Have an Up North ski-cation at these cozy Northern Michigan vacation rentals with out-the-door access to snowy woodland trails.
Destination in the Pines, Gaylord
Book rental number 305 and up to 10 people can ski directly onto the 18.5 kilometers (11.5 miles) of ski trails that wind around Lake Michaywe, including a lighted loop for nighttime skiing.
Rocky Top Farms, Ellsworth
All four seasons are magical at Rocky Top Farms, a working cherry orchard with several vacation rentals. The custom-built Treehouse sleeps six and the sweet one-bedroom Little Cabin sleeps two. The owners groom cross-country trails on the property, and for après-ski ahhhs, there’s a shared six-person outdoor hot tub.
Saari House, Ironwood
ABR Ski Trails is a full-service ski touring center boasting 75 kilometers of trails on more than 1,100 wilderness acres in “Big Snow Country.” Choose skate or classic trails; there are even areas for snowshoeing and skijoring. On-site rentals book years ahead, but new Airbnb super hosts have added this rustic-chic farmhouse on the trail (you just need to get trail passes!).
Wayfarer Treehouse, Lake Leelanau
This house in the trees built by Hygge Supply highlights Scandinavian design principles with modern furniture and a “less is more” approach. Out-the-door skiing at this three-bedroom beauty happens between scenic rows of trees in a neighboring orchard.
Bluebird, Glen Arbor
Ski from the door (with a short jaunt along M-109) to the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. Friends of Sleeping Bear groom it for classic and skate skiing, concentrating on the stretch between Glen Arbor and Glen Haven—the one you can easily reach. Glen Arbor dining and Lake Michigan are both just steps from the door, too.
Lincoln Log Cabin, Iron River
Remember playing with Lincoln Logs as a child? This cabin takes us back to those days. Whole logs stacked into the perfect winter getaway with a vaulted ceiling, open beams, stone fireplace and rustic decor. The sheltered porch makes a great spot for donning and removing skis, which you’ll use on the well-marked trails adjoining the Hagerman Lake home.
Union School, Suttons Bay
This light-filled luxury condo sits inside a former stone schoolhouse near the 17-mile Leelanau Trail. Head down a little-traveled neighborhood street, clomp across M-22 and you’re on it. Follow it all the way to Traverse City or make your destination the heated igloos at Hop Lot Brewing Company or one of several wineries just off the trail.
Kim Schneider is a long-time travel writer specializing in Michigan adventures, food and wine. The Midwest Travel Journalist Association has named her Mark Twain Travel Writer of the Year, and she’s the author of the recently published book, 100 Things to Do in Traverse City Before You Die.