Hickory Hills Park and Ski Area
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Hickory Hills Park and Ski Area

4.6
·170 reviews·Traverse City, United States

Charming vintage ski area with beginner-friendly slopes, a disc golf course, and scenic trails in Traverse City.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Winter mornings

Fewer crowds, fresh snow

CrowdLow
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Hickory Hills Park and Ski Area

Hickory Hills Park and Ski Area

Best Time

Winter mornings

Fewer crowds, fresh snow

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Charming vintage ski area with beginner-friendly slopes, a disc golf course, and scenic trails in Traverse City.

4.6
(170 reviews)

"Affordable fun for families and a challenging disc golf course make this a local gem."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Rentals

Gear can go fast! Renting equipment might involve a wait, so plan accordingly.

🏂 Snowboarder Rope Lift Tips

Rope lifts can be tricky for snowboarders. Practice balance and be prepared for a learning curve.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 170 reviews

Type

Ski Resort

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Bunny Hill

The Bunny Hill

Base of the ski area

Perfect for first-time skiers and young children, offering a gentle introduction to the slopes.

Disc Golf Course

Disc Golf Course

Throughout the park

A challenging and wooded 20+ hole course, with expansions planned. Great for a scenic walk too.

Vintage Lodge

Vintage Lodge

Main lodge building

Cozy up by the fireplace after a day on the slopes in this charming, retro lodge.

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Planning Your Visit

Winter Fun for All Levels

Hickory Hills offers a charming, vintage ski experience perfect for beginners and families. While the bunny hill is great for kids, snowboarders might find the rope lifts challenging. Arrive early for gear rentals to avoid long waits, especially on busy days.

Beyond the Slopes

This 125-acre park isn't just for skiing! It boasts a disc golf course and scenic trails, making it a year-round destination. Check for snow conditions before heading out for winter sports, as they can be variable.

Best Times

When
Winter mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, fresh snow
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Beat the weekend rush
Crowd
Medium
When
Disc golf season
Why
Enjoy the wooded trails
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Way way out in the hills somewhere #explore #fyp #traverse #traversecity #distillery #whiskeytour #cherryvodka #winter #hickoryhills #slope #ski
@whoknowscliff
13 likes • 300 views

🎯 Arrive Early for Rentals

Gear can go fast! Renting equipment might involve a wait, so plan accordingly. Reddit

🏂 Snowboarder Rope Lift Tips

Rope lifts can be tricky for snowboarders. Practice balance and be prepared for a learning curve. Reddit

Perks of living in Northern Michigan: afternoons spent skiing at Hickory Hills. ⛷️ ❄️ Where's your go-to skiing spot? . . . 📸: Cara McDonald, executive editor of Traverse Northern Michigan & MyNorth . #crosscountryskiing
@mynorthmedia
45 likes • 962 views
Cross-country skiing 🤝 The Black Hills. 📍Big Hill trail system and ski area 🎥: @simplelifeglamour @u.s.forestservice #hifromsd #SouthDakota #SnowSports #CrossCountrySkiing #WinterVacation #FamilyFun #FamilyVacation #MidwestLiving #WildWest #BlackHills
travelsouthdakota
1K likes • 38.2K views

💰 Affordable Fun

Lift tickets and rentals are reasonably priced, making it a budget-friendly option. Reddit

🥾 Disc Golf & Hiking

Don't miss the extensive disc golf course or the scenic trails for a walk. TikTokReddit

✨Went snow tubing ended up skiing on the bunny hill for the first time 😂✨ #skiing#traversecity#michigan#hickoryhills#firsttimer#snowboarding#snowtubing
@anaira9711
31 likes • 693 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Rentals

Gear can go fast! Renting equipment might involve a wait, so plan accordingly. Reddit

🏂 Snowboarder Rope Lift Tips

Rope lifts can be tricky for snowboarders. Practice balance and be prepared for a learning curve. Reddit

💰 Affordable Fun

Lift tickets and rentals are reasonably priced, making it a budget-friendly option. Reddit

🥾 Disc Golf & Hiking

Don't miss the extensive disc golf course or the scenic trails for a walk. TikTokReddit

🚫 No Sledding Allowed

Sledding is not permitted, which has caused some frustration for visitors. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(170 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Hickory Hills is praised for its affordability and beginner-friendly ski slopes, making it a great spot for families and new skiers. The disc golf course is a significant draw for enthusiasts. However, some visitors find the rope lifts challenging, especially for snowboarding, and there are mixed feelings about recent course changes impacting accessibility.

"The bunny bill is great for kids. I don’t like the rope lift. I’m a strong guy and it’s hard to grab on to the rope and keep your balance. My kids couldn’t go up the bigger hills.

It does have a nice eating area and fireplace.

It was a busy day and I had to wait for 1-2 hours for someone to return their gear so I could go on the hills.

The gear was nice and so was the service.

The price was a little cheaper

$ 28 for lift ticket
$25 for rentals"

Brent Little

"Couldn’t go sking because no snow also got a tick on my leg but I think this is the highest place in traverse city"

No Thing

"Won't allow sleds... What about handicap people....? Discrimination at its best. It's courtesy to not run over people regardless of what you use going down a hill. Disc golf course ruined by new "better" course. I used to be able to par a few times.. now I can't play there anymore, I am not a Olympic athlete ok. It used to be fun. Now it's privatized. Should be more inclusive, more understanding. For God sake it's a hill. Why are you regulating nature"

kay drielts

What People Like

Affordable lift tickets
Great for beginners
Challenging disc golf course

What People Dislike

Rope lifts difficult for snowboarders
No sledding allowed
Disc golf course changes

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hickory Hills Park is located in Traverse City, Michigan. It's easily accessible by car, offering a scenic drive through the area. Parking is available, and expansions are planned for the disc golf area. TikTokReddit

Information on public transport to Hickory Hills is limited. It's generally recommended to drive to the park. TikTok

For skiing, the rope lifts are the primary mode of transport up the slopes. For disc golf and hiking, well-marked trails and tees guide you through the wooded terrain. Reddit+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Lift tickets are priced around $28, offering an affordable option for skiing. Reddit

Ski rentals are available for approximately $25, making it convenient for those without their own equipment. Reddit

Information on advance ticket purchases is not readily available. It's advisable to check their official website or contact the park directly for the most up-to-date ticketing information. Reddit

While specific discount programs aren't widely advertised, the general pricing is considered quite affordable compared to larger resorts. Reddit

Operating hours can vary based on season and snow conditions. It's best to check the official Hickory Hills website or social media for current hours of operation, especially during the winter ski season. TikTok

🎫 ⛷️ Onsite Experience

Absolutely! Hickory Hills is highly recommended for beginners and families, with a dedicated bunny hill perfect for learning. TikTokReddit

Snowboarders may find the rope lifts challenging to navigate, as they are not as snowboard-friendly as chairlifts. Some users have reported issues with their boards getting caught. Reddit

Yes, the park features 4 km of cross-country ski trails, offering a different kind of winter adventure. TikTok

The lodge offers a nice eating area and a cozy fireplace, providing a warm place to relax after hitting the slopes. Reddit

Snow tubing is available and is a popular activity, especially for families looking for some downhill fun. TikTok

🎫 ⛳ Disc Golf & More

Hickory Hills boasts a fantastic, wooded disc golf course with over 20 holes and cement tees. Expansions are planned, adding more holes and a larger parking area. TikTokReddit

While the course is wooded and can be challenging, it's generally considered playable for various skill levels. Some users feel it's become less accessible for casual players due to course changes. Reddit

Yes, the park offers trails that are great for walking and enjoying nature, especially when not covered in snow. Reddit

Specific pet policies are not detailed in the provided information. It's recommended to check with the park directly regarding their pet regulations. Reddit

The park features rolling hills, making it suitable for skiing and disc golf. It's described as the highest place in Traverse City by some visitors. Reddit

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