The Michigan Ski Area Safety Board was created under Public Act 199 of 1962, as amended to license and regulate ski areas and ski lifts in Michigan. The Ski Area Safety Act defines ski area as an area used for skiing and served by one or more lifts. Ski lifts are defined as a device for transporting persons uphill on skis, or in cars on tracks, or suspended in the air by use of cables, belts, or ropes, and usually supported by trestles or towers with one or more spans.

The board currently oversees the operation of 56 ski areas with 171 surface and chair lifts and 170 rope tows.