Craving the thrill of powdery slopes? Michigan’s Upper Peninsula delivers pure bliss in this legendary Big Snow Country of the Midwest. With an amazing average of 200 to 300 inches of snowfall each winter, this is a fresh powder paradise. No wonder USA Today readers keep voting for the U.P. as the #1 Best Destination for Snow in the nation!

This snow season, feel the adrenaline rush through every carve and turn on the slopes of our 16 downhill ski and snowboard areas. From beginner-friendly green runs to white-knuckled black diamonds, this is where winter reigns. If your heart pulls you to break free, it’s the U.P. calling.  Stop waiting — say yes.

 

When to Hit the Slopes

Embrace the thrills all season long. From late November to April, Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron are nature’s powerful snow machines, blanketing our hills with pristine powder. And when the lake-effect snows take a break, we step in with state-of-the-art snowmaking to keep the base deep, the terrains challenging and the mountaintop views spellbinding. Your perfect runs await your return week after week. 

Check our Downhill Ski Report for current conditions to help you plan your trip! Also, go to each resort’s website for updates.

 

Where to Ski While Traveling from West to East Across the U.P.


Mount Zion Recreational Complex – Ironwood

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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!

Big Powderhorn Mountain – Bessemer

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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.


Snowriver Resort – Wakefield

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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.

Porkies Winter Sports Complex – Ontonagon

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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! 


Adventure Mountain Sports Arena & Ski Hill – Greenland

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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.

Mont Ripley Ski Area – Hancock

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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.


Mount Bohemia Resort – Lac La Belle

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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.

When off your skis or boards, unwind in the outdoor hot tub or the Nordic Spa with its multiple choices of saunas. 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.


Ski Brule – Iron River

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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 – Crystal Falls

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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!

Pine Mountain Ski & Golf Resort – Iron Mountain

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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.

Norway Mountain – Norway

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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 – Marquette

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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.


Hiawatha Slopes – Chatham

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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!

Gladstone Ski Hill – Gladstone

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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!

Big Valley Ski and Tube – Newberry

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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.

Sault Seal Recreation Area – Sault Ste. Marie

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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. 



Where to Watch Thrilling Ski Competitions

Pine Mountain FIS Ski Jumping Continental Cup – Iron Mountain 

Gutsy ski jumpers from around the globe flock to the Pine Mountain Ski Jump for its famous Kiwanis Ski Club annual FIS Ski Jumping Continental Cup — the only world-class ski jump competition in North America. If you’re not into actually soaring through the air, plan to watch the competition in February. Tailgating is a great way to meet some of the 20,000 fans.

 

Ishpeming Ski Club Ski Jumping Tournament

The 100-plus-year-old Annual Ski Jumping Tournament is held mid-January at the U.P. Nordic Ski Complex. It is your destination for the regional Four Hills Tournament and the U.S. Cup Ski Jumpers competition which draw athletes from all over the U.S.A. to prove their ski-flying skills on Suicide Hill. Beyond the wow factor, it’s a weekend of tailgating, bonfires, food trucks, a beer tent and fireworks. Don’t miss it! 

 

Coming to Ironwood — the World’s Largest Winter/Summer, FIS-Certified Ski Jumping Hill

Get ready to live on the world’s ski-jumping stage! The legendary Copper Peak is undertaking a $20 million-plus makeover that will blow the minds of international ski teams and their fans. When its renovations are complete, it will set a new record as the largest, human-made FIS-certified ski jump on the planet. But this is more than a renovation — it’s a revolution for Europe’s number one fan-favorite winter sport. Copper Peak will become the largest FIS ski jump open for global competitions and training in the winter and summer.

While Copper Peak is not a downhill skiing location, you can stop by to look up at this 26-story behemoth jump or see it from U.S. 2. In the spring of 2025, start watching the renovations when you visit. 

Plan Your Ski Getaway to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Now


No matter where you stay, you’ll be close to incredible downhill skiing and winter fun. Our budget-friendly accommodations come with the amenities you need to relax after a day on the slopes. Don’t wait — book your stay now to secure your preferred dates. Need additional tips for nearby downhill skiing spots and winter activities? Our insider advice is just a call or email away — reach out and let us help make your winter adventures unforgettable!
 

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