Michigan Snowboarding Guide: Best Places for Powder in Michigan
Find the best places for skiing and snowboarding in Michigan in this comprehensive guide!
Michigan Snowboarding might slip under the radar of most powder hounds, but don’t sleep on the powder you can ski in the Mitten state.
Aside from the state’s Midwest nice charm, Snowboarding in Michigan is surprisingly underrated.
Now, let’s take a look at Michigan’s Best Ski Resorts heading into the 2023-2024 season.
Best Michigan Ski Resorts to Visit in (2023)
Michigan Ski Resorts Map
Only days away!: 🎄Last Minute Christmas Gifts for Snowboarders & Skiers 2023!
Extreme Skiing & Snowboarding in Michigan - Mount Bohemia
Serious Midwest powder chasers will love Mount Bohemia.
Mount Bohemia recently received the title of #3 best ski resort in the USA by USA Today and deservingly so.
Thanks to heavy lake effect snowfall, Mount Bohemia averages over 300 inches of snow a year.
Although this is a powder playground, the “No Beginners Allowed” motto should not be overlooked as the entire mountain is UNGROOMED.
BOHO (Mt. Bohemia) is tailored for advanced skiers.
Almost the entire mountain is double or triple Black diamonds.
Not only does Bohemia offer mountain skiing but they also feature Snowcat Skiing at Voodoo Mountain
Mount Bohemia is located in Mohawk, Michigan at the northernmost portion of the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Mt. Bohemia is approximately 39 miles north of Houghton.
Getting to Bohemia is relatively easy (Weather dependent) Take US-41 north out of Hancock and drive about 35 miles to Lac La Belle Rd and turn right for another 4 miles
If you can’t handle the terrain or want to make sure your body is ready for more riding, there is the on site Nordic Spa which offers outdoor pool, Finnish sauna, and Hot tub.
Mount Bohemia also offers the first on hill Midwest Hostel, called the Log Cabin Hostel.
Northern Michigan University Students - Marquette Mountain
Marquette Mountain Ski Resort is Marquette’s local ski hill.
Located only a few miles out of town, Marquette Mountain offers visitors a small but fun Michigan Ski Resort experience.
Can’t make it to the mountain during the day?
Marquette Mountain offers night skiing from 4-8pm!
Post powder runs, pull up the T Bar for a drink or warm up by the fire pit outside!
Michigan's Best Downstate Ski Resort - Nubs Nob
Nubs Nob Ski Resort is one of Northern Michigans top ski resorts for Michiganders in the Traverse Bay region.
Located in Harbor Springs, visitors can expect terrain for all abilities complemented by 9 chairlifts to 3 different peaks with 53 trails.
There is also the option for beginners to ski free on a beginner slope to see if they really want to get their turns in.
Lodging is available on site and this place has been hailed as “Midwests Best Snow”.
Don’t hesitate to visit Nubs Nob if you’re looking for one of the best northern michigan ski resorts this 2023 winter!
Related Read: Upper Peninsula Snowboarding at Porcupines Mountain
Full Resort Experience - Crystal Mountain
Situated in the Northwest section of Northern Michigan, Crystal Mountain is one of the best full ski resort experiences in Michigan
Crystal Mountain offers terrain for all levels of riders so it’s perfect for families and group trips.
Offering a slopeside Resort Village and accommodations, Crystal makes the total mountain experience a breeze.
Another great thing about Crystal? Proximity to one of the best cities in Michigan!
At only 45 minutes away, Crystal Mountain is the best ski resort near Traverse City!
Michigan's Largest Ski Resort - Boyne Resorts
Michigan’s most recognized resort is a combination of two: Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands.
Boyne Highlands boasts Michigan’s longest ski run at 1.25 miles and also has America’s first high speed 6 place chairlift.
With over 400 acres and 115 trails, this is Michigan’s largest Ski Resort and regarded by many as the best michigan ski resort.
Some of the other Best Ski Resorts in Michigan
- Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort
- Mont Ripley Ski Area
- Snowriver Mountain Resort (Jackson Creek Summit & Black River Basin)
- Ski Brule
- Pine Mountain Resort
- Shanty Creek Resort
- Caberfae Peaks
Michigan Snowboarding Facts you probably didn't know
- Mount Bohemia has the highest vertical in Michigan at 900 feet
- Ishpeming is home to the Ski Hall of Fame
- Cross Country skiing originated in Ishpeming
- Michigan actually offers more ski resorts than any other state behind New York!
Best Midwest Ski Resorts to Visit in 2023
Lutsen Mountains - Minnesota
Lutsen Mountains is situated on the North Shore of Lake Superior and is one of the best ski resorts in Minnesota.
There are four interconnected peaks that look over Lake Superior and offers year-round activities!
Chestnut Mountains - Mississippi
We know you probably don’t think skiing or snowboarding when Mississippi is mentioned, but Chestnut is one you should remember when you do!
Snowboarding in Michigan FAQ
Where are there ski shops in Michigan?
There are number of great ski shops all throughout Michigan.
Some that you should note are:
The Compound – Marquette, MI
Nichols Ski and Snowboard – Dearborn, MI
Many, many more
Are there any ski/snowboarding companies based in Michigan?
Shaggy’s Ski Company is based in Northern Michigan in Boyne City, while Marhar Snowboards builds fun in Fruitport, MI, just outside of Grand Rapids
What Ski Resort in Michigan gets the most yearly snowfall?
Mt Bohemia averages the most snowfall in Michigan because it’s close proximity to Lake Superior benefitting from Lake Effect snow.
Yearly totals are north of 300 inches!
The higher elevation also helps pack the mountain with the powder everyone is after
What is the steepest ski hill in Michigan?
Ski Brule offers the steepest ski hill in Michigan measuring 565m!
Are any Michigan Ski resorts on the Epic Pass?
Mt. Brighton is the only Michigan Ski Resort on the Epic Pass.
For that reason, it’s probably not the best value unless you plan to travel and explore the other listed resorts for the year!
Does Michigan have any ski in ski out options to book?
Michigan has an abundance of ski in ski out options.
Don’t let the lower level of elevation fool you in the mitten
What's the best season pass available for Michigan Skiing?
The Indy Pass is probably the best season pass option for skiers and snowboarders in Michigan and the Midwest!
What is the MSIA white gold card?
MSIA is the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association card that lets pass holders ski once at each ski resort in Michigan!
The 2022-2023 is sold out!
Upper Michigan Ski Events to Mark on your Calendar
- January
Annual Ski Jumping Tournament
Suicide Hill Ski Bowl, Ishpeming - February
Annual Pine Mountain Ski Jumping Tournament
Iron Mountain - March
U.P. Health System Great Bear Chase Ski Marathon
Swedetown Ski Trails, Calumet
More than just the Best Skiing in Michigan
Need more info for your Midwest Ski Trip?
Find the Best Skiing in Michigan by asking the locals! They love to help with their Midwest nice charm!
Looking for other destinations and things to do in Michigan?
Check out my Michigan travel planner guides below: