Now that the snow’s back and appears here to stay, we asked the team at The Ticker’s sister publication Northern Express to put together a quick list of activities that can get even the biggest winter hermit outside during the holidays.

ECSTA-SKI
Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort
Immerse yourself in the quiet of winter by cross-country skiing your way through it; you’ll be amazed at how hushed northern Michigan’s woodsy trails are in the wintertime, when everything is muffled by a coating of thick snow. There are dozens of XC ski trails across our region to try for spectacular scenery and an equally impressive all-around workout, but if you’ve never tried it, start at Timber Ridge, where you’ll find great rental gear, lessons, and groomed trails for skiers of every level.
More Info: timberridgeresort.net or (231) 947-2770.

SILENT SNOWSHOEING
Sleeping Bear Dunes
Another quiet winter sport is snowshoeing, a completely different way to transport yourself along the snow. The Empire Bluff trail and Sleeping Bear Dunes are great places to snowshoe, with expansive views, wildlife (herds of wild deer are common sights among the bare trees and dunes), and trails for every ability, including short jaunts of a mile or so to day treks of over 20 miles. In January and February, you can take a guided hike with a park ranger (on specific days; call ahead.)
More Info: Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitor Center, (231) 326-5134.

GO GO SNOW-MO
Snowblitz at Ranch Rudolf
The tracks grip the snow, the padded seat and windshield keeps you comfy, and the speed adds to the fun when you rent a snowmobile for a day. Rent a Ski Doo snowmobile at Ranch Rudolf and get out into the wilderness; the Snowblitz team at the resort even offers guided tours to get you and your newly rented sled started.
Contact: snowblitz.com or (231) 944-8500.

CHILLY CAMPING
Various locations
Did you already pack your tent or RV away for the winter? Better dust everything off again, because winter camping is alive and well in northern Michigan. Over a dozen campsites in the state are open to winter campers, including Keith J. Charters Park in Traverse City.
More Info: For a complete list of winter camping parks, visit michigan.gov/dnr and search “winter camping.”

SIPS AND SNOWSHOES
Black Star Farms, 10844 Revold Rd., Suttons Bay
A different way to experience snowshoeing is as part of a combo adventure like the one offered here. The trail system on the winery’s estate is a great excursion in the winter months, when you can combine a trek around the grounds with a post-stomp bowl of chili and a wine tasting. No reservations needed for the Snowshoes Vines and Wines experience, but check for available dates and times.
More Info: blackstarfarms.com or (877) 466-9463.

BONFIRE BONANZA
Antler Ridge Farm, 6259 M-72 East
What’s the best way to get to a winter bonfire? On a horse-drawn sled, of course! Out at Antler Ridge Farm (pictured), you’ll get the full experience. Start at the warming house, and then meet the farm’s two Percheron Draft horses, Dixie and Danny, who will pull your red-framed sled out into the forest, where you’ll be welcomed with a huge bonfire and complimentary marshmallows to roast.
More Info: (231) 645-3647

TUBE-O-RAMA
Timberlee Hills/Mt. Holiday
Both locations offer top-notch tubing experiences for those dedicated to this bouncy and fun winter pursuit. Timberlee offers a tow rope so you don’t have to drag your tube back up to the top of the hill. At Mt. Holiday, their dedicated tubing park also has an express lift back up and offers surprisingly steep runs; it’s billed as the area’s fastest tubing hill.
More Info: timberleehills.com or (231) 941-4142/Mt. Holiday, mt-holiday.com or (231) 938-2500.

FROZEN FISH
Various locations
Whether you’re seeking bluegills, walleyes, or panfish, you’ll find a fishing hole to suit your style here in northern Michigan. Cedar Lake or Lake Leelanau are excellent and nearby options. Licensed ice-anglers can just drill a hole out in the open, or enjoy a traditional ice-fishing experience in an ice shanty, a small shack placed directly on the ice to protect you from the elements.
More Info: For a great starter guide to locations, visit www.michigan.org/ice fishing.

ROSEBUD!
Various locations
Even if your sled isn’t named Rosebud, you’ll likely still recollect a little of your childhood when you point that sled down one of northern Michigan’s sledding hills, whether it’s a casual neighborhood slope or a bigger park. The Dune Climb, the only place in Sleeping Bear Dunes where sledding is allowed, is a great pick, as is the Civic Center or Grace McDonald Park in TC.