ALL WAYS
EXPLORING IN WINTER
While snowmobiling, downhill skiing, snowboarding, and river & ice fishing are Cadillac’s best known recreational winter pursuits, winter enthusiasts have an abundance of choices to experience the season. The variety of opportunities to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hunting, fat tire biking, and camping adventures in this area rival any in the country.
STAY IN CADILLAC
We have a variety of resorts, hotels, motels, cabins & campgrounds perfect for all seasons!
Caberfae Ski Conditions-
Learn more about downhill skiing in Cadillac
MacKenzie XC Ski Trail
UPDATED 1/21/26:
Report any downed trees by filling out the form on our website. Learn more about the MacKenzie Trail here.
Latest Update
The rain has burned off almost all of the snow. Some places will have some shoreline erosion but nothing a big step can't overcome. It will probably be slushy tomorrow with the fresh snow. Learn more at Pilgrim Village Fishing Shop.
Latest Update
Updated: 1/26/26
TRAIL BASE:
3-5"
CONDITIONS: Excellent
Hello – Can’t get much better than trails are right now … there’s about 3’ of snow in the woods! Our whole system is groomed and great, and I know Wellston is good too… Thanks to all the volunteers who make our trails what they are … Riders, please take a second and pick up limbs that are often down in the trails and help save groomers several minutes of stopping tractors and getting out of the cab. Temps look good for foreseeable future after this bitter cold stretch. Come on up and support all the local businesses in the area.
Learn more about snowmobiling in Cadillac
XC Ski Trail
The XC trail has been groomed!
Mr. D. Foley stated at 3PM it was fresh and fantastically groomed!
Winter Sports Trail 🚲
The entire WST was groomed. The trail is clear and fast.
WINTER TIME ADVENTURES
Finding something to do in the cold weather months is EASY in Cadillac. With a regional snowmobile trail network topping out at nearly 500 miles through 5 counties, our winter sports trail network is second to none in the lower peninsula of Michigan.
Add up our 500,000 acres of National Forest with nearly 100 miles of backcountry trails for Fat Tire biking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing along with three inland lakes with ice fishing opportunities at every turn, you have an incredible winter opportunity in the heart of Michigan.
Visit Cadillac Michigan - Let's Go With Catie Keogh
Cadillac, Michigan , is the perfect Midwest winter getaway with friends! The town is only four hours from Chicago and full of outdoor activities, boutique shopping, wonderful food, and amazing people. Our weekend was spent exploring the whole area, and we started at Coyote Crossing Resort .
- Hit the slopes at Caberfae Peaks
- Plan your snowmobiling excursion
- Learn all about ice fishing on the lakes of Cadillac
- Explore groomed and backcountry XC trails
- Paddling the Pine River in the Winter
QUICK STATS
MILES OF GROOMED SNOWMOBILE TRAILS
DOWNHILL SKI RUNS
MILES OF XC & SNOWSHOE TRAILS
Lantern Lit Hikes On
The Heritage Nature Trail
Come out for a lantern-lit hike at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center on Friday nights during the winter season. After you enjoy the trails warm up at the campfire with some hot chocolate. Snowshoes are available to borrow on a first come, first serve basis, or bring your own from home!
SKIING & SNOWBOARDING AT CABERFAE
Grab Your Gear. Select a Slope. Hop on a Lift.
SNOWMOBILING IN CADILLAC
Gear Up, Hit the Trails & Explore!
FAT BIKE & CROSS COUNTRY
TRAILS IN CADILLAC
Cadillac is a great destination for winter biking and ski trails with four systems offering over sixty miles of groomed trails in the area. We are fortunate enough to have great groups of volunteers, dedicated to maintaining and grooming our trails. All trails are free of charge, though donations are accepted. Check trail reports before heading out to prepare for a great day in our winter wonderland.
ICE FISHING IN CADILLAC
Head to the Ice. Drill a Hole. Drop a Line.
The Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center and the Outdoors Skills Academy presents a Free Ice Fishing seminars each year. These family oriented seminars cover everything from jigs and bait, to floats, and ice safety with a segment covering rules and regulations.
WINTER PADDLING IN CADILLAC
The same rivers that are popular spots to drop in an oar in the warmer months offer a new paddling experience when the snow flies. The Big Manistee River and Pine River are two rivers within an hour of each other and access points can be found within 30 minutes of downtown Cadillac. First time? Check out Pine River Paddlesports Center where they offer GUIDED winter rafting trips down the Pine River!
