The Highlands Unveils Expanded Winter Events Calendar with New On-Hill Competitions and Returning Favorites
For the winter 2025-26 season, The Highlands is launching an impressive lineup of events featuring new family-focused ski competitions, returning favorites, and après experiences designed to keep the momentum going long after the lifts close. The expanded programming complements major infrastructure investments made over the past two seasons, including the Midwest’s fastest lift — Camelot 6, a six-person chairlift with extra-wide heated seats and bubbles —and the new Interconnect lift, which has transformed the on-mountain experience.
New Family Racing Events at The Highlands
This winter, The Highlands introduces two events designed to bring families together on the mountain. The Kids Mountain Challenge, January 31, combines a ski race, obstacle course, and tubing run into one action-packed day. On February 7, parents and children can team up for the Parent & Child Race, competing together in a NASTAR Giant Slalom Challenge.
Holiday Season Kicks Off with Bubbles & Bows
Sip, shop and get in the holiday spirit on December 6 with Bubbles & Bows from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., a festive pop-up market in the Day Lodge. The market features artisans and local vendors including Fox and Hound Children's Boutique, Jordan's Tea, Market Mercado, Morning Glory Furniture & Crafts, Sadie Rose Boutique, Great Lakes Olfactory, and Vilah Bloom, among others. Guests can discover unique gifts from handcrafted tea blends and eco-fashion to jewelry and vintage finds while enjoying bubbly and live music.
The festive moments continue during holiday weeks at The Highlands featuring a Brunch with Santa and Bourbon Fanatic, both on December 13, Santa Ski Holiday Scavenger Hunt, December 20, mountaintop Aonach Mor Moonlight Dinners on select dates, and the spectacular New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Torch Parade on December 31, among many other happenings.
January brings Après with Jenn + Juice returning during Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend, January 17-18, followed by the resort's Annual Anniversary Weekend, January 23, a celebration featuring a winter market with local Michigan makers, plus a vintage ski race for youth and adults, curated food and beverage, and fireworks.
February's calendar includes the community-focused Ski Today For a Better Tomorrow on February 8, and an extended line-up for Presidents’ Weekend, February 16-18, featuring live music and special programming.
Ring in Spring Throughout March
The Highlands dedicates the entire month of March to celebrating spring's arrival. Hops 'n Highlands, March 7, launches the festivities, followed by a St. Patrick's Day Celebration on March 14 featuring Irish-themed food and beverage specials alongside the Slide & Swing Golf Challenge — the season's most inventive competition, where participants tee off overlooking Little Traverse Bay before swinging and sliding down Camelot to the base area. The season culminates with the beloved Annual Slush Cup, March 21.
Zoo Bar Returns for a Friday Night Concert Series
Beginning December 12 and running through February 27, Zoo Bar returns with a Friday Night Concert Series featuring live bands from across Michigan. The venue offers the perfect post-slope atmosphere with cold drafts, classic bar favorites, and après vibes. Adding to the energy all winter long, a new snow stage outside will host DJs throughout the season, creating a gathering spot that keeps the fun going from first chair to last call.
Make the most of the season with The Highlands' Silver Pass offering unlimited access to The Highlands, Boyne Mountain access with select blackouts, 50% off day-of rates at eight Boyne Resorts’ properties, and more, or the SnowFlex Ticket Pack, which bundles lift tickets at a savings for flexible skiing throughout winter.
For more information on what’s new this winter at The Highlands or for resort information, including lodging reservations, lift tickets, season passes, activities, and event information, visit highlandsharborsprings.com or call 888.436.2296.
About The Highlands
The Highlands offers an idyllic setting in charming Harbor Springs, Mich. The resort is a family-owned destination providing the ultimate northern Michigan experience served with heartfelt hospitality. For over 60 years, The Highlands has enriched the moment for vacationing guests with its all-season allure. The Highlands is a member of the Boyne Resorts family of resorts and attractions. To learn more, visit highlandsharborsprings.com.