Michigan’s best skiing and snowboarding awaits in the Upper Peninsula

Did you know Michigan has the second most ski resorts in the United States and a quarter of them are in the Upper Peninsula? That’s no surprise. The U.P. boasts the Midwest’s best snow conditions (annual snowfalls of 200+ inches), the longest ski season, high hill elevations and the challenge levels you want from beginner-friendly to white-knuckle extreme. Come experience the exhilaration!

Ski and snowboard destinations | Where to rent or buy equipment | Ski/snowboard report | Unique ski places to visit in the U.P. | Share your photos

Where to ski and snowboard in the U.P. 

Western Upper Peninsula 

Big Powderhorn Mountain | Bessemer 

Families love this affordable ski destination nestled in the Upper Peninsula’s renowned Big Snow Country. There are 45 breathtaking runs and two exciting terrain parks filled with bumps and jumps. The Snow Sports School is a big plus for improving all skill levels. Besides lots of lodging choices, families enjoy nearby specialty shops, ice skating, cross-country skiing trails, snowshoeing and fat tire biking. Learn more

Mont Ripley Ski Area | Hancock

Owned by Michigan Technological University, this ski destination brings you to the Midwest’s snowiest town. Enjoy great snow times on the 24 trails, the terrain park with jumps and slides and three tubing runs. Learn more

Mount Bohemia Adventure Resort | Lac La Belle

This U.P. resort is for extreme thrillests. It has the longest runs, the highest vertical and the deepest powder. No need to go to Colorado to come home with lots of can’t-be-topped stories.
Here you helicopter in for a 900-foot vertical drop on a run that you’ll have to remind yourself to breathe. Or board the CAT to experience the Midwest’s first backcountry Snowcat ski run on Voodoo Mountain. This resort challenges you to eight distinct sections. If you are a snowboarder with nerves of steel, you are going to get the adrenaline rushes you feed on maneuvering this resort’s tight glades and mini-chutes. The Nordic Spa is a bonus for making it to the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Learn more

Mount Zion Recreational Complex | Ironwood

You will find this fun family destination on Gogebic Community College's (GCC) campus. Open to the public, it's 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 throughout the U.P. 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! Learn more

Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex | Ontonagon

Want to ski or snowboard where it is wildly beautiful? Whether you are a first-timer or an expert on the slopes, you will find your challenge on 20 runs — three beginner, eight intermediate and nine expert. Snowboarders gravitate to the natural terrain park with its tree trunk rails, huge boulders and several small-to-medium cliffs you can use for jumps. Private and group lessons enhance your confidence and skills. Learn more

Ski Brule | Iron River

This is another top destination with its 17 ski runs that range from beginner to expert. Catch some air in three diverse terrain parks that cater to all ability levels. Their snow crews have mastered making the white stuff, so you can’t tell the difference between homemade and Nature made as you swoosh down the slopes. Be sure to check their list of special events. Learn more

Snowriver Mountain Resort | Wakefield

Two mountains, two resorts and a combined 56 runs give you the skiing and snowboarding experiences you are passionate about. Beginner and intermediate skiers get their thrills at Black River Basin and advanced skiers gravitate to Jackson Creek Summit. You are within minutes of being able to see the grandeur of frozen waterfalls and a picturesque river. Learn more

Central Upper Peninsula

Marquette Mountain | Marquette

Come here for an over 600' vertical drop and 16 runs for the novice to the mogul-bashing expert. Reach the top via two double chairs and one rope tow and on the way up enjoy the beautiful vistas of Marquette and Lake Superior. Ski lessons are available. Take a break or enjoy a meal in the onsite cafeteria and full-service bar. This resort is near an airport, shopping, great dining, movies and fun nightlife. Learn more

Pine Mountain Resort | Iron Mountain

This is one of the few ski-in/ski-out resorts in the Upper Peninsula and gets accolades from skiers for being one of the best destinations in the Midwest. The new Boomerang is one of the longest runs in Michigan and Wisconsin! There are 35 wide-open runs over 220 skiable acres topping out at 400 vertical feet. Snowboarders will find their challenge levels in the Bone Yard Terrain Park. Snow sports lessons are available for all ages and skill levels (even those who have skied for 50+ years upgrade their skills). Learn more

Where to rent or buy skis and snowboards

Most of the resorts and downhill skiing and snowboarding places listed above rent equipment and many have shops where you can also buy gear or buy wax for your skis and snowboards. If you are new to these sports, the staff will help you choose the right equipment for your skill level. Here are some other places to rent or buy equipment:

• Brampton Bike & Ski | Gladstone
• Dunham’s Sports | Escanaba | Houghton | Iron Mountain | Ironwood | Sault Ste. Marie
• Mr. Bike, Ski & Fitness | Escanaba

Plan your ski trip

It’s easy to plan your ski trip with our online guide, but here are a few things to consider before you put your dates and itinerary together. 

Downhill Skiing and Snowboard Report

Check this page from Thanksgiving through spring for updates on the snow base, conditions, and the number of open trails, lifts and terrain parks at U.P. ski areas.

Unique U.P. ski places to visit

Pine Mountain Ski Jump | Iron Mountain

This is the world’s largest artificial ski jumping hill and home to one of the longest-running international ski jumping tournaments. Spectators can watch as jumper after jumper rip down the hill at over 55 mph, then soar over 400 feet to their landing place. For the best ski-jumping action, come during the FIS Continental Cup, which is usually held in late February or early March. Learn more

Suicide Bowl Ski Jump | Negaunee 

This is one of the premier ski jumping sites in the United States. It has five jumps ranging from 15 to 90 feet. You can make arrangements with the Ishpeming Ski Club to learn the sport. Definitely visit to watch the club’s Olympic-level jumpers. Learn more

U.P. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum | Ishpeming

Over 15,000 square feet of exhibits are dedicated to these snow sports. Learn more

Share your U.P. skiing and snowboarding photos.

Let other skiing and boarding enthusiasts know what fun awaits in the Upper Peninsula. Share your photos or videos using our hashtag #uptravel for an opportunity to be featured on our social media, website or in our marketing materials.