Best Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding Destinations

This fun family destination is on Gogebic Community College’s (GCC) campus. Open to the public, Mount Zion boasts of being the oldest winter recreation complex in Big Snow Country. Its 10 slopes and trails are popular with downhill ski and snowboard enthusiasts and include a 300-foot vertical and power-tilled slope. Mount Zion gets high marks for its “Learn to Ski and Snowboard” programs, so bring kids and first-timers. Its cross-country groomed trails are free, and there’s a snow tubing park that all ages love hurtling down.

Mount Zion is known for its reasonable rates and seniors (62+) and GCC students ski and snowboard for free. Check real-time ski hill conditions on the Mt. Zion webcam before heading out!

With 253 skiable acres, 45 trails, nine lifts and two unique terrain parks, Big Powderhorn Mountain is considered one of the top five ski resorts in the Midwest. Choose from a variety of amenity-filled condos to ski-in/ski-out chalets. You’ll have the chance to experience night skiing and fun nightlife at this resort. Lessons and rental equipment are available.

Between its two mountains, Black River Basin and Jackson Creek Summit, Snowriver Mountain Resort has 400 skiable acres, a 538-foot vertical drop, 56 trails, eight lifts and three terrain parks. This resort recently added the only high-speed chairlift in the U.P. The Voyageur Express at Jackson Creek Summit reduces lift times from nine minutes to just three minutes from bottom to top!

Your lift ticket is good for both mountains and night skiing when available. Off the slopes, enjoy the indoor pool and jacuzzi, health club, snow tubing slide and bungee trampoline. Or take a guided moonlight snowshoeing adventure through the scenic woods, ride snowmobiles, warm up by the fireplace or check out the live music scene. Stay in the lodge, a condo or a ski-in/ski-out chalet and make a multi-day getaway. Lessons and rental equipment are available.

In the majestic Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the Porkies Winter Sports Complex caters to all ages and skill levels with runs ranging from green to black diamond. Experience a variety of terrains, from untouched powder runs through the trees to well-groomed open trails. The views of Lake Superior from the top are spectacular. Fill your multi-day stay in the Porkies with snowshoeing, Nordic skiing and fat tire biking. There’s so much to explore! 

Looking for a fun day trip? Adventure Mountain Sports Arena & Ski Hill is much more than a tow-rope slope. Bring the family to ski or ride sleds, tubes and toboggans down the hill. There is a ski closet for visitors who do not have equipment.

Owned by Michigan Tech University, Mont Ripley is Michigan’s oldest ski area and is known for its challenging terrain. It’s a true Alpine experience in one of the Midwest’s snowiest cities. The hill has 24 challenging trails, a terrain park, a tubing park and an incredible overlook of the Keweenaw Waterway. No equipment? No problem. There are rentals available.

Are you an extreme skier or snowboarder? Mount Bohemia and Voodoo Mountain is the Midwest’s #1 answer to heart-pounding ecstasy. This one-and-only all-inclusive resort in the U.P. sits on a remote 1,100 acres near the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Find yourself in picturesque glades, flying down backcountry wilderness runs, snowcat skiing where few dare to go and stopping for breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Lake Superior, Lake Lac La Belle and tree-covered hills and peaks for as far as you can see. 

The resort’s dedicated 585 acres of rugged, powder-filled terrain is not for beginners. No one except intermediate to expert-level thrill seekers can take to these hills. However, there are cross-country skiing and snowshoeing available for others.

Unwind in the outdoor hot tub or the Nordic Spa, which offers multiple sauna options, steam rooms, mineral pools and a new rooftop bar. For the rarest treat, step away from lodgings after sunset to look up at more stars and planets than you can count. The Keweenaw International Dark Sky Park will leave you speechless.

Just across the Wisconsin-Michigan border, Ski Brule is one of the first to open for the season and one of the last to close, maximizing your time on the hills. Six months of skiing and snowboarding is a reality here! This popular downhill and snowboarding destination is ranked among the best ski resorts and one of the most affordable for families in the Midwest.

The 17 trails and three terrain parks keep all levels of skiers and snowboarders playing outside for hours. Beginning boarders, 10 years or older, can take free snowboarding lessons. But that’s not all. There are multiple cross-country ski, snowshoeing and fat tire biking trails. Plus where else in the Midwest can you go whitewater snow tubing? Equipment rentals, dining and lodging can all be part of your winter memory-making with family and friends.

Crystella Ski Hill is a perfect solo or family and friends day trip! Snap on your boots for a fun day of downhill skiing or snowboarding or bring your sleds! There’s a tow rope to make going up the hill easier. Swooshing down it is all up to you!

Throughout the season, ski at your level on Pine Mountain Resort’s 28 runs. If you have an Indy Pass, use it here. There’s ski-in/ski-out lodging, an indoor pool, a hot tub and if you’re here to ring in the New Year, fireworks.

Reopened in 2024, Norway Mountain will quickly reclaim its spot as a favorite among U.P. skiers. With scenic runs and groomed trails designed for all levels, it’s the perfect place to get back on the slopes or test your skills. Families love the cozy atmosphere, making it a must-visit for winter fun.

Marquette Mountain is a family-friendly ski hill just minutes from downtown that offers 25 runs and night skiing to entertain all ages and skill levels. The mountain’s proximity to Lake Superior’s shoreline is all the reason you need to stop on your descent and take one more photo.

Watching your winter fun budget? Hiawatha Slopes is the perfect solution. Only 15 miles from Munising, you can use the tow rope for a small fee to downhill ski or snowboard (bring your equipment) or go sledding for free. For more free exploring, check out the network of cross-country ski trails. Good times await!

Unleash your endorphins on the family-friendly Gladstone Ski Hill downhill skiing, snowboarding and tubing. There’s a half pipe for experienced boarders and a slightly inclined hill for beginners. And if you want to create the most memorable event ever — reserve a private tubing party!

Newberry has a lot to offer in the winter, the highlight being seeing the frozen Tahquamenon Falls. But your family won’t forget the time you spend downhill skiing, snowboarding and tubing at the Big Valley Ski and Tube Hill. No need to bring your equipment, the hill offers rentals.

Don’t wait for your kids’ school breaks — create a winter adventure any weekend at Sault Seal Recreation Area. There’s “Soo” much fun for everyone, so invite the grandparents, cousins and friends! There is one lift on the ski and snowboard hill that gives you an 80-foot vertical drop on its 1,000-foot run. Lights at night and a heated chalet extend the time together. Or enjoy flying down seven tubing runs with two lifts or adventuring off to the cross-country and snowshoeing trails.