The Midwest, with its generous snowfall, is an excellent destination for downhill skiing on powdery slopes. When natural snow isn’t plentiful, snow-making machines ensure the slopes remain skiable. Although on-site lodging is rare in this region, there are many cozy accommodations nearby for a comfortable stay. Michigan boasts several top ski resorts, but you can also find great options in Minnesota, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Ohio, and South Dakota.
Lutsen Mountains Ski and Summer Resort – Lutsen, Minnesota
For a thrilling winter weekend getaway in Minnesota, the Lutsen Mountains Ski and Summer Resort is your top choice for skiing and snowboarding. As the largest ski area in the Midwest, it features four interconnected mountains with 95 runs spread across 1,000 acres, all overlooking Lake Superior. It also boasts the only gondola in the region. You’ll enjoy stunning views of the lake from almost every spot. While it’s ideal for beginners, there’s also terrain suited for intermediate and advanced skiers. Conveniently close to the slopes, you’ll find excellent accommodations like Caribou Highlands Lodge, just under half a mile away.
Sundown Mountain – Dubuque, Iowa
In Dubuque, a top family vacation spot in the Midwest, Sundown Mountain offers a fantastic winter experience across two parks covering 85 acres. With 21 runs and a vertical drop of 475 feet, the terrain is mainly suited for intermediates, though there are options for all skill levels. Snowboarders can enjoy a half-pipe and a terrain park, while cross-country skiers will find dedicated trails. For the younger crowd, ages three to eleven, there’s a kids’ park, and skiing and snowboarding lessons are available for all ages and skill levels. Dining on the mountain ranges from Molly’s Mountaintop Coffee, known for its popular s’mores latte, to the Tips Up Food & Spirits bar and grill, which features two fireplaces and hearty options like hot chili. Additionally, two mountaintop lodges offer convenient accommodations.
Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort – Ironwood, Michigan
A top choice in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort is located just outside Ironwood, renowned for cross-country skiing. The resort offers over 250 skiable acres and 45 named trails, catering to all skill levels. From gentle bunny hills to challenging black diamond runs like “Don’t Chute” and “Cannonball,” there’s something for everyone. Nine double chairlifts service the diverse terrain, and with an average annual snowfall of over 160 inches, you can count on excellent powder throughout the season. A unique feature of the resort is the “Wine Huts”—ski-in, ski-out cabins with spacious outdoor decks and cozy fireplaces or wood stoves, providing a perfect retreat to warm up and relax during your day on the slopes.
Giants Ridge – Biwabik, Minnesota
In one of Minnesota’s most charming towns, Giants Ridge is often regarded as the Midwest’s most underrated ski area. Nestled in the Northwoods region northwest of Duluth, it offers exceptional terrain on 200 acres, featuring 35 ski runs, two terrain parks, and five chairlifts, all overseen by an experienced leadership team. This family-friendly destination caters to all interests, including skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, and ice fishing. A snowsports school provides lessons and rentals, and top-notch accommodations are available, ranging from lodges and villa rentals to guest houses.
Perfect North Slopes – Lawrenceburg, Indiana
Located in southeastern Indiana, close to the Ohio and Kentucky borders, Perfect North Slopes features 100 skiable acres with 23 trails suitable for all skill levels and three parks. Olympic medalist freestyle skier Nick Goepper started his skiing here, making it a great choice for those living in Cincinnati, just 30 minutes away, or Indianapolis, about 90 minutes away. As a local, family-owned business, Perfect North Slopes also offers snow tubing for a change of pace. In Lawrenceburg, you’ll find a variety of accommodation options, including budget-friendly chain hotels.
Mad River Mountain – Zanesfield, Ohio
Mad River Mountain is Ohio’s largest ski resort, boasting a 300-foot vertical drop that has provided enjoyment on the slopes for decades. Notably, former Austrian alpine ski racer Putzi Frandi, who competed in the 1956 and 1960 Winter Olympics, served as an instructor here. Located just a short drive from Columbus or Dayton, the resort offers both group and private lessons. For those who prefer not to ski, there’s an excellent tubing park. On-site dining includes a lofted bar and grill with views of the slopes, as well as a quick-serve cafeteria for convenient slopeside meals.
Mount Bohemia – Mohawk, Michigan
Mount Bohemia stands out as one of Michigan’s premier ski resorts, offering an exhilarating experience for skiers and snowboarders seeking deep powder and challenging terrain. With no beginner “green” slopes and no grooming, it provides a true natural snow experience. The resort features 900 feet of vertical drop, with nearly all runs classified as black diamond and some as triple black. Located on the Keweenaw Peninsula, it may be a bit off the beaten path, but it remains a more accessible option for those in Michigan or nearby compared to traveling to the Rockies. Boasting an average annual snowfall of about 273 inches, the resort has two chairlifts serving 585 skiable acres. Guests can enjoy various dining options and stay in accommodations ranging from an inn and log cabin rentals to a hostel.
Cascade Mountain – Portage, Wisconsin
Cascade Mountain, the second-highest ski resort in Wisconsin, is located near Portage in the Wisconsin Dells, a prime destination close to Canada’s border. The resort features 47 trails that meander through the trees, a 450-foot vertical drop, and 11 lifts to quickly transport you back to the top. Snowboarders will find plenty to enjoy with multiple terrain parks equipped with rails, jibs, jumps, and more. For a break from the slopes or terrain parks, the tube park offers included tube rentals with your ticket. You can zoom down nearly 900 feet and use the lift to effortlessly return to the top. Night skiing is also available for those who want to extend their time on the mountain.
Terry Peak Ski Area – Lead, South Dakota
Terry Peak Ski Area is often hailed as “The Best Kept Secret in the Midwest.” Located in the stunning Black Hills, it boasts the highest lift service between the Rockies and the Alps, with an annual average snowfall of 150 inches. The resort features 1,100 feet of vertical drop, 29 trails, a triple chairlift, and three high-speed quad lifts, offering a diverse range of terrain, including a progressive terrain park. The Snow Sports School, staffed by professionals, provides rentals and both group and private lessons. Nearby accommodations, bars, and restaurants enhance your stay, and the historic western town of Deadwood is just a 15-minute drive away, offering a wealth of entertainment options.
Big Snow Resort – Wakefield, Michigan
Big Snow Resort provides both lodging and skiing across two mountains, Blackjack and Indianhead, with lift tickets granting access to both. Indianhead features a larger skiable area, a higher base, a greater vertical drop, and a terrain park with 30 runs and nine lifts, including many black diamond runs suited for advanced and expert skiers. Blackjack offers 26 runs, six lifts, and two terrain parks, with most runs designed for beginners and intermediates, including a designated beginner area next to the main lodge. Night skiing is available, and lodging options range from hotel rooms at the main Indianhead lodge to cozy village chalets and trailside condos. Both mountains offer a variety of dining and entertainment options, including cafes, restaurants, bars, and venues with live music.
