Mount Bohemia in Northern U.P. Voted No. 1 Ski Resort in North America

Mount Bohemia Ski Resort in Lac La Belle, located in the northern portion of the Upper Peninsula, has been voted as the No. 1 ski resort in North America by readers of USA Today 10Best.
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Mount Bohemia ski slope
Mount Bohemia Ski Resort in the Upper Peninsula has been voted as the No. 1 ski resort in North America by readers of USA Today. // Photo courtesy of Pure Michigan

Mount Bohemia Ski Resort in Lac La Belle, located in the northern portion of the Upper Peninsula, has been voted as the No. 1 ski resort in North America by readers of USA Today 10Best.

Averaging more than 270 inches of annual snowfall and featuring the Midwest’s highest vertical drop at 900 feet, Mount Bohemia offers 585 acres of glades, chutes, and tree-lined runs that are among the longest in the Midwest.

“Mount Bohemia is a very special place,” says Lonie Glieberman, president of Mount Bohemia Ski Resort. “We’d like to thank the people who helped choose us this year as the No. 1 ski resort in North America.

“It goes to show the appreciation and support of our passionate customer base. This is not only a huge moment for Mount Bohemia, but also great for Michigan. Our state is a world-class tourism destination in winter, summer, and fall.”

Opened in 2000, Mount Bohemia relies on natural snow to blanket its 95 runs, and has no snow making equipment. The area in the Keweenaw Peninsula averages between 250 and 300 inches of snow a year.

Given the runs aren’t groomed, the resort appeals to advanced skiers. The longest run is 1 mile, and there are two chair lifts — a triple chair and a double chair.

The resort, located about 39 miles from Houghton and the Houghton County Memorial Airport, offers lodging, food and beverages, and a Nordic Spa. Season passes are sold out, but day passes are available.

“Lake effect snow is a big part of what makes Michigan a natural winter playground,” says Dave Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

“That’s especially true on the Keweenaw Peninsula, where some of the state’s highest annual snowfall totals draw skiers and snowboarders from across the Midwest and beyond to experience the deep powder and challenging terrain at Mount Bohemia and the beautiful setting along the shores of Lake Superior.”

Michigan ranks second nationally with more than 40 ski areas and resorts across the state’s two peninsulas, boasting everything from groomed cruising runs and family-friendly learning areas to terrain parks and steep, powder-filled slopes like those found at Mount Bohemia.

“We’re thrilled Mount Bohemia was selected by USA Today readers as the top ski resort in North America,” says Brad Barnett, executive director of Visit Keweenaw. “Bohemia is a place that’s all about skiing and powder, and that’s what makes it so unique, especially in the Midwest.”

In a bid to promote Michigan as a skiing and winter sports destination, a Pure Michigan campaign is inviting travelers to “Keep it Fresh” this winter season with a new advertising spot – “Fresh Start” – that highlights the diversity of Michigan’s winter recreation opportunities while showcasing the beauty of the state’s natural landscapes.

Winter sports enthusiasts also can take a video tour of signature runs at ski areas and resorts across Michigan by visiting michigan.org/SkiPureMichigan, and can visit michigan.org/winter for more inspiration and information to plan the perfect winter getaway.

Those looking for winter travel ideas can check out this year’s Fall and Winter Travel Guide, a comprehensive guide to the adventures and experiences available to visitors and Michiganders alike.

The Guide also offers a digital and universally accessible format, allowing travelers to access the guide from desktop and mobile devices while on the go. Hard copies of the guide can also be found at the 14 Michigan Department of Transportation Welcome Centers across the state.

For more information about Mount Bohemia, visit mtbohemia.com/.