Big Powderhorn Ski Vacation Guide

Ready for a very pleasant surprise? Northwest Michigan is ready to deliver one awesome ski experience! Forget what you expect and expect to be blown away! Back country powder, tree skiing, snowcats? Who'd have expected all that out of Michigan? It's easy to forget that it’s a big state and shares northern water borders with Canada. That far up-in-the-up, the snow conditions and often great powder skiing can be flat-out legendary.

Ski Levels

Big Powderhorn is pretty evenly spread for all types of skiers. The Midwest is such a great place to learn to ski and to develop your alpine skiing skills. Beginners will practice on 35 percent of the ski terrain, and on these slopes the ski staff will give excellent tips and guidance on improving by the hour. While intermediate skiers will use 35 percent, the advance skiers will use the remainder of the slopes.

Big Powderhorn is the largest of the mountains resorts in the area and it makes is often listed among the favorites for locals and avid Midwestern skiers. With the double-black run of “Katie's Catwalk,” you can count on non-stop ski and snowboarding thrills. And on Saturday from 4-8pm, you can get out a bit of night skiing. All of the resorts have ski professionals out on the slopes to keep you safe and see to it that everyone is having a great time. The instructors are top-notch. These Midwestern resorts are great places to learn new techniques, practice or improve your skills.

Après Ski

The towns around Big Powderhorn are generally on the smaller side. That’s why the addition of a lodge to the mountain has increased your chances of finding excellent dining and drinking. The Alpine Tavern and Grill, slope-side dining by the fire for your mid-afternoon Après Ski break. The Caribou Lodge serves breakfast and lunch Monday through Wednesday, and serves dinner as well Thursday to Sunday night. You’ll also find live music often for you to enjoy during the evening. Or take the shuttle down to the Black River Valley Pub for burgers and beer. If you are in the mood for a different scence, you should head to one of the two area Indian casinos. The area has plenty of lodging either right there on the mountain or nearby. You'll easily find something to fit your family's needs including on mountain lodges, ski in / ski out cabins, condos, and rental properties. Remember, this area is popular throughout the entire years, so they are stocked with options suitable for a great family vacation getaway.

Big Powderhorn Snowboard Vacation Guide


Rider’s Guide

North Michigan’s Upper Peninsula area offers some of the finest winter resorts for skiing and snowboarding. Big Powderhorn, Blackjack, Indianhead, Mount Bohemia and the Porcupine Mountains offer some of the finest groomed trails, untouched rough terrain, and winter weather for snow sports and activities. From terrain parks to ski-in/ski-out accommodations and slope side dining, the area is a ski mecca.

Parks and Pipes

Find all the features beginning and advanced snowboarders want. Beginners should sign up for a snowboarding lesson the first day. You can’t go wrong with learning some basics before you hit the parks. At the Big Bird Park, boarders and freestyle skiers practice on two rails, one box, a staircase, as well as small and medium size jumps.

Out of Bounds

Big Powderhorn offers things like an ice rink, sleigh rides, and extra winter activities like sledding, ski races, and cross-country skiing. The area is the perfect place for miles upon miles for tree lined cross-country skiing trails.

Hangout & Hookup

The area offers a variety of restaurants, pubs and ski bars to suit both family and non-family groups. There are establishments that offer everything from rustic dining to fine cuisine. While on the slopes, go over to the The Alpine Tavern and Grill for an afternoon drink, but then check out the calendar for live music in the area or a fun dance night.

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