Even with spring snow, Northern Michigan ski resorts know how to throw a party. Only in Northern Michigan will you see both kids and adults racing down a mountain on cardboard sleds or skiing over a pond.

There are several upcoming ski resort festivals in March including Krazy Daze at Boyne Highlands, Crystal Mountain’s Spring Fling, and Mardi Gras at Crystal Mountain. While there may not be lots of new snowfall, these Northern Michigan events are still guaranteed to be the best shindigs of the spring season.

“Some events are weather permitting, but our snow cats can also do amazing work in pushing around snow where we need coverage,” says Erin Ernst, Boyne’s director of communications. “And while we have many on-slope portions, there’s so much else to do with live entertainment and numerous parties and events for adults and kids. People really love the tradition of these events and gathering with friends or family for a fun spring weekend.”

So join in the fun from Harbor Springs to Cadillac, and say farewell to winter at these outrageous and wildly fun ski resort festivals.


Boyne Highlands

600 Boyne Highlands Dr, Harbor Springs, 855.688.7022

7th Annual Brew-Ski Festival, Saturday, March 12
Hit the slopes and then stop by the sampling bars to try more than 300 craft beers. Enjoy live music and stop by a nearby grill for brats and burgers.

Krazy Daze, Friday, March 18 to Saturday, March 19
Ski over the pond, have your face painted, and dance the night away at the “Get Crazy Party” featuring Metro Rockway and The Remedee.

Brew Ski Festival

Crystal Mountain

12500 Crystal Mountain Dr., Thompsonville, 855.721.5277

Spring Fling, Saturday, March 12
Get ready for a jam-packed day of activities for the whole family. Compete in the Cardboard Classic—a race down the mountain on sleds constructed only with cardboard duct tape—and then go kayaking on the slopes!

Cardboard Classic

Nub’s Nob

500 Nubs Nob Rd, Harbor Springs, 231.526.2131

Mardi Gras, Saturday, March 19
Don’t miss the Soaker Cup, costume contest, Crazy Couples and Dorie Sarns Open races, and the Petoskey Steel Drum Band on the deck!

Nub's Nob Mardi Gras

Boyne Mountain

1 Boyne Mountain Rd, Boyne Falls, 855.688.7024

Kids’ Festival Weekend, Friday, March 11 to Sunday, March 13
Celebrate what it means to be a kid with fun events like Cookies & Canvas where your child can create a piece of art while enjoying cookies and the Kids Tubing Party with music and a bonfire.

Carnival Weekend, Friday, March 18 to Sunday, March 20
Ring in spring with a party that combines the festivities of St. Patrick’s Day and Mardi Gras. Let loose at the On-hill Party, participate in the annual Slush Cup, and fill your stomach at the Food Truck Rally featuring Happy’s Tacos, Littleman Bites, Pigs Eatin’ Ribs, Pita Cruiser, and more.

On-hill Party

Caberfae Peaks

1 Caberfae Ln., Cadillac, 231.862.3000

Spring Carnival, Saturday, March 19
Enjoy the outdoor Snowbar & Grill, Costume Parade, Big Air Contest, and music at this all-day festival.

Spring Carnival

Shanty Creek

1826 Schuss Mountain Ln., Mancelona, 231.533.8621

Cardboard Classic, Saturday, March 12
Race down Schuss Mountain in a sled you make yourself—from cardboard, tape, and glue. Prizes are awarded for best design, best use of Shanty Creek brand, and fastest sleds.

Cardboard Classic

Check out more Northern Michigan March weekend events in MyNorth’s event calendar!


More Northern Michigan Skiing

#2016 #Emmet #Harbor_Springs #Charlevoix #Boyne_Falls #Benzie #Thompsonville #Outdoors #Ski #Snowboard #Events #Festivals

Photo(s) by Boyne Highlands