Upper Peninsula Travel & Recreation Association
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P.O. Box 400
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Iron Mountain, MI 49801
800-562-7134
906-774-5480
FAX 906-774-5190
Our Winter Wonderland Welcomes You!
Dog Sledding - Photo Credit: Natures Kennel & Adventures
All conversations about Upper Peninsula seasons must begin with winter. It’s our mother season, one that quiets rambunctious fall color and gives birth to spring waterfalls. For nearly half the calendar, from November to March one can almost guarantee there’ll be enough ice and snow for any outdoor pursuit.
When the above-freezing temperature of Lake Superior meets the icy blast of a north wind the weather is right for a winter phenomenon known as lake effect snow. Lake effect storms sweep in off Superior blanketing the land with snow quantifiable only by body parts—knee deep, waist deep and chest deep. Most of the Upper Peninsula snowbelt counties receive about 200 inches of powder annually, with some areas getting over 300 inches on good years. That’s 25 feet of snow! As if a crazy amount of snow isn’t good enough, the Great Lakes throw in relatively mild temperatures as well. It’s true, much of the Upper Peninsula has a warmer winter climate than other areas this far north. All thanks to our Great Lakes!
Snowmobiling - Photo credit: Vito Palmisano
Many alpine ski hills are open by Thanksgiving with natural snow, but if the lake effect machine has a slow start, they are equipped with the latest in snow-making technology to get skiers and snowboarders down their favorite runs. Terrain parks, half-pipes and gladed runs ensure no one is denied aerial thrills and gravity’s addictive pull.
As March blows in, winter is at its best, with deep abiding snowpack and long sunny days to enjoy it by. Don’t be fooled by the chill in the air, make sure to pack sunscreen along with your skis and boots for those bluebird March days on the slopes.
The ample snow also lends itself to Nordic skiing adventures. Kick and glide along some of the finest trails in the region. Deep tracks and professional grooming pair nicely with our silent forests and open spring-fed winter streams. In the hush of a winter forest snow piles up on branches and stumps, untouched by the wind, to build unbelievable natural sculptures. Join us for the numerous ski races held throughout the U.P. for a festive and competitive atmosphere that has garnered national and international attention.
Tahquamenon Falls
Winter doesn’t just take over our forests, it even comes downtown for the start of sled dog races and winter festivals. Visitors are welcome to join our community gatherings for ice sculpture contests, ice fishing derbies and the like. There’s always something going on in winter in the U.P. Thanks to our hardworking professionals and some of the biggest plow trucks you’re ever going to see, our roads stay open and safe all season. Plus, our lodges and hotels know how to do winter. A warm drink or a crackling fire is never far away at the end of your day.
If you want to see a lot of the U.P. in a short time, hit one of our thousands of miles of snowmobile trails. An abundance of public lands, dedicated volunteers and incredible snowfall mean a smooth ride with stunning scenery. Our many small trailside towns know how to treat riders and welcome you with open throttles!