Michigan has long, cold winters. People who choose not to spend time outdoors during winter in Michigan miss out on some of the best activities the state has to offer. According to the Mayo Clinic, people who get outdoor exercise during the winter suffer 20 to 30 percent fewer colds, experience less seasonal depression and don't gain as much weight from months of inactivity. Bundle up to avoid frostbite and remember to use sunscreen, and you're ready to enjoy some of these Michigan outdoor activities.
Skiing
Northern Michigan has plenty of ski slopes to enjoy. One of the best known Michigan ski resorts is Boyne Mountain, in the northwest corner of the state near Charlevoix. Other popular ski resorts include Caberfae Peaks in Cadillac, Shanty Creek and Crystal Mountain in Traverse City, and Treetops Resort in Gaylord. There are also numerous skiing opportunities in the Upper Peninsula (U.P.), including Norway Mountain in the city of Iron Mountain and the Blackjack resort in Bessemer in the western U.P.
Snowboarding
Most of the ski resorts in Michigan also have opportunities for snowboarding. While most skiing and snowboarding areas are in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, the largest snowboarding site in Michigan is Alpine Valley, in the metro Detroit area in White Lake. The resorts where snowboarders play are called terrain parks, and Nub's Nob in Harbor Springs was voted the best terrain park in North America by Midwest Living magazine.
Ice Fishing
Since 41 percent of Michigan's surface is fresh water, it is not surprising that fishing is a popular activity in Michigan all year long. That includes ice fishing in the winter. There are several varieties of fish in Michigan's lakes, including perch, walleye, trout, bluegill and salmon. According to Michigan Sportsman magazine, one of the best fishing spots in the state is Hamlin Lake in west Michigan.
Ice Skating
When the many lakes in Michigan freeze over in winter, it makes the perfect surface for ice skating. Ice hockey is also a popular sport in Michigan and many people enjoy impromptu hockey games outdoors. During the rest of the year, people go ice skating or play hockey at one of the state's many indoor ice rinks, but can do so outside in winter at places like the Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink in downtown Grand Rapids.
Sledding
Getting out of town is not always necessary to enjoy the Michigan outdoors. Children love going sledding after a snowstorm has covered the ground with a lot of snow. Most Michigan cities have outdoor sled hills and slopes. While most are just sloped property that works well for sledding, some also have toboggan runs for a more extreme sledding experience.
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