Offering some of the best conditions in the Midwest, skiers and snowboarders will want to add Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to their list of travel destinations. The U.P. is home to nine downhill ski and snowboard areas, ranging from small-town slopes to adventure-packed resorts. Come UP for a visit from early November to late April to enjoy our scenic mountain views, diverse terrain and runs for all skill levels.

Explore these nine ski and snowboard areas:

 

Big Powderhorn Mountain - Bessemer

With 253 skiable acres, 45 trails, 9 lifts, and 3 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

Between its two mountains, Black River Basin and Jackson Creek Summit, SnowRiver Resort has a total of 410 skiable acres, 56 trails,15 lifts, and 3 terrain parks. 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 or rent a condo or ski-in/ski-out chalet. Lessons and rental equipment are available.

 

Mount Zion Recreational Complex - Ironwood

This fun family destination is on Gogebic Community College’s (GCC) campus. Open to the public, it boasts of being the oldest winter recreation complex in Big Snow Country. Its 10 slopes and trails are popular with downhill 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. The cross-country ski trail is free and there’s a snow tubing park that all ages love hurtling down. These winter activities are perfect for family reunions, school and college breaks and group trips.

To add to its appeal, Mount Zion is known for its reasonable rates. As a bonus, seniors, 62+ years old and GCC students ski and snowboard for free. Quality ski and snowboard equipment rentals are also available. Check out real-time ski hill conditions on the Mt. Zion webcam and go outside and play!

Want to learn Ski Area Management? GCC uses this complex as a laboratory for its nationally recognized program. Learn more.

 

Porkies Winter Sports Complex - Ontonagon

The Porkies Winter Sports Complex, known as “The Porkies” is located in the beautiful Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Ontonagon. With runs ranging from green to black diamond (three beginner, eight intermediate and nine expert runs), this resort caters to all ages and all skill levels. Experience a variety of terrains from untouched powder runs through the trees to well-groomed open trails; all with an amazing view of Lake Superior from the top. This is some of the best backcountry skiing in the area and because this is a hidden gem, it’s less crowded allowing you to get more runs in throughout the day. There is a full-service cafeteria onsite and yurts available to rent during your stay, plus plenty of hotels nearby.

If downhill skiing or boarding isn’t your thing, check out their cross-country ski trails that stretch over thousands of acres or the 18-hole disc golf course that goes through the woods. You should also take the time to explore the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park including popular attractions like Lake of the Clouds or the scenic Presque Isle River Corridor.

 

Mont Ripley Ski Area - Hancock

Owned by Michigan Technical University, Mont Ripley is Michigan’s oldest ski area and is known for its challenging terrain. It has 112 acres with 22 trails, a terrain park, a tubing park and night skiing, all with a scenic overlook of the Keweenaw waterway. It’s located in Hancock, which is known as the snowiest city in the Midwest, so if you’re looking for snow you won’t be disappointed here!

 

Mount Bohemia Resort - Lac La Belle

Mount Bohemia has been rated one of USA Today’s Top Five Ski Resorts in North America for the past three years. It offers 585 acres of extreme skiing with the longest runs and most powder in the Midwest. No beginners allowed. With a 900’ vertical drop and steep terrain, the runs on Mount Bohemia are for advanced skiers and boarders. If you’re on a more intermediate level, head to Mount Bohemia’s Voodoo Mountain. Here you’ll find over 100 acres of more moderate skiable terrain and get the chance to try snowcat skiing (ride a snowcat to the top of the mountain instead of taking a lift).

After skiing, rejuvenate your body at the new Nordic Spa through hot and cold water exposure. Then, dine at the bars and restaurants on-site, explore the new snowshoeing trail system and stay at one of the unique lodging options like the Big Yurt!

 

Marquette Mountain - Marquette

Located along the Lake Superior shores and just five minutes from downtown Marquette, Marquette Mountain offers 170 skiable and bikeable acres with 16 runs. Season pass holders can also ski one day free at Big Powderhorn Mountain, Pine Mountain and Mont Ripley.

 

Pine Mountain Resort - Iron Mountain

Pine Mountain is best known for being one of the best jumping hills in the nation and hosts the Kiwanis Ski Club Jump Weekend each February. Top jumpers from around the world have competed and set records during this tournament and the event attracts more than 20,000 spectators each year. For those looking to ski and snowboard, the main mountain caters to all levels. It features 28 runs with three ski lifts and is fully lit giving you the opportunity for night skiing. A ski lodge with hotel rooms and ski-in-ski-out condos are available for lodging.

 

Ski Brule - Iron River

Ski Brule is a smaller resort that’s great for families. The affordable pricing, kids' programs and daycare options make this a family favorite. The mountain also offers runs for all skill levels. The three terrain parks and 17 trails have a mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced difficulty ratings with one expert-level trail for the more adventurous riders. There are plenty of other activities the kids will love too. Try fat tire biking, cross-country skiing, or one of the two tubing hills onsite. Ski Brule Village offers chalets, shopping and dining options.

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