When you think of skiing in the Midwest, the first thing that comes to mind probably isn’t ‘Wow, this place is huge’. However, there are a handful of resorts in the region that boast a relatively decent amount of terrain as well as vertical drop. Pair that with lake effect snow off the Great Lakes, and the quality of riding might just surprise even the best of skiers and snowboarders. From Michigan to South Dakota, these are the top nine biggest ski resorts in the Midwest based on total skiable acreage.
#9 Nub’s Nob, MI
With 238 acres of skiable terrain, Nub’s Nob in Harbor Springs, Michigan, has 53 runs to choose from. Averaging 123 inches of annual snow, the resort is also significantly covered with 97% snowmaking capabilities. On the slopes, eight chairlifts, one rope tow, and one conveyor provide access to 427 feet of vertical descent.
#8 Big Powderhorn, MI
Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Big Powderhorn in Bessemer, Michigan, offers 45 ski trails across 253 acres of skiable terrain. With an annual average of around 200 inches, the heavy lake effect snow greatly complements the 90% snowmaking coverage. Nine double chairlifts and a tow rope whisk riders away for around 420 feet of vertical drop.
#7 (tie) Devil’s Head, WI & Afton Alps, MN
Devil’s Head, in Merrimac, Wisconsin, features 30 trails throughout 300 acres of skiable terrain. With limited natural snowfall, around 55-65 inches annually, the resort depends on snowmaking on 100% of the terrain. Six lifts and two carpets give skiers and riders access to 500 feet of vertical drop.
Afton Alps, located in Hastings, Minnesota, provides guests with 300 acres of skiable terrain and 50 trails to explore. Since the resort averages between 50-60 inches of natural snow a season, they rely heavily on snowmaking systems that covers 100% of the slopes. 350 feet of vertical is accessed by 15 chairlifts, two carpets, and two tow ropes.
#6 Whitecap Mountains, WI
Situated near the Wisconsin-Michigan border in Upson, Wisconsin, Whitecap Mountains has 43 trails spread across 400 acres of skiable terrain. Thanks to its location and major lake effect, the resort averages 200 inches of annual snow, and therefore only has around 30% snowmaking capabilities. Six lifts and a magic carpet offer access to just about 400 feet of vertical descent.
#5 Boyne Mountain, MI
Boyne Mountain, in Boyne Falls, Michigan, offers 415 acres of skiable terrain with 64 named trails. The resort sees 140 inches of annual snowfall, yet still boasts 90% snowmaking coverage across its slopes. With nine lifts—one of which is the Midwest’s first 8-pack chair—Disciples 8, and one carpet, skiers and snowboarders have access to 500 feet of vertical descent.
#4 The Highlands, MI
The Highlands, in Harbor Springs, Michigan, has 435 acres of skiable terrain and 55 trails to enjoy. An average of 125-140 inches of snow falls annually, paired with snowmaking capabilities on 93% of the resort. 552 feet of vertical drop can be accessed by six chairlifts; one being the Midwest’s fastest, and first heated bubble lift—Camelot 6, which features the first fully automated safety bar system in the states, and two surface lifts.
#3 Terry Peak, SD
Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Terry Peak in North Lawrence offers 450 acres of skiable terrain and 30 trails to roam. Averaging 150 inches of snowfall a year, the resort also has snowmaking coverage on 85% of the slopes. Even with a staggering 1,100 feet of vertical drop, four chairlifts and one carpet are all that’s necessary to access the entire mountain.
#2 Lutsen Mountain, MN
With 500 acres of skiable terrain across four different peaks, Lutsen Mountain in Lutsen, Minnesota, has an impressive 95 runs. Located on the north shore of Lake Superior, close to Canada, the resort averages around 120 inches of snow annually, and roughly 50% of the slopes have snowmaking, as well. Seven lifts, including the Midwest’s only gondola, and one carpet provide access to a vertical descent of 825 feet.
#1 Mount Bohemia, MI
High in the Upper Peninsula in Mohawk, Michigan, Mount Bohemia offers 94 named runs across at least 585 acres of skiable terrain. Thanks to its proximity to Lake Superior, the annual snowfall rivals some West Coast resorts with an average of 270 inches. Because of this, the resort has zero snowmaking, and also has no groomed trails, giving it an “extreme backcountry” feel. Only two chairlifts and a fleet of four buses provide a shuttle service and access to 900 feet of vertical drop.
