Free Sledding Hills in the Petoskey Area and Nearby

Winter is a long season in Northern Michigan, sometimes with snowy weather starting as early as October and lasting into the far reaches of April. With that reality in mind, it behooves locals and visitors alike to plan ahead and find ways to enjoy all the snow without breaking the bank.

One activity that treats anyone—from elementary students to grandparents—to fresh air and fun is sledding, and here in the Petoskey Area, we have numerous locales ideal for a hilly slide.

Here are five sledding hills you can enjoy for free!

 

1. Winter Sports Park | Petoskey

Set back into a hill on Winter Park Lane is Petoskey’s Winter Sports Park, which offers opportunities to sled, skate, ski, snowboard, curl, and even play hockey. The spacious sledding hill has room for everyone and their saucers, toboggans, runner sleds, and tubes—just make sure your path is clear when you start your descent!

Feeling the cold wind on your face while going down the hill and working up a sweat as you climb back to the hilltop will definitely help you meet your step goal for the day and your laugh quota. When you’ve finished and your legs can no longer carry you, take a well-earned break inside the warming hut, featuring a fireplace, restrooms, concessions, TV, and wireless internet to post your fun sledding photos and videos.

Sometimes there are available sleds to borrow at the Winter Sports Park, but I recommend bringing your own to guarantee maximum fun.

 

2. Avalanche Mountain Preserve | Boyne City

Boyne City’s Avalanche Mountain Preserve encompasses 300 acres of trails, ideal for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and fat-tire biking, but it also includes a sledding hill, ice rink, and vital warming house. Previously named the best sledding hill in Michigan by Michigan Blue magazine, this sledding experience won’t disappoint.

Operated by Boyne City, Avalanche Mountain Preserve offers free sleds and ice skates in limited numbers to visitors or those who don’t own their own winter equipment. As with all free sledding hills, it’s a good idea to bring your own sleds if possible, but you might luck out and have access to a loaner ride.

Another great feature of his particular sledding situation is that the onsite warming house sometimes offers complimentary hot chocolate and has hats and gloves available in case you forget yours!

 

3. Kiwanis Park | Harbor Springs

Around the Little Traverse Bay in Harbor Springs, a favorite spot for sledding among locals is Kiwanis Park. This sledding hill offers a more gentle, gradual incline that’s well-suited for young families and even beginner skiers and snowboarders.

This is a purely bring-your-own-sled situation—no loaners to borrow here! So please come prepared. For parents and grandparents, and even kids who need a break from the cold, the warming hut is situated with a clear view of the sledding area so everyone can keep track of their party and make sure everyone remains safe.

 

4.  Pond Hill Farm | Harbor Springs

Nestled further back into the rural expanse of Harbor Springs, not far from the Tunnel of Trees and some spectacular views of Lake Michigan, is Pond Hill Farm, an activity-filled destination during all four seasons.

On the hilly terrain surrounding Pond Hill Farm, visitors can cross-country ski, sled, and snowshoe to their heart’s content free of charge. The dedicated sledding hill is located behind the main building, with sleds and tubes available for everyone.

Priding itself as being family-friendly, Pond Hill Farm is always ready to help facilitate fun, regardless of the season or weather. And with its delicious cafe, beer and wine tasting, and outdoor activities, everyone is going to have a great time before, during, and after sledding.

 

5. Mount McSauba | Charlevoix

Heading back south and passing Boyne City, visitors will find the quaint lakeside city of Charlevoix and its winter sports destination, Mount McSauba. A popular site for families since the 1950s, Mount McSauba has a lot to offer.

With six runs, four rope tows, and lighted hills for skiing and sledding, this spot is great for day or night outdoor fun—whatever works best with your schedule! With ample space, everyone from downhill skiers, cross-country skiers, sledders, ice skaters, snowboarders, and snowshoers has room to enjoy their chosen activity without infringing on others’ efforts.

Like each of these other sledding spots, Mount McSauba is free and open to the public as long as the snow remains, and in Northern Michigan, that means quite a long time!

So, whether you’re taking a mid-winter vacation to the Petoskey Area or you’re a local looking for more ways to engage with the winter wonderland we live in, consider visiting one of these free sledding hills and get your fill of fresh air this season!

 

About the Author: Alex Dailey is a long-time Northern Michigan resident who happily calls Petoskey home. When she isn’t at her computer writing and editing, you can find her taste-testing craft cocktails, patronizing downtown shops (especially bookstores), and participating in as many local literary events as possible. She looks forward to sharing her Petoskey Area favorites with you!