Indian River offers several opportunities for cross-country skiing. If you’re interested in downhill skiing, you’ll find several nearby ski resorts where you can make Indian River your base camp.

Cross-Country Skiing

You’ll find cross-country ski trails throughout the Indian River area. Three specific spots are the Indian River golf course offers cross-country skiing during the winter months; the Wildwood Hills pathway, and the Black Mountain Pathway.

Wildwood Hills Trail

The Wildwood Hills trail is 9.3 miles long in three loops. You’ll find a trail map here, located six miles southwest of Indian River via Straits Highway and Wildwood Road. After a significant snowfall, the Michigan DNA grooms the trail. At the same time, the groomed trail isn’t lighted and doesn’t rent skis or make snow. You can begin skiing the Wildwood Hills trail from one of two trailheads. The one closest to Indian River is just west of Morton Rd at 45.362891, -84.686219. The other is closer to Petoskey, just west of Ream Road at 45.357109, -84.718427.

Black Mountain Pathway

The Black Mountain Pathway offers 30 miles of a groomed double-tracked cross-country ski trail. An additional six-mile groomed skating lane winds around the lower part of the mountain. No matter your skill level, you’ll find an appropriate path to fit your needs. The groomed trail isn’t lighted and doesn’t rent skis or make snow. They have a parking lot, toilet, and bulletin board with maps.

Located 11 miles north of Onaway via County Road 489, they host the Annual Black Mountain 30K Nordic Classic Ski Race, a Michigan Cup event. Check out the Black Mountain Nordic Ski Club site for current conditions.

Big Bear Adventures has cross-country skis and snowshoes available to rent.

Downhill Skiing

In Northern Michigan, you will find downhill ski resorts and many cross-country trails. The Indian River Area is also an easy drive to some of Northern Michigan’s best alpine resorts. Centered between Treetops Ski Resort, Boyne Highlands, and Nub’s Nob, Indian River makes a great base location to hit the slopes.