Best Midwest Ski Hills

By Kromer Country

January 11, 2024

When the snow starts falling, Kromer Country loves to hit the slopes. The cold air in your face as you race down a hill, there’s nothing quite like it. In the Midwest, there are more than 100 resorts to get your fix. Here are some of our favorites.

Mount Bohemia - Mohawk, Michigan

Located in the northwest of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Mount Bohemia is known for extreme skiing. It has the longest runs with the highest vertical and deepest powder in the Midwest. While the UP is already known for its snow, the Keweenaw Peninsula gets an average of more than 200 inches each year. The lake-effect snow Mount Bohemia gets is similar to what they get out west, and they leave it untouched–great for those who like to hit the slopes early to make the first tracks.

Boyne Mountain - Boyne Falls, Michigan

If you’re looking for beautiful views and a great time, look no further than Northern Michigan. Boyne Mountain calls itself the ultimate playground for all seasons (it also has the state’s largest indoor waterpark), but what it really excels at is those winter white trails. It’s one of Michigan’s most popular resorts and it’s celebrating 75 years this year. Take a trip to this family-owned resort to check out its 60 downhill trails and more.

Crystal Mountain - Thompsonville, Michigan

Another popular Northern Michigan destination, Crystal Mountain is a great place to ski for all ages and levels. The ski resort first came to be as Buck Hills Ski Area, a school project. A local geography teacher told his students to find the best place in Benzie County to start a ski area, and nearly 70 years later, here we are. Apart from the cool history, there are nearly 60 trails, a cool lodge and a lot of other fun activities throughout the year.

Spirit Mountain - Duluth, Minnesota

Located in Outside Magazine’s 2014 Best Outdoor City in America, Spirit Mountain is a playground for families all year round. The resort boasts the biggest and best terrain park in the Midwest. In addition to great ski hills, they also offer tubing, mountain biking and more.

Giants Ridge Recreation Area - Biwabik, Minnesota

Referred to as the #1 small ski area in Minnesota, Giants Ridge is a favorite for all kinds of winter activities. The recreation area was first developed as an Olympic training site with World Class cross country trails. Those trails are still maintained to Olympic quality standards. They have 35 downhill trails, snowshoe trails, terrain parks, fat tire snow biking and tubing.

Lutsen Mountains - Lutsen, Minnesota

This ski area has been family-owned and operated since it was founded nearly 75 years ago. Lutsen Mountains has 95 runs and covers 1,000 acres. The area has a little bit of everything for everyone, and is currently looking to expand, seeking a special use permit from the government that would nearly double its skiable terrain.

Granite Peak - Wausau, Wisconsin

These legendary slopes first opened in 1937 and have since evolved into Wisconsin’s largest ski area. Granite Peak is proud to be one of the oldest ski resorts in the country. In fact, when a group of ski enthusiasts opened the resort on the slopes of Rib Mountain, it was one of the first in North America. Its 75 acres offers a little something for the whole family.

Cascade Mountain, Portage, Wisconsin

With 47 trails and 4 terrain parks, Cascade Mountain is a favorite destination for many in Wisconsin. It’s also a great day trip for so many due to its location; Chicago is three hours away, Milwaukee less than two, and Madison just 30 minutes. They offer lessons for kids and tubing for those who would rather stay away from the slopes.

Chestnut Mountain Resort, Galena, Illinois

This ski area is perched high on a ridge overlooking the Mississippi River near historic Galena. Chesnut Mountain Resort has 19 ski and snowboard trails that cut through bluffs. They also have 475-foot vertical drop, and trails for all ages.

Perfect North Slopes, Lawrenceburg, Indiana

One of the top ski areas in Indiana, Perfect North Slopes offers a 400-foot vertical and 100 acres of terrain. With its ‘up north’ feel, it attracts skiers from all over the region. For beginners, they offer ski and snowboarding lessons. They also have tubing and a ton of other activities for the family.

There are still so many amazing places to ski in the Midwest, and we’re very proud to call it home. Don’t underestimate these ski hills and resorts. If you’ve been dying for a ski trip but don’t have a Colorado budget, these are the destinations for you.