving directions from your favorite navigation app.

You’ll be buckling up your ski boots in about an hour at Swiss Valley Ski Area in Jones, Michigan (about 40 miles east of St. Joseph-Benton Harbor). Swiss Valley is perfect for beginners, but with 11 runs and a terrain park, seasoned skiers and snowboarders will have fun too.

For more challenging runs, drive a bit farther to Timber Ridge Ski Area located in Gobles, Michigan (north of Kalamazoo). Timber Ridge has 15 runs (most are intermediate runs), a tubing hill, excellent snowmaking, and professional ski instructors. Both Swiss Valley and Timber Ridge offer lodges with snack shops, snowmaking, ski and snowboard shops, night skiing, and professional instruction. So “turn ‘em or burn ‘em” as the powder hounds say!

Stay in one of our cozy cottages and make a weekend of it! We have one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and mini-suite cottages. Call us at (269) 469-0245 to book your next getaway!

By Ilona Dotterrer, Cottage 1