Big Powderhorn Mountain Ski Resort, located in the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is a winter sports enthusiast’s dream. This ski area is a well-liked getaway for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, thanks to its fluffy snow, demanding courses, and gorgeous landscape. Big Powderhorn Mountain has about 250 acres of skiable terrain, 45 routes, and nine lifts, providing many chances for winter enjoyment. Big Powderhorn Mountain, in addition to skiing and snowboarding, provides a variety of winter sports, such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling, tubing, and ice skating.
Throughout the winter, the resort also offers a range of events, such as live music, comedy performances, and family-friendly activities. Overall, Big Powderhorn Mountain Ski Resort is an excellent choice for anybody seeking a fantastic winter vacation. This resort will likely please guests of all ages and interests with its gorgeous landscape, world-class skiing, and a broad selection of activities.

Overview of the Terrain
- 27% of all beginner runs
- 40% of the runs are intermediate.
- Advanced Runs 31%
- Expert Runs at 2%
- 45 total runs
- The longest run is one mile.
- Skiable area of 253 acres
- Making Snow on 228 Acres
Big Powderhorn Mountain Ski Resort Trail Map

Big Powderhorn Mountain Ski Resort Information
Many people are still surprised that Midwest skiing occurs. Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort is one of these sites to remember where it happened. Are you planning a trip to the western Upper Peninsula for some skiing? Follow this guide to discover all you need about the “Ski Capital of the Midwest.”
Guide to Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort
- How to Get to Big Powderhorn
- Season Passes and Lift Tickets
- The Mountain Adventure
- After Skiing
- Lodging on Big Powderhorn Mountain
- Best Things to Do in the Neighborhood
- The Protocol for COVID-19 at the Mountain
- More Skiing in the Midwest
Big Powderhorn Mountain Directions
Big Powderhorn is one of the closest ski resorts to Wisconsin, making it a popular destination for cheese lovers. Residents of Wisconsin may access Ironwood via Highway 2/51/77. For those traveling from the Central and Eastern UP, use Highway 2 South or your Highway 41/141/28 combination.
Powderhorn Lift Tickets and Season Passes
Big Powderhorn is also a part of the second-year-running Indy Pass, which provides riders with two days of riding at over 50 resorts for USD 259. Remember this if you bought an Indianapolis Pass! Also, congratulations to Mt. Bohemia for collaborating on three complimentary ski days here if you purchased a Mt. Bohemia Season Pass.
Experience the Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort

Huge Powderhorn delivers colossal family fun, according to its name. Skiers and snowboarders will have more than 45 routes and nine double-chair lifts to enjoy for a whole day. Getting to know the best ski resorts in Michigan is key for an amazing adventure. The ability to cross the entire mountain very quickly is what makes the mountain so appealing. The 650 feet of vertical funnels work beautifully from top to bottom, thanks to well-placed chairlifts and 253 skiable acres. Families will like the variety of terrain, from complex to simple, and the ski-in/ski-out possibilities.
Powderhorn Après Ski
For those nearby, walk into Ironwood for a lively atmosphere or to the Iron Nugget for a bite to eat! Lake Gogebic is one of Michigan’s most incredible spots to ice fish if you bring your ice fishing gear and have enough energy!
Lodging on Big Powderhorn Mountain
All accommodations in Big Powderhorn need a minimum of two nights, with some requiring three. Variety is the game’s name here, as the resort provides many housing alternatives, including ski/Out chalets! There are several possibilities for people staying in Ironwood/Bessemer. I’d remain in Ironwood since there are more alternatives and things to do. Some locations include:
Big Powderhorn Mountain Ski Resort Attractions

Midwest Skiing Capital
Michigan isn’t exactly known as a “snowsports mecca,” but it comes close due to a slew of hidden gem ski slopes that would salivate any snowsport enthusiast. Michigan, ranked second in ski resorts per state, makes it difficult to decide which destination to visit first. To begin, consider Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort, a local favorite. Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort is frequently ranked among the best Midwest resorts.
The motto “Ski Capital of the Midwest” explains its popularity. Every year, seventeen feet of natural snowfall blankets over 250 acres of beautiful terrain divided into 45 routes to ensure everyone, regardless of expertise, has a good time. Big Powderhorn is great for families and seasoned snow fans wanting to spend a pleasant day on the slopes without excruciatingly long lift lines and packed lodges, and it has a relaxing mountain air.
Reason #1: Beautiful Setting
This Western Upper Peninsula Ski Resort, located on the border of Wisconsin and Michigan, is a snow wonderland for adventure lovers of all types. The adjacent Ironwood and Bessemer sections of Big Powderhorn Mountain Resorts also have over 3,000 miles of natural terrain for snowmobile activity. When the lifts aren’t whirling, the UP is an outdoor refuge for snowmobiling, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing, with access to Michigan’s top-rated waterfalls.
The stunning vistas don’t end once you’re on the summit and ready to begin your ski day. The summit lookout’s reach into the heart of the Western Upper Peninsula provides enough opportunity to pause and take in the scenery.
Reason #2: Ski-in/ski-out chalets.
Big Powderhorn Resort has a range of hotel alternatives to suit any visitor’s needs. They strongly advise booking one of the slopeside ski-in, ski-out chalets. Big Powderhorn Resort features a superb assortment of inexpensive onsite housing that is difficult to get at other top resorts. Make your family and friends vacation unforgettable by reserving one of these lodges as soon as possible since they tend to fill up quickly.
After a long day on the mountain, nothing beats heading out to supper at Big Powderhorn Resort’s Bavarian-inspired hamlet. Caribou Lodge and Hideout Grill & Bar are both snug and great dining alternatives for families wanting to unwind after a day on the mountain. It is challenging to top a ski resort that makes meals as simple as a green circle run.
Reason #3: Road Trip Possibilities
Continue the fun once you’ve visited Big Powderhorn Resort! Pine Mountain Ski Resort and Granite Peak are two of the best Indy Pass ski resorts, just two hours from Big Powderhorn Resort. Driving from Big Powderhorn to Pine Mountain Ski Resort takes you right into the heart of the Ottawa National Forest. Pine Mountain Ski Resort, located two hours from Big Powderhorn Resort, is a superb all-in-one resort that will keep your family and friends snug and happy over a fun weekend excursion.
New owners have just updated the ski hill recontouring, snowmaking, and lifts for tourists to enjoy, so now is the ideal time. Granite Peak Ski Area, located 2.5 hours from Big Powderhorn Resort, is a Wisconsin hidden treasure. ‘Wisconsin’s #1 Ski Area,’ with over 200 acres of terrain and magnificent tree skiing, has the most significant elevation, 700′ and 68 runs, making it a terrific resort to add to your road trip. Like Big Powderhorn, Granite Peak has snowmaking capabilities that enable nearly six months of top-notch winter enjoyment. Being one of the country’s oldest resorts ensures you’ll enjoy the ‘ mom & pop’ ambiance and personnel that treat you like family.
Where can I find Big Powderhorn?
Bessemer, Michigan, is home to Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort. It’s just a stone’s throw away from Lake Superior. We’ve produced a list of some of the driving distances from places where a lot of people come from –
- Minneapolis, MN – 234 miles, 4 hours and 20 minutes
- Duluth, MN – 115 miles, 2 hours and 15 minutes
- Green Bay, WI – 223 miles, 3 hours and 45 minutes
- Milwaukee, WI – 314 miles, 5 hours
What is the height of Big Powderhorn Mountain?
The top of Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort is 1,640 feet. The mountain is part of the Gogebic Mountain Range. If you can go to the northern peninsula, you will be in for a treat at a Michigan ski resort.
Big Powderhorn doesn’t have the largest or quickest lifts, but it has a sense of embracing nature and the snow. It’s vast, refreshing, and, of course, entertaining. Whether it’s just you, your family, or a bunch of friends, everyone will have an excellent time at Big Powderhorn.
FAQs About Big Powderhorn Mountain Ski Resort in Michigan
1. How are the conditions for skiing in Big Powderhorn Mountain Ski Resort?
Big Powderhorn Mountain Ski Resort has some of the most incredible skiing conditions in the Midwest. The resort provides excellent skiing and snowboarding options for both novices and expert riders, with an average annual snowfall of 200 inches.
2. What kinds of runs can you find in Big Powderhorn Mountain Ski Resort?
The resort has a wide range of routes that suit all ability levels of snowboarders and skiers. There are 33 runs: 35% designated for beginners, 35% for intermediates, and 30% for experienced skiers and snowboarders.
3. What services and facilities does the resort provide?
The resort provides several features and services, such as a ski and snowboard rental store, a ski school, a bar, and a hot tub.
4. Is Big Powderhorn Mountain Ski Resort suitable for families?
The resort is fantastic for families, with a terrific ski school for youngsters and a choice of slopes for all skill levels.
5. When should you go to Big Powderhorn Mountain Ski Resort?
The resort is open from mid-December to early April, with the finest skiing in January and February.
6. Does the resort provide any non-skiing activities?
The resort provides non-skiing activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.
7. What lodging is offered at Big Powderhorn Mountain Ski Resort?
Accommodations at the resort include slopeside condominiums, townhouses, and hotel rooms.
8. Where can I get directions to Big Powderhorn Mountain Ski Resort?
The resort is readily accessible by automobile and is situated in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It takes around 6 hours to travel from Chicago and 5 hours to go from Detroit.
9. Does the resort provide any specials or packages?
Yes, the resort provides several discounts and packages during the season, including midweek promotions and multi-day lift ticket packages.
10. Does Big Powderhorn Mountain Ski Resort have a terrain park?
Yes, the resort provides a terrain park with a range of elements for all abilities of skiers and snowboarders.
