For more than 60 years, Mt. Brighton has been offering Michiganders a premium skiing experience just minutes away from home. With the resort now open for business in the current season, our real estate agents take a look at what makes Mt. Brighton such a great spot for winter activities and what you should know to prepare for your own visit.

Mt. Brighton Over the Years

It's been quite a journey since 1960 when Mt. Brighton first opened with a single J-bar. Here are some of the highlights:

• After the mountain's debut, there was an immediate expansion when additional land was purchased to accommodate five new chairlifts.
  
  
• During the 1970s, Mt. Brighton hosted their first race under NASTAR, the world's largest recreational ski racing program.
  
  
• Mt. Brighton acquired the nickname of the "Snowmaking Capital" in the 1980s when they purchased the world's largest snow gun, known as the "Snow Witch." This was also the decade when snowboarding became one of the resort's activities.
  
  
• Industry leader Vail Resorts acquired Mt. Brighton in 2015, at which time the company invested $10 million in improvements to the property.

About the Mountain

• At 1,330 feet, Mt. Brighton is one of the highest points of elevation in Livingston County, with skiable terrain spanning 130 acres.
  
  
• The resort's 25 trails are evenly split between beginner, intermediate, and advanced, providing plentiful opportunities for skiers of any experience level.
  
  
• With 100 percent snowmaking coverage, there's no need to wait for Mother Nature. Snow is created using water stored in an onsite reservoir.
  
  
• Five chairlifts and seven surface lifts have a combined uphill capacity of more than 17,000 people per hour. Visit the website for real-time updates on lift and trail status, along with webcam look-ins at mountain conditions.
  
  
• In addition to the downhill trails, Mt. Brighton has two terrain parks where snowboarders can perfect their tricks and skills.
  
  
• Vail Resorts, the parent company of Mt. Brighton, has made a serious commitment to the local community with major sustainability goals. In 2017, Vail Resorts pledged to reach zero net emissions and zero waste to landfill by 2030.
  
  
• Did you know that Mt. Brighton is a movie star? The 1993 film Aspen Extreme tells the story of two ski buddies who move from Brighton to Aspen, with several scenes filmed on location at Mt. Brighton.

Planning Your Visit

• Mt. Brighton is open 3 p.m. - 9 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday. Check the website for holiday closures, including Christmas and New Year's Day.
  
  
• Tickets are available onsite, but purchase them via the website for the best prices. Check out the Buddy and Ski with a Friend programs for additional discounts.
  
  
• Be sure to download the My Epic app to make the most of your Mt. Brighton experiences. The app stores account information and personalized statistics while providing access to interactive trail maps, lift line updates and other information. Beginning this season, My Epic features mobile pass and lift ticket technology that allows guests to be scanned hands-free using Bluetooth technology.
  
  
• Ski and snowboard lessons are offered for both adults and kids. Guests may also rent skis, boots, and snowboards onsite. 
  
  
• You won't go hungry at Mt. Brighton, thanks to a coffee shop, bar, quick-service food court, and full-service restaurant. 
  
  
• Enjoy family-friendly fun at Sunday S'mores, Duct Tape Derby, and other special events scheduled throughout the season.

Learn more about the resort when you watch our interview with their General Manager.

Life in Livingston County features a variety of activities to appeal to all ages. Contact us at Griffith Realty for help with all your real estate needs.