Upper Peninsula winters paint a pristine beauty across the landscape. Snow garlands entwine with tree branches. Every stump wears an ermine top hat. In the swamps, fragrant green cedars stand guard. Chickadees flit about, luring folds outdoors.

Winter marches in boldly, trailing snowflakes in its wake while skiers gaze longingly at the slopes. Downhill ski resorts hope for good skiing snow by Thanksgiving. But just in case Mother Nature is late delivering her bounty, high-tech snow-making machines stand by to fill in her forgetfulness.

            Annual snowfall across the U.P. averages close to 200 inches. The Keweenaw Peninsula’s snow gauge charts a record 390.4 inches for the winter of 1978-79. That’s more than enough for play! Dedicated road crews keep traffic moving smoothly.

            Our mountain ski areas reach vertical drops to exceed 900 feet.  Normally, Alpine skiers take to our slopes from Thanksgiving into April, with wind rushing past their muffled ears and the thrilling crunch of snow under their skis. Cross-country skiers follow groomed paths, or venture deep into our forests to mark trails uncharted. Snowshoers move through snow-draped trees and into valleys of Christmas card beauty, leaving behind their giant footprints. Winter denizens all, trekking through our wilderness.

Ski resorts offer lodging and other amenities on site or nearby. Snowboarding, racing, and tubing are added options. Some resorts connect to main snowmobile trails. For heart-stopping thrills, come see the ski jumps staged at Ishpeming and Iron Mountain hills. Also plan to visit the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame & Museum that captures the history of skiing.

            Snowmobiles hum a different tune as they skim across the white landscape. Over 3,000 miles of groomed trails interconnect with trails in bordering states and Canada, forming a network of trails from snow country’s shore to shore. Trails are marked with directional signs and services.

            Sled dog races lend a feel of yesteryear as mushers urge their teams across the glistening snow. Several areas stage annual races. Many winter festivals include this sport in their line-up of events. Lucky is the person who takes a ride in a sled, snugly wrapped in a blanket while the team mushes forth into the night.

Fishing is a winter sport in the U.P. When Mother Nature seals our bays and inland lakes, fishermen simply bore through the ice and keep on fishing! They set up colorful shanties, lending a lived-in community look as fishermen chat with neighbors and jig for that big fish before it flounces away under the ice.

Waterfalls freeze into dramatic curtains, their thunder muffled inside giant icicles until spring thaw. Some winter festivals display elaborate scenes carved into the frozen snow.

 Ice caves hold a mystery all their own, as water drips and freezes into rare formations along some lakes and rivers. They are usually accessible by cross-country skis or snowshoes. Some are only a short hike from a main road.

The winter bonus: our three Great Lakes traditionally remain clear of shore-to-shore ice most all season. This brings us “lake effect” abundant snowfalls and mild winter temperatures ideal for play.   

Winter pleasures are not always on the outside. These are hockey months. Take time out to curl up beside a lodge fire with a good book. Stop in a small town café for a slice of homemade pie. Book reservations at one of our cozy bed and breakfast inns. Stay awhile.