Four Best Ski Resorts in The Upper Peninsula
A gentle snow falls slowly to the ground as the towering evergreens create a stunning silhouette in the brisk morning air. It’s winter in Michigan, and this fresh powder means it’s time for your next adventure on the slopes! Are you ready to get out there and experience it all in person?
If you love to ski, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a quintessential destination for fun, excitement, and recreational relaxation. Enjoy jaw-dropping scenery, cozy resort amenities, and a range of other signature advantages in the upper peninsula. This area has some of the best ski resorts in the United States, as long as you know where to go. Below, we will walk you through the four most impressive ski resorts to check out in the upper peninsula of Michigan!
1. Snowriver Mountain Resort
This U.P. resort actually consists of two adjoining ski areas and is located to the northeast of Bessemer, where you will find Jackson Creek Summit and Black River Basin. Jackson Creek Summit is a smidge broader in terrain and slightly more vertical than Black River Basin. However, both of these top-rated ski hills offer an excellent upper peninsula skiing (and snowboarding) experience.
Nestled in the mountains with scenic rivers and breathtaking waterfalls all around, This is a multi-faceted skiing and snowboarding getaway that families can take advantage of year-round. This serene escape boasts between 160-200 (and sometimes more) inches of annual snowfall, so access to crisp powder is usually not a problem!
When you combine access to both ski areas, you will be able to take advantage of a total of 15 lifts as well as 56 ski trails! That’s more than enough to keep everyone in your group busy. Not to mention, you will have admission to three fantastic terrain parks. A lift pass will cover access to both ski resorts, and there is an incorporated shuttle bus service for handy transportation.
Likelihood of fresh powder: High – The area gets anywhere from 160 to over 200 inches of natural snowfall annually. Some years, these numbers are even higher! With two mountains to choose from, there are almost always idealistic skiing conditions to be found.
Nearest lodging and amenities: The Big Snow Resort offers its own lodging just near the base station by the ski lifts. Alternative accommodations are available nearby in either Bessemer or Ironwood.
Learn more about this resort at: www.snowriver.com
2. Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort
Tucked away in the Gogebic Range of Michigan’s U.P. region, Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort is your family’s idealistic escape to the snowy Northwoods. With over 17 ft of average natural snowfall, family and group-friendly ski specials, and an excellent staff team, Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort is a fantastic choice for skiers and snowboarders who want a resort they can come back to again and again. Not to mention, the resort boasts an enchanting Bavarian-style ski village.
This excellent skiing area is conveniently located near Bessemer. It has nine chair lifts, 253 skiable acres, and 45 trails to choose from. Moreover, Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort showcases three signature terrain parks that are great for testing your snowboarding and skiing aptitudes. Two full-service restaurants are also available on-site, so you can refuel between runs!
Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort is a premier snowboarding and skiing destination with accommodations, trails, and amenities to keep locals and visitors from afar returning year after year. Top-rated services and versatile attractions make it great for couples, individuals, and families alike!
Likelihood of fresh powder: Very High – With anywhere from 16 to 24 feet of natural snowfall every year, it is easy to carve your way down these jaw-dropping trails!
Nearest lodging and amenities: Chocolates and condos are available on-site at the Big Powderhorn Mountain resort. These accommodations are located next to the base station near the ski lifts. Lodging is also available in the nearby cities of Bessemer and Ironwood.
Learn more about Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort at: www.bigpowderhorn.net
3. Mt Ripley
Owned, maintained, and operated by Michigan Technical University since the 1940s, Mont Ripley is one of the most prominent ski areas in Michigan. First established in 1934, Mont Ripley is also the oldest ski resort in the state. This winter wonderland boasts numerous trails, a terrain park, night skiing, a tubing park, and much more!
Within Mt Ripley’s massive 112-acre resort location, you will find 22 trails and plenty of pristine snow. The primary ski hill has a vertical drop of 440 ft and a fantastic mixture of runs for skiers of all skill levels and abilities. The resort is also served by two chairlifts and a running T-bar drag lift.
So, where to stay if you decide to ski Mt Ripley? The ski area is located conveniently outside of Hancock, one of the snowiest cities in the entire midwest. This means that if you are looking for plenty of fresh powder and conveniently positioned local amenities, you will not be disappointed! Overall, Mont Ripley is a fantastic ski resort to consider if you want lots of versatility, plenty of provincial history, and a virtual guarantee of pristine snow throughout the season.
Likelihood of fresh powder: High – Hancock is one of the snowiest towns in the entire state of Michigan!
Nearest lodging and amenities: Mont Ripley is positioned right outside of Hancock, Michigan. Here, you will discover a range of good lodging options. Or, head over to Houghton (right across the Keweenaw Waterway.) for even more conveniences.
Learn more about Mont Ripley at: www.mtu.edu
4. Pine Mountain Ski Resort
If you have been looking for a fantastic place to snowboard and ski, Pine Mountain is a superb prospect to look into. Since the late 1930s, this ski area has been a premier United States ski jump destination. A 500 ft vertical slope and two terrain parks are available for new or intermediate snowboarders and skiers.
Best known for sporting one of the most excellent jump hills in the entire nation, Pine Mountain hosts the Kiwanis Ski Club Jump Event during a designated weekend every February. World-renowned jumpers from all over the world have competed and set lofty records throughout this tournament. In fact, the event attracts tens of thousands of spectators annually!
The main mountain has been configured to cater to all skill levels, so novice and intermediate skiers and snowboards will have plenty to do. This resort features three ski lifts, full lighting for night skiing, and 28 pristine runs. Moreover, Pine Mountain boasts a ski lodge with on-site hotel rooms and condos that allow you to ski in and ski out. Lodging can be reserved for some for the most convenient powder access around.
Plus, if you fall in love with the area during winter, you can return after spring thaw. Pine Mountain is both a winter and a summer resort. The lodges are located just outside of Iron Mountain, near the border of Wisconsin. This means big trees and stunning natural views everywhere you look!
Likelihood of fresh powder: Moderate – Iron Mountain gets about 250 inches of annual snowfall every year, transforming the woods into a glittering wonderland of silent awe and tranquility!
Nearest lodging and amenities: The Pine Mountain Ski resort offers slopeside condos as well as hotel accommodations from the mountain lodge. More lodging options can be accessed in Iron Mountain, which is just down the road.
Learn more about Pine Mountain at: www.pinemountainresort.com
Want to Learn More? Contact Travel Ironwood Now!
Are you ready to plan your next winter escape? Chart your course to adventure as you explore charming towns in the upper peninsula with Travel Ironwood! Travel Ironwood can easily help you decide where to visit in the U.P. That way, you will be able to make the most of your stay!
Conveniently located near the largest and cleanest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior, Ironwood is home to the Copper Peak Ski Jump! Food, festivals, and family fun are easy to enjoy in this picturesque location. Not to mention, Ironwood is the home of Stormy Kromer.
Whether you want to plan an unforgettable ski trip in one of the snowiest places in the United States, enjoy world-renowned fall colors, or explore the stunningly scenic Porcupine Mountains, Travel Ironwood is your gateway to the untamed natural beauty of Michigan! Visit Travel Ironwood online now to learn more.