Some of Michigan’s biggest ski resorts are opening this weekend amid record-breaking snowfall

After Mother Nature’s generous dumping of snow since Thanksgiving weekend – and complemented by hours of snow cannon action – some of the biggest names in Michigan skiing are ready for downhill action this weekend.

Only a few places opened last weekend, but this weekend seems to be the one where almost the whole gang gets together to celebrate the start of the season. About half a dozen spaces that are not yet ready will continue to be open throughout December.

And yes, we have a warm-up next Sunday and Monday, but then our temperatures will turn cold again by mid-week and into next weekend, giving the snow farmers on the slopes another chance to build their base.

RELATED: The northern Michigan ski resort breaks the record for highest snow day with nearly 25 inches

We have the summary below. We’ve included details and links for each ski area if you need information about lift ticket prices and operating hours.

Caberfae Peak near Cadillac: Opens Saturday, December 7th. Latest report: “The Lake Effect Snow Machine is up and running! We got at least 13 inches of snow in the last 24 hours, bringing the 7 day total to 27 inches!!! It’s going to be a great opening weekend in the Peaks, with 4 lifts operating and pretty much everything open on North and East Peak.” More details here.

Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville: Opens Friday, December 6th. Latest report: “Our first chair is Friday December 6th at 12pm on the Crystal Clipper Quad! Almost 60 centimeters of snow fell last week. We expect at least 20 trails open this Friday with three lifts in operation: Buck Quad, Crystal Clipper Quad and Loki Quad, as well as a learning carpet.” Visit Crystal’s snow report here: crystalmountain.com/snow

Shanty Creek Resort near Bellaire: Schuss Mountain opens Saturday, December 7th. Latest report: “Schuss Mountain will be open Dec. 7-8, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the purple chairlift and magic carpet. This Saturday and Sunday, early season lift ticket prices are $41 for children ages 9-69.” More details here.

Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls: The Mountain’s Victor Run opened last weekend. After being closed this week for snowmaking, the slopes at Boyne Mountain will be open daily for the season starting Friday, December 6th. Latest report: “Our snowmaking crew worked overtime this week, blasting the mountain with snow for over 60 hours. These machines are absolute masters, transforming our terrain into a winter wonderland that will make your skiing dreams come true.” For more details, see Boyne’s Mountain Report here.

The Highlands near Harbor Springs: Opening day for certain passholders was Thursday, December 5th. The Highlands opens to all ticket holders on Friday December 6th. Latest report: “Heather Express will spin and you’ll have full access to Heather. We will also be opening 1 terrain park in Lower Heather. Our snowmaking systems are making excellent progress on our other slopes and we hope to be able to expand to even more terrain soon!” Further details can be found here.

Nub’s Nob near Harbor Springs: Opens Saturday December 7th. Latest report: “We will be open for skiing and riding this Saturday and Sunday on at least eight of our runs, including: Big Time, Sno Pro, Fun Bowl, Smooth Sailing, Valley, Birch Run and Dories Bowl. The lifts operate from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m
In the meantime, snow builders are out in full force making as much as possible while battling a very strong northerly wind this morning. Thank you for skiing with us at Nub’s Nob and we look forward to welcoming you back to the slopes.” Further information can be found here.

Treetops Resort in Gaylord: The Treetops will be open for skiing on Thursday, December 5th. They are open for skiing from Friday to weekend. Further information about opening times and lift ticket prices can be found here.

Mt Holly Ski Resort in Holly: Open December 1st. Reopening for skiers on Friday December 6th. Further details can be found here.

Mount Brighton in Brighton: Opens Friday December 6th. Latest report: “The season starts at Mt Brighton this Friday 6th December at 3pm! Early risers grab the first chair, groove to the music and score freebies. Opening day lifts include Lift 1, Lift 2, Carpet 10, Rope 8 and opening day trails include Larkspur, Flatiron, Ryan’s Run, Gasoline Alley, Sawtooth Ridge, Spike’s Folly, Thalacker’s + terrain park features!” See more details You here.

Pine Knob Ski and Snowboard Resort in Clarkston: Opening December 1st. Latest report: “Many opening week visitors enjoyed the slopes, took lessons and prepared for the season.” Find out more here.

Alpental ski area in White Lake: Open December 1st. Latest report: “Alpine Valley has been blessed with fresh snow! Come and enjoy today.” More details here

Bittersweet ski area in Otsego: Opens December 2nd. There are currently 10 slopes and 5 lifts open. Further details on the snow report can be found here.

Ski Brule in Iron River: Open November 28th. Latest report: “Ski Brule is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday! The lifts operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the Log Jam, Bunny, Bambi and Otterslide trails. Snowmaking continues on Big Bear, Sunrise, Snowshoe, Rapids and Maple Syrup. If all goes as planned, Sunrise & Big Bear could open sometime this weekend. Whitewater will be open on Saturday for USSA racing on Saturday and Sunday.” More details can be found here.

Mountain Bohemia in Lac La Belle on the Keweenaw Peninsula: Opening Saturday, December 7th. Latest report: “20 inches last night and lots of snow blown in from Haunted Valley means the front opens up on Saturday. “We’ll have nearly 100 acres of terrain available this weekend.” Find out more here.

Snowriver Mountain Resort in Wakefield: Opens Friday December 6th. Latest report: “As of November 22nd, snowmaking has been running 24/7 and we have collected well over two feet of natural snow, with more planned for the foreseeable future!” Our opening day is scheduled for December 6th at Jackson Creek Summit! Expected for opening day:

• Elevators: Voyageur Express and Sugar Hills Conveyor
• Hiking Trails: Voyageur’s Highway, Superior, Jack’s Cutoff and Sugar Hills. Further information can be found here.