A Historic Look at Michigan’s Legendary Ski Destination

Did you know Michigan is home to one of the oldest ski resorts in the United States? On January 16, 1937 Caberfae Ski Resort opened. Known for its stunning views, Scottish heritage, and innovative skiing features, Caberfae has transformed over the decades while retaining its charm and community focus.

Caberfae’s Scottish Roots

The name “Caberfae” means “Stag’s Head” in Scottish Gaelic. The land was named in 1919 by Kenneth MacKenzie, honoring both his ancestry and the abundance of deer herds in the area. The resort’s unique name adds to its allure, blending nature and history into its foundation.

Caberfae PeaksFrom Ranch to Ski Resort

In its early years, Caberfae was a cattle ranch before becoming public land purchased by the U.S. government. By the 1930s, local ski enthusiasts and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) transformed the land into a skiing destination, building the first ski run, “Number One.” Its first tow rope was powered by a Ford Model A engine, setting the stage for a new era of outdoor adventure.

Caberfae officially opened in 1937, but World War II temporarily halted its development. After the war, skiing surged in popularity as returning soldiers embraced the sport they’d discovered in Europe. By the late 1940s, Caberfae was Michigan’s largest winter sports area, attracting thousands of skiers each season via “snow trains.”

A Pioneer in Midwest Skiing

In the 1950s, Caberfae earned the title “Midwest Ski Capital.” It offered 27 trails, 16 ski tows, and a slalom bowl for competitive skiers. For beginners, there were practice areas, lessons, and amenities like ski rentals and warm lodges. A new snowmaking system introduced in 1957 made Caberfae a year-round destination regardless of Michigan’s unpredictable weather.

The Evolution of Caberfae Peaks

Despite facing challenges in the late 20th century, Caberfae rebounded under new ownership in the 1980s. South Peak (1983) and North Peak (1992) introduced the vertical thrills that skiers and snowboarders love today. With chair lifts, updated lodges, and modern snowmaking, the resort evolved into Caberfae Peaks, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the Manistee National Forest.

Modern-Day Caberfae

Today, Caberfae Peaks is a must-visit destination for winter sports enthusiasts. From family-friendly slopes to backcountry skiing, the resort caters to skiers of all levels. Recent upgrades include a flying carpet lift for beginners, improved snowmaking capabilities, and a welcoming lodge complete with Beattie’s Bar & Grill.

Golfing Caberfae

Caberfae Peaks is also home to a fun and challenging 9-hole golf course. We golfed there recently and wrote about it in our December Newsletter for our sister site Golf Up North. Click here for the Newsletter.

Caberfae’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and community spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-timer, there’s something magical about hitting the slopes where Michigan’s skiing history began. A couple of years ago we wrote a more in-depth article about the history of Caberfae Peaks. If you would like to read more about Caberfae Peaks visit our January 2023 articles here.