Highlands at Harbor Springs
Michigan's largest ski resort and premier golf destination, offering stunning views, diverse activities, and unique seasonal attractions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fresh powder, fewer crowds
Highlands at Harbor Springs
Best Time
Fresh powder, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Michigan's largest ski resort and premier golf destination, offering stunning views, diverse activities, and unique seasonal attractions.
"A beautiful property with a wide range of activities, though customer service can be a point of contention for some."
Book golf tee times early
Popular courses fill up fast, especially on weekends. Book online or call ahead to secure your spot! :golf:
Check Enchanted Trail dates
This popular winter attraction is seasonal. Verify operating dates and times before your visit. :sparkles:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Enchanted Trail
Woods of the resort
A magical, twinkling pathway through the woods with interactive displays and a cozy yurt stop.
New Bubble Chairlift
Ski slopes
Experience the fastest ride to the top with heated, wind-shielded seats on this state-of-the-art lift.
Doon Brae Par 3 Course
Golf course
A challenging and scenic 9-hole par 3 course that will test even seasoned golfers.
Challenging Ski Slopes
Ski resort
Michigan's largest ski resort offers a variety of terrain for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Seasons
Understand the Resort's Spread
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book golf tee times early
Popular courses fill up fast, especially on weekends. Book online or call ahead to secure your spot! :golf:
Check Enchanted Trail dates
This popular winter attraction is seasonal. Verify operating dates and times before your visit. :sparkles:
Embrace the new chairlift
The heated bubble chairlift is a game-changer for cold days! Enjoy the quick, comfortable ride up. :snowboarder:
Consider weekday visits
For a more relaxed experience and potentially better rates, aim for a mid-week getaway. :calendar:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book golf tee times early
Popular courses fill up fast, especially on weekends. Book online or call ahead to secure your spot! :golf:
Check Enchanted Trail dates
This popular winter attraction is seasonal. Verify operating dates and times before your visit. :sparkles:
Embrace the new chairlift
The heated bubble chairlift is a game-changer for cold days! Enjoy the quick, comfortable ride up. :snowboarder:
Consider weekday visits
For a more relaxed experience and potentially better rates, aim for a mid-week getaway. :calendar:
Pack for all seasons
Michigan weather can be unpredictable. Layers are key for both summer golf and winter skiing. :coat:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise The Highlands for its beautiful scenery, extensive recreational offerings like golf and skiing, and the magical Enchanted Trail. The recently renovated rooms and friendly check-in staff receive positive mentions. However, some guests have experienced significant dissatisfaction with customer service, particularly regarding inflexible policies and difficulty resolving issues like lost items or unexpected fees, leading to a mixed overall impression for some.
"My wife and I enjoyed our stay here. The rooms were nice and we had a great time golfing. Our issue is that we left a couple items in our room when we left. Wouldn’t think that would be a huge deal, but the Highlands has been less than helpful as we’ve tried to recover them. Tried calling, emailing, and leaving messages. Every time we end up getting some kind of run around from whichever staff member we end up talking to. Maybe I’ll get a response on this review, but doubt it will be helpful"
David Adkins
"My wife and I have been coming up here for over 40 years, skiing with our now grown children and love this place. We recently came up for a week of golf and had a great experience, the staff was great from check in (Paige was very helpful and friendly) to food service. We stayed at the main lodge in one of the recently renovated rooms (they did a great job on the updates...) which was clean and bright. Overall, a great experience and would have given it a 5 star rating, but upon check out we noticed a $50 'change fee' on the folio summary. When I checked out and turned in the room keys, I asked about the charge and was informed that when I changed a golf tee time (we dropped one day of golf, which I had done less than 24 hours after making the reservation) I was informed there would be a fee. My response was I did not remember being informed of the fee and the response from the person at the 'welcome center' was "we record every phone conversation and we'll review this and get back to you". WOW... what a response, I'm being recorded to have it played back to validate a change fee and not for "quality purposes" as they state in the automated reservation call bank. I love this place but this has left a really bad impression and will have me looking elsewhere for future lodging/golf/skiing... sorry to leave Boyne but this is a deal breaker for me!"
John Mrozowski
"Boyne Highlands saved our Christmas vacation in 2006! We had a family trip scheduled out west and with flights canceled for 3 days, we needed to come up with a new plan. We decided a ski trip to Michigan was a great idea. Boyne Highlands was awesome. Great terrain and a fun area. We'll always come back after that first experience."
Corwin Fergus
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Highlands at Harbor Springs is located in Northern Michigan. The nearest major airports are Traverse City (TVC) and Pellston (PLN). Driving is a popular option, with the resort being accessible via scenic routes. Many visitors arrive from the Mackinac Ferry, making it a convenient stop for a winter weekend getaway.
Yes, ample parking is available at The Highlands for skiers, golfers, and resort guests. Parking is generally free, especially during the ski season and for day visitors.
While a car offers the most flexibility, it is possible to reach The Highlands via shuttle services from nearby airports or towns. However, once at the resort, a car is recommended due to the spread-out nature of the facilities.
The resort is quite spread out. While walking is possible between some areas, utilizing your car or checking for on-site shuttle services (if available) is recommended for efficient travel between golf courses, the ski slopes, and lodging.
The Highlands at Harbor Springs is a short drive from the Mackinac Ferry terminals. Many visitors combine a trip to Mackinac Island with a stay at The Highlands, making it a convenient addition to your itinerary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lift tickets can be purchased online in advance through the Boyne Resorts website or at the ticket window upon arrival. Booking online often provides discounts and guarantees availability, especially during peak times.
Operating hours vary by season and activity. Ski resort hours are typically from morning to late afternoon. Golf course hours are generally from dawn until dusk. The Enchanted Trail has specific evening hours. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, booking tee times in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular courses like Arthur Hills and The Heather. This is crucial to secure your preferred time and avoid disappointment.
Tickets for the Enchanted Trail typically include admission, hot cocoa, and s'mores. Pricing can vary, so it's best to check The Highlands' website for current rates and to purchase tickets in advance, as it's a popular seasonal event.
The Highlands often offers various packages that combine lodging, lift tickets, or golf rounds. Look for seasonal promotions and multi-day deals on the Boyne Resorts website to save money.
🎫 ⛳ Golf & Skiing
The Highlands at Harbor Springs boasts four distinct golf courses: Arthur Hills, The Heather, Monument, and the challenging Doon Brae Par 3 Course.
The courses offer a range of challenges. Arthur Hills and The Heather are championship courses known for their difficulty. Monument is more forgiving, and Doon Brae is a unique, challenging par-3 course.
The Highlands is Michigan's largest ski resort, offering a wide variety of terrain for all skill levels, including beginner slopes, intermediate runs, and challenging advanced trails. They also have a snow sports academy.
Yes, The Highlands is known for its excellent beginner terrain and ski school. The new bubble chairlift also makes the ascent comfortable for those new to the sport.
Yes, rental equipment for both skiing and golf is available at The Highlands. This is convenient for visitors who don't want to travel with their own gear.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The summit views from the ski slopes offer stunning panoramic vistas. The Enchanted Trail provides magical, twinkling light photo opportunities. The golf courses, especially during fall, are also incredibly picturesque.
Absolutely! The Highlands is a fantastic destination for viewing fall colors. The scenic drives around the resort and the elevated views from the ski slopes offer breathtaking displays of autumn foliage.
While it's possible to take photos from the chairlift, it's best to be mindful of other passengers and ensure your phone or camera is secure. The views from the top are much more conducive to photography.
Expect rolling hills, lush forests, and beautiful lake views. In winter, it's a snowy wonderland. In summer and fall, the landscape is vibrant with greenery and colorful foliage.
Drone usage is typically restricted at resorts for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to check The Highlands' specific policies regarding drone operation before flying.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Highlands offers a variety of dining experiences, from casual pubs and grills to more upscale restaurants within the main lodge and at various points on the golf courses.
Yes, there are typically on-mountain lodges and cafes where you can grab a warm drink or a meal while skiing. The yurt on the Enchanted Trail also serves hot chocolate and other treats.
Most of the dining establishments at The Highlands are family-friendly, offering a relaxed atmosphere and menus that cater to various tastes, including children.
You can expect a range of American cuisine, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more substantial entrees. During the Enchanted Trail, hot chocolate and s'mores are highlights.
Yes, The Highlands typically has bar and lounge areas within its lodges, perfect for après-ski drinks or relaxing after a round of golf.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a non-skiing adventure, the Enchanted Trail offers a magical evening walk with hot chocolate and s'mores, perfect for younger children. +1In the summer, the resort offers disc golf
and the beautiful grounds provide space for kids to explore. The Doon Brae Par 3 Course can be a fun challenge for older kids interested in golf. When booking lodging, inquire about family suites or rooms that can accommodate children comfortably. 🏌️ Golf Enthusiasts
To make the most of your golf trip, book tee times well in advance, especially for peak season and weekends.
❄️ Skiers & Snowboarders
Don't miss the Enchanted Trail for a unique, non-skiing winter activity that's magical for all ages. +1For those new to the sport, the snow sports academy offers excellent instruction.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Winter Wonderland: Skiing and Snowboarding
A significant recent upgrade is the new bubble chairlift, which features extra-wide, heated seats and shields riders from wind and snow, drastically reducing travel time to the summit to just three minutes. This innovation, the first of its kind in the Midwest, enhances the comfort and efficiency of accessing the slopes.
Beyond the traditional skiing and snowboarding, The Highlands also offers unique winter activities like the Enchanted Trail, a magical 1.5-mile lighted pathway through the woods, complete with a cozy yurt serving hot chocolate and an outdoor bonfire for s'mores. +1 This trail provides a different, more serene way to experience the winter landscape. For groups, especially those with mixed skill levels, The Highlands is a good choice due to its varied terrain and available lessons.
Summer Fairways: Golf at The Highlands
For a more relaxed, yet still engaging, golfing experience, the Monument course offers a more forgiving layout. A unique highlight is the Doon Brae Par 3 Course, a challenging 9-hole course that demands precision and offers stunning views.
Booking tee times well in advance is essential, especially during the peak summer and fall seasons.
The Enchanted Trail: A Winter's Dream
+1The trail is approximately 1.5 miles long, with a significant portion leading to a cozy yurt.
This yurt serves as a warm pit stop where visitors can enjoy hot chocolate and outdoor campfires, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening. S'mores are often included with admission, adding to the festive atmosphere. The experience is designed to be family-friendly and romantic, making it a sought-after activity during the winter months. It's important to note that the Enchanted Trail is a seasonal offering, typically available through the end of February.
Tickets are often required and should be purchased in advance, as it's a popular event. Checking The Highlands' official website for available dates, times, and ticket information is highly recommended before planning your visit. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit