Mother Nature has been downright generous this winter, dropping record snowfall amounts as folks involved in tourism across both Michigan peninsulas applaud the sound of registers ringing up dollars like they’ve not done in years.
“This has been a good old fashioned winter here on the island,” said Margaret Doud, the 82-year-old mayor of Mackinac Island who is the nation’s longest-serving mayor first elected in 1975 and who lives year-round on the idyllic northern Michigan island. “It feels like the old days, and there has definitely been an uptick in winter visitors.”
Tim Hygh, executive director of Mackinac Island Tourism, added: “We’ve had more tourists staying here than we’ve seen in years. Most winters it’s mainly workers, but we’re getting people who have been coming here for the snow, hiking or bringing their snowshoes.”
That experience was echoed by virtually everyone I checked in with about tourism in their neck of the woods so far this winter.
Tourism already is a top industry in Michigan, contributing over $50 billion in economic activity each year, according to Michigan Economic Development Corp., or MEDC. Spring and summer are the most popular seasons but this year winter — fueled by the four letter word “snow” — is giving them a run for the money.
“We are experiencing above average snowfall on both of Michigan’s peninsulas this season, with the Keweenaw (Peninsula) already surpassing 200 inches,” said Kelly Wolgamott, vice president of Pure Michigan, part of the MEDC. “It has been an excellent winter season for Michiganders and visitors to experience the incredible beauty of winter at our resorts, trails and festivals.”
To egg folks on to consider Michigan for their winter getaways, the state launched its Pure Michigan “Keep It Fresh” campaign last fall.
“It’s the best winter we’ve had in years,” said Tom Nemacheck, executive director of the Upper Peninsula Travel and Recreation Association. “The Upper Peninsula is really showcasing our No. 1 ranking as the Top Winter Snow Destination according to USA Today Reader’s Choice Awards. It’s a real economic boost for the businesses and communities in all 15 counties.”
Michigan ranks second in the country (New York is first) with over 40 ski areas and resorts, offering everything from learning programs and full-service resort villages to high-speed chairlifts and the Midwest’s tallest vertical drop — Mount Bohemia, in the U.P., at 900 feet.
“This winter has delivered in a big way for northern Michigan,” said Erin Ernst, director of communications for Boyne Resorts Michigan operations. “With over 120 inches of snowfall and counting, our guests at Boyne Mountain and The Highlands are experiencing some of the best conditions we’ve seen in recent years.”
Christy Walcott, director of Marketing & Communications at the Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau, added: “The snow has been fantastic in Gaylord and surrounding areas.
“Winter tourism is just as important as summer tourism for us in the snow belt.
“Our community continues to rely on travelers and winter is far from a ‘shoulder season’ in Gaylord. We continually increase our marketing budget for this season and look for new ways to get the word out about winter experiences to those who may not realize how accessible they are. You don’t need to have your own equipment or gear and can rent just about everything you need right here to give winter sports a try.”
Glenn Stevens Jr., executive director of MichAuto, part of the Detroit Regional Chamber, hails from Marquette and spends much time traveling from Detroit to the U.P., including recently.
“Snowfall has been steady and that means ski resorts and snow-related events are very busy,” Stevens said. “I saw this in Marquette at the sled races — huge crowds, restaurants full.”
He added that the uncertain economy may be working in Michigan’s favor.
“There is a general sentiment of caution with the state of the economy and inflation,” Stevens said. “However, that often means that people do more things last-minute and tend to stay closer to home. That’s not always a bad thing.”
In our neck of the woods, things have been bullish in metro Detroit.
“Winter has once again proven something Detroiters have long understood: Cold weather doesn’t slow the city down — it strengthens it,” said Eric Larson, CEO of the Downtown Detroit Partnership, or DDP. “This year’s especially wintry conditions have underscored just how much downtown Detroit has grown as a true four-season destination.
“Despite extended stretches of snow and subfreezing temperatures, residents and visitors have continued to show up, fill parks, lace up skates, and (keep) steady foot traffic flowing to downtown businesses.”
Larson mentioned overall spending in downtown Detroit rose about 66% in January compared with the same month in 2025, while food related spending was up 37% and estimated hotel spending a whopping 83%.
He mentioned The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Lexus as a catalyst, luring more folks downtown.
“It was recently named the nation’s Best Ice Skating Rink for the second consecutive year in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards,” he said.
He added that the DDP and its partners also have invested in making the cold-weather experience more enjoyable including Chalet 313 (a two-story heated lounge overlooking the ice rink) and the Cadillac Lodge, along with outdoor fire pits, heaters and more.
“There’s an old saying: ‘There’s no bad weather, just bad clothing choices,’ ” Larson said. “In downtown Detroit, we’ve seen that play out. When public spaces are built for the elements, people plan for it, dress for it and show up. What we’re seeing isn’t just resilience but growth.”
Contact Carol Cain at clcain@cbs.com. She is senior producer/host of “Michigan Matters,” which airs 5:30 a.m. Sundays on CBS Detroit and 9:30 a.m. Sundays on CW Detroit 50. See business and racing icon Roger Penske; Bud Denker, president of Penske Corp., and Detroit Free Press columnist and best-selling author Mitch Albom on this Sunday’s show. You can watch the show simultaneously on the two stations’ listings on Fubu, Pluto TV, YouTube TV and Apple TV.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: ‘Good old fashioned winter’ has Michigan resorts busy this year
Reporting by Carol Cain, Detroit Free Press Business Columnist / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
