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The 7 Best Michigan Ski Resorts
By Matt Lorelli,
7 days ago
Michigan? More like you Michi-can ski all over The Wolverine State.
Michigan has the second most ski resorts of any state with an astounding 39 ski areas. Only New York tops Michigan with 52 active ski areas and resorts.
With so many options, how do you pick which ski resorts are worth your time and hard-earned cash? The answer is subjective, but this list should help you identify which resorts rise above the rest.
The following list represents the opinion of the author and is based on personal experiences, mountain statistics, vibes (we're getting really scientific here), and overall reputation. Enjoy.
Mount Bohemia is a can't-miss ski area located near the northern tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, an offshoot of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Photo&colon Matt Lorelli&solPOWDER Magazine
1. Mount Bohemia - Mohawk, Michigan
Closest Airport: Houghton County Memorial Airport (45 minutes by car)
Vertical: 900 ft. (Amongst the highest in the Midwest)
Skiable Terrain: 585 ac.
Average Snowfall: 273 in. (Most in the Midwest)
Lifts: 2
Trails: N/A
Who Is Mount Bohemia For?
Mount Bohemia is the Midwest's promised land for powder skiing, glades, and all-around thrills without the frills. The ski area doesn't groom their slopes, doesn't make any snow, and has adopted a 'No Beginners Allowed' slogan to deter the less-adept.
Western skiers might scoff at Bohemia's size, but the seemingly endless steep pitches of bumps, glades, small chutes, and natural features to air will have your legs yearning for a long soak in one of Bohemia's renowned hot tubs.
You should travel to Mount Bohemia if you're looking for not only one of the most unique ski resort experiences in the country but perhaps on the planet.
Boyne Mountain Resort is largely regarded as Michigan's best traditional ski resort experience.
Photo&colon Boyne Mountain Resort
2. Boyne Mountain Resort - Boyne Falls, Michigan
Closest Airport: Pellston Regional Airport (51 minutes by car)
Vertical: 500 ft.
Skiable Terrain: 415 ac.
Average Snowfall: 140 in.
Lifts: 10
Trails: 65
Who Is Boyne Mountain Resort For?
Boyne Mountain Resort is Michigan's quintessential ski resort experience. The resort is chock-full of high speed lifts, including a massive 8-seat detachable chairlift with all of the fancy gadgets typically only seen at western resorts, and a wide variety of trails to choose from.
Crowds can back up on weekends and holidays, but a midweek Boyne skier will tell you that they can stack thousands of feet of vertical, thanks to empty slopes and more-than-capable chairlifts. Consider visiting Boyne if you're looking for a classic ski resort experience with all of the modern amenities and infrastructure you would expect from a larger resort.
An aerial view of Crystal Mountain's various peaks and trails.
Photo&colon Courtesy Crystal Mountain
3. Crystal Mountain - Thompsonville, Michigan
Closest Airport: Cherry Capital Airport (Traverse City), (45 minutes by car)
Vertical: 375 ft.
Skiable Terrain: 103 ac.
Average Snowfall: N/A
Lifts: 8
Trails: 59
Who Is Crystal Mountain For?
Crystal Mountain's various peaks and descents offer a somewhat unusual experience for skiers in the Midwest. Rather than a singular hill with trails, Crystal's terrain is spread out over four faces interconnected by chairlifts and trails.
When the snow piles up, look for Crystal to open their gladed terrain. The runs are short, but who doesn't love 30 seconds of powder-stash and bump glory through the trees? The resort also has a variety of groomed runs, and three terrain parks to tickle your fancy. Consider visiting Crystal if you're looking for an all-around ski experience that's fairly unique to the region.
Snowriver has plans to upgrade many of their lifts, but you'll find plenty of intimate two seaters still in operation.
Photo&colon Indy Pass Media Kit&solSnowriver Mountain Resort
Snowriver Mountain Resort is actually two resorts in one—Jackson Creek Summit and Black River Basin. The ski areas are currently connected via shuttle service, but the resort recently announced plans to construct a two-way detachable chairlift to create one mega-resort by Michigan standards.
Thanks to its advantageous location near Lake Superior, Snowriver experiences 200 inches of annual snowfall across both peaks. Consider visiting Snowriver if you're looking for a powder-filled trip with both groomed and un-groomed terrain options.
Center pole Riblet chairs add to the charm of Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort.
Michigan's Upper Peninsula is a hub for powder-hungry skiers and riders. The Yoopers might not enjoy as much powder as their friends to the west and northeast, but try telling them that their waist-deep powder days aren't fun.
Big Powderhorn (it literally has the word Powder in the name), is known for stacking up feet of the white fluffy stuff when the lake-effect is on. If the snow isn't falling down in buckets, don't worry, Big Powderhorn is known for grooming their trails to near perfection. Keep an eye out at night as the Aurora Borealis has been spotted at Big Powderhorn multiple times in recent years.
Nub's Nob— Weird name, but the skiing and riding experience is anything but. This is a classic mom-and-pop skiing experience you can write home about.
Photo&colon FACEBOOK&solNub's Nob
6. Nub's Nob - Harbor Springs, Michigan
Closest Airport: Pellston Regional Airport (20 minutes by car)
Vertical: 427 ft.
Skiable Terrain: 248 ac.
Average Snowfall: 123 in.
Lifts: 9
Trails: 53
Who Is Nub's Nob For?
In a time when many of our favorite ski resorts are beholden to corporate interests, Nub's Nob's website gets straight to the point— "Nub’s Nob is a family-owned ski hill that has been in operation since 1958."
The ski area might sound small by its slightly unassuming name, but don't be mistaken, Nub's has terrain that will have yourself pondering, "Is this really Michigan?" Considering visiting Nub's if you're up for exploring three distinct mountain zones with enough glades, steeps, and cruisey groomers to make your heart sing.
The Porkies offers unobscured descents towards Lake Superior. This photo captures some of the magic, but seeing it in person is quite the experience.
FACEBOOK&solThe Porkies Winter Sports Complex
7. The Porkies Winter Sports Complex - Ontonagon, Michigan
Closest Airport: Pellston Regional Airport (20 minutes by car)
Vertical: 670 ft. (lift-served), 800 ft. (with hike-to terrain)
Skiable Terrain: 250+ ac.
Average Snowfall: 200 in.
Lifts: 3
Trails: 20
Who Is the Porkies Winter Sports Complex For?
The Porkies Ski Area holds a special place in the heart of of Upper Peninsula skiers. The mountain has changed hands numerous times over the years, but the community has always rallied to keep the vibe alive.
Enjoy pristine views of Lake Superior as you descend the Porkies' impressive vertical, or duck into the trees for the classic lake-effect snow stashes that pile up in the ski area's glades. If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, the Porkies is your best bet. Oh, and watch out for tele-skiers, the Porkies attracts them like a park rat to a free pizza.
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