5 Must-Visit Midwest Ski Areas!

[@gabesolomon4887]

I'm from Ohio, not Minnesota, but as a skier who did not grow up with rich parents, I was thrilled to see you post Highland Hills on your top 5 list. This is the kind of working-class ski hill I grew up on, with more in common with a roller rink or bowling alley than a destination resort. But that's all we needed. Close enough that you're home in time for supper and go to sleep in your own bed.

[@MidwestSkiers]

Love it!

[@J3ffJ]

1. Spirit Mountain 2. Lutsen Mountain 3. Mount Bohemia 4. Granite Peak 5. Snowriver

[@SoIWentSkiing]

1. Lutsen Mountains (I love the double black area on Moose, Moose maze being my favorite) 2. Mount Bohemia (I also haven't been there, but I love cliffs and steeps, so this is perfect for me) 3. Trollhaugen (I love their vibe, and where the new run "Fall Line" is there are some great ungroomed chutes) 4. Bruce Mound (I havent been there, but the possible lines there look quite appealing) 5. Welch Village (The lap-ability of the Back Bowl makes it so amazing, along with the huge variety of runs and steeps)

[@hollyburns8568]

Welch totally trumps Hyland.

[@MidwestSkiers]

Some solid choices on there!!!

[@eazydp]

Troll is definitely my personal favorite within an hour of Mpls.

[@TheBeingReal]

@@hollyburns8568Welch also is the only ski resort to offer PMTS ski lessons. Hands better than PSIA.

[@TheBeingReal]

Boho - awesome place. It is 100% expert terrain. No beginners. Even average skier will struggle. Trees & bumps. Be prepared for rocks! Awesome vibe there too.

[@wendyweber7787]

Nothing like Michigan's UP - Big Powderhorn, Indianhead (recently renamed), The Porkies and Mount Bohemia for a rustic ski/board destination.

[@PowderLlamma]

Snowriver (IH + BJ) is legit. Doesn’t get the love it deserves!!

[@ericmartinson7205]

Snowriver and powderhorn are the fucking best!

[@Sprucethemoose]

Thank you for showcasing Hyland's school ski programs. These are so important to skiing's future.

[@MidwestSkiers]

So important!

[@markmassoglia]

My top five has a few on you list. 1. Lutsen, for everything you mentioned. 2. Bohemia, I haven't been there either, but might be the most unique hill in North America, outside of Silverton. 3. Granite Peak, 3 high speed quads to get a lot of laps in. With 55 runs, it's best suited for intermediate and advanced skiers. 4. Snowriver, two mountains (Jackson Creek and Black River Basin). JC has more rolling wide runs with a headwall at the bottom on the black diamond runs. And has a high speed 6-pack now. BRB, is fall line skiing and IMO skis better then JC. 5. Whitecap, may have the best terrain outside of Bohemia, especially on the south side. Would love to ski Boyne and Nubs, but can't rank hills I haven't skied, other than Boho.

[@Speediturtle]

My must visit on the west side of Lake Michigan would be Lutsen for the size, Bohemia and Granite Peak for the intensity, Cascade for the vibe and family friendly atmosphere, and Tyrol for an underrated and unknown hill with its very non Midwest like cliffs in the c chair area. (You could switch this one with Bruce mound or mt lacrosse but I haven’t been to either of these hills yet)

[@bluestildawn3351]

That was Joey Wallace creator of My Bohemia TV in the Gold Jacket 4:06 . The man can rip it. Check out his show Mt Bohemia TV.

[@lighthousecondo5523]

I consider this ski area in the Midwest although just outside Sault St. Marie, Ont, across the Soo Locjs from Michigan. Searchmont is a wonderful area. Has over 700' vertical and runs with nice pitch top to bottom.

[@bobwombacher3511]

Tyrol!

[@BillProesch]

From what I know of the topography in the Midwest, the best ski terrain is around Lake Superior. My top 5 reflects that. My #1 is Mt Bohemia. For me there's not a close second because there's nothing like it. It reminds of when I began skiing in the 1960's. (Yes. I'm very old.) Back then there was no snow making, no grooming, and most of the areas just had rope tows. The only thing different at Mt. Bohemia is that they have chair lifts and a shitload of annual snowfall. The hill, itself, is challenging because it's steep and ungroomed. Not only is the snow ungroomed but the hill is as well. You will encounter large swells, large depressions, and on one run even had a running creek in it. There is an extensive glade area but I only skied a small fraction of it. I would have tried more of it but the lack of clear trail markers kept me from knowing where I was and the defined runs gave me plenty to stay interested that day. I know of nothing in the Midwest that more approximates Rocky Mountain back country in the Midwest than Mt. Bohemia. The base area is also unique, and true to the name, Bohemian. If you like something that is a different and a bit countercultural, go there. #2 for me has got to be Lutsen. The vertical at Lutsen is pretty close to that of Mt Bohemia but the runs are a lot longer so the pitch is not as dramatic. The lake views are only rivaled by the ski areas around Lake Tahoe. It is a polished ski area with amenities that begin to mimic those found in the Rockies. However, it is not the Rockies. The cost and the time to get there (from the Twin Cities) are close to Summit County Colorado skiing. That's a tough standard to meet. #3 is Spirit Mountain. Certainly not a mountain but the runs are are as long as many chair lift serviced runs in the Rockies. Plus, and a big plus, is that it is a very "doable" day trip from the Twin Cities. #4 for me is what used to Indianhead but is now is SnowRiver Mountain. The hills are very entertaining because of their length and multiple pitches. The last time I was there the chalets were very dated but the hills were comparable to the shorter chair lifted Blue areas in places like Keystone. #5 is Afton Alps. Very close to home. Some fun pitches that require good execution to ski well. Very "lapable". OLI's (outside looking in). Welch Village. I haven't skied enough to supplant Afton but if they send me a couple passes I could elevate my assessment. Mt LaCrosse. I hear it has one of the steepest pitches in the Midwest but I haven't skied it yet. Giant's Ridge. Some fun hills but not distinct enough to justify the drive. Granite Peak. First 12 turns of almost every run are fun but the bottoms of the runs are just run out.

[@olivermj1236]

Viewers top 5 lutsen , Bohemia, whitecap , granite peak, big powderhorn.

[@greeny5155]

I grew up in the mountains of Colorado in a ski town. I now live in Michigan and Mt Bohemia is by far the best ski hill I've skied at around here. It's the only one that has actually challenging terrain that can even hold a candle to Colorado skiing. I'd ski there all the time if it wasn't a 9.5hr drive away!

[@ChrisH-zb1pq]

For the viewers top 5 video, I like Granite, Snowriver(Jackson Creek), Big Powderhorn, Porcupine. Not necessarily destination but good hills to ski.

[@bluestildawn3351]

Whitecap and Granite Peak and Mt LaCrosse.

[@Skier72]

This is a great video!

[@MidwestSkiers]

Thank you!🙏

[@trooper5157]

Been to all except for that little guy near Minneapolis. Would HIGHLY suggest Chestnut Mountain Resort in Illinois tho. Yes, Illinois. Its cool to tick off ski resorts in states you haven't visited yet and there is really only one legit hill in Illinois and it steps up in big ways. The views down the Mississippi River from high up on the bluff, the super steep Warpath ski run, the sweeping / rock cliffed Crazy Horse run, the great restaurant/bar, the snack cafe, the hotel with fantastic views, reasonable prices, no lift lines, great staff, good grooming and surprising vert (for any resort in the midwest)... Chestnut is definitely worth a trip.

[@sohlbergk]

Chestnut is an interesting suggestion. Along those lines I'd suggest Sundown across the river in IA. The view may not be quite as good, but the trail layout and skiing in general is somewhat better. For excellent river views and skiing on very steep bluffs, Wintergreen was amazing, but it's been closed for 30 years. :{

[@gustavesexauer106]

Going just off places I have skied 😉: Lutsen, Bohemia, Terry Peak, Caberfae, and my wildcard has to be Bruce Mound!

[@MidwestSkiers]

Terry Peak is definitely an interesting one!!

[@hollyburns8568]

1. Lutsen 2.Sure Mt. Bohemia can be on there 3. Giant's Ridge 4.SnowRver/Blackjack mountain 5. I don't know...... that's tough to pick only one other...........

[@heathdalton8972]

Snow Trails in ohio is sixteen minutes from my house so that makes it my favorite, plus its privately owned,so down earth people run it....lots of fun..... i like your vidios...

[@MidwestSkiers]

Of course! Always hard to argue against your local hill- especially when it’s Snow Trails!

[@seancarlson8147]

I've only been to MI resorts in the midwest, but I think it has to be Boyne #1 for me. That they could stay open until April 20 this year, and even put in a few park features for that one day is pretty awesome. Most resorts don't go that hard and had closed several weeks prior.

[@MidwestSkiers]

Gotta love the push from Boyne!

[@stalefish1873]

Michigan has mountains, there's a whole range of them. Huron Mountains. There's also a secret village of celebrities that live in them, call the Huron Mountain Club.

[@Niklasgosoutside]

Same for mn sawtooth mountain

[@MidwestSkiers]

Totally just kinda poking fun of peeps that look down at the MW ha hence the “”

[@navandalli]

Great list, been to all but Hylands and agree with the list. Would’ve added honorable mentions for places like Cascade, Caberfae, Pine Mountain for local places with a lot to offer. And Granite Peak for their terrain and lift capacity for a Midwest area with some of the best snowmaking around.

[@hiddenobserver8447]

Agree with the top four. My two local bergs wouldn't make many top five lists but would be strong contenders for the top dozen. Caberfae has much of what makes Nubs so special, top notch snowmaking and a focus on snowsports without a lot of fluff. If you really like the resort stuff than Crystal (of Thomsonville) is quite a sprawl with a touch of luxury.

[@MidwestSkiers]

Cab is a great one! I need to visit Crystal; it is on my next season's shortlist. (Hopefully, the weather will be better than this year!)

[@hiddenobserver8447]

@@MidwestSkiers Caberfae is my season pass hill so I'm there usually twice a week on random weekdays. I've done a lot of videos about it on my HillOrStream channel. If your ever going to be there on a good snow day find me and I'll show you around the Darkside and Backcountry! At Crystal there are a few steep spots but the lack of vertical makes them toothless. Nice easy glades in back. Make sure you visit all the lifts, not much else to do. There is a lift in back I probably missed for years! I'd thought it was the back of one of the front lifts so I never went over to what turns out to be it's own little pod.

[@ashton.boehm7]

Yeah mount bohemia is easily number one for me

[@eagle98mn]

Great video! I didn’t realize Boyne has so much for families (Minnesotan here, haven’t skied in Michigan). Top 5 I have skied: Lutsen Granite Peak (got over 35k vertical feet in one 9 hour day last year and loved every minute of it. Welch (best range of difficulty near the TC metro) Spirit (big superior views and longer runs make this a treat) Mt La Crosse (admittedly nostalgic for me since this is where I learned back in college. Boasting the steepest run in WI and also the mile away, there’s something for everyone.)

[@Azaremba1]

Looks like others overlap with mine: -Lutsen - Biggest and most Western like destination. 100% must visit. -Mt Bohemia - the best terrain, snow quality, steeps and great vibe. -Chestnut - Top notch views of the big river, Warpath and Crazy Horse, great ski in ski out and bar. -Granite Peak - Fast lifts, steep top with plenty of variety, long runs and good views -Torn between Big Powderhorn or Snowriver but will give nod to latter since it has two resorts packaged into one. When then connect the two SR resorts then it's must visit. Wouldn't put Boyne or Nub's ahead of these as must visit in Midwest. Never been to Giant's Ridge but want to, and same with Searchmont. Both look great. Mont Ripley is great for certain things but wouldn't place it above the five I named.

[@magnifiresrealm]

Good list! Imma have to go with Chester bowl as the greatest ski hill in the world 🥰

[@WalleyeWisconsin]

Whitecap!!! Mt. Bohemia, The Porkies, Giants Ridge and Whitecap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@paulblichmann2791]

Maybe not worth bumping your top 5 but Devils Head. Because it's south facing, it can do a reverse thaw-freeze cycle that makes it super fast at night. It can be heaven or hell, hence the name (maybe)

[@kguy57]

Love the list and Hyland's inclusion. It is closer to my office than any McDonald's. Speaking of accessible, tons of kids learn here or go for the first time and others that wouldn't ever be able to go. Hyland is host to a huge adaptive skiing population, shout out to Courage Kenny!

[@connorp8408]

Nubs is great!

[@jplpagan]

excellent video

[@MidwestSkiers]

🙏🙏🙏

[@Skibum66]

My list exactly, but I'd throw in The Highlands at Harbor Springs instead of Highland Hills. Although, I see why you might've included it.

[@MidwestSkiers]

Fair enough, I could see that swap as well

[@Calman9105]

I’m disappointed Welch wasn’t included but other than that this is a great list.

[@MidwestSkiers]

Welch is definitely a great spot!

[@untectings]

How about looking north of the border we have Blue mountain, mount St. Louis moonstone and Searchmount and many more

[@MidwestSkiers]

They look like some solid options, but out of my region! Certainly worth checking out though :)

[@lutherlivingston335]

Telle ski Bohemia many times only good with powder or soft snow.

[@lukelumley602]

Sundown, Sundown, sundown, sundown and Welch

[@ekramhossain1982]

granite peak, WI

[@JollyLamaCom]

Awesome video. I need to hit HH. You could've included The Highlands (across from nubs) in with boyne mtn since you can hit them both same day with one ticket (for ikoners) plus they have good mtb bike trails in the summer. Searchmont should be included with mw ski resorts too, imo. Keep up the great work and thanks!

[@MbisonBalrog]

I did not know the Midwest even has mountains besides Appalachia which is more East Coast. But in Michigan and Minnesota, and Wisconsin ? I had no idea.

[@MidwestSkiers]

We have lots of skiing & snowboarding options (over 120 ski areas.) Michigan and Wisconsin actually have the most ski areas of any state besides New York

[@BETYOURMAD710]

Hidden valley stl gets such a bad rep but the vibe there is amazing and we have a great park crew as we’ll definitely a bucket list visit in the Midwest little bit of everything there

[@Beneff16]

We didn’t make the top 5… 😢 #6 Giants Ridge!

[@MidwestSkiers]

Hahaha this was a REALLY hard one to make!

[@zachjohns6975]

Lutsen, Bohemia, Giants Ridge, Granite, Troll

[@alexconrad2904]

I think my list would follow the same format (big destination, Boho, Advanced lifts, skiing focus, small hill), but change up a lot of them. I'd replace Lutsen with Whitecap. This is probably a controversial change, but I think Whitecap covers the idea of a "Midwest destination", while Lutsen is more trying to be a western resort. Plus I like the terrain better there, despite the small vertical, and the large feel of the area with that small vertical is really unique. Boho I'd obviously keep. I may put Granite Peak in instead of Boyne, as its meteoric expansion and more impressive snowmaking more represents that growth potential in the Midwest. I'd replace Nubs with Caberfae, as Caberfae literally built itself up, and still follows the same skier-focused ethos. Finally I'd replace Hylands with Buck Hill, as the ski racing history there is much stronger than Hyland, and the aspects of parks and beginners are still there. First one out would be Adventure Mountain in the UP. Rope tow, no snowmaking, super cheap, that's it.

[@SoIWentSkiing]

I completely forgot about Whitecap!

[@MidwestSkiers]

I dig it!

[@paulblichmann2791]

why I've never been to BoHo: if it's GOOD: it's undriveable to get all the way up to Bumfuq UP Michigan. If I can make it there, it probably sucks. Also, why would I own powder skis in the Midwest.

[@larhulelarhule8227]

calm down

[@jackschmid6645]

Where the heck is my uncles backyard

[@MidwestSkiers]

Dude that’s on the secret must visit list 🤫

[@42ForLife]

Whitecap!!!

[@sohlbergk]

'only skied about 10 Midwest areas. Lutsen makes a top 5 list. Porcupine Mt. always had a nice relaxed feel with great lake views. Top on the list of places I would like to visit but have not are Whitecap and Bruce Mound. Both appear to have very interesting terrain. To finish a list of 5 I'll list Tyrol Basin, if only because my family took me there often when I was a kid, and it is quintessentially "Midwestern". 'never been to Bohemia but my suspicion is you have your choice of rocks and tree stumps, or hopeless lifelines.

[@paulblichmann2791]

Granite Peak, the bottom half of the entire mountain is just worthless. FLAT!

[@hollyburns8568]

Ummmm Giant's Ridge should be on here WAY before Hyland Hills. I don't go there anymore, because they have no pitch and nothing anywhere near difficult. Yes they're terrain Park is unreal. But that does not make them in the top five in my opinion. Not even close..

[@olivermj1236]

Agree also spirit mtn

[@lukegattman2358]

troll or welch clears everything.

[@rocker126]

Boyne Highlands has way better terrain and skiing than Boyne Mountain

[@joshrem1]

Bohemia not number 1?l mfao