People say the Upper Pennisula of Michigan is saved for the good outdoors. That’s definitely the case with Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort. Sure, it might not be a ski resort that a lot of people from the lower peninsula are visiting but Big Powderhorn Mountain sees it’s fair share of visitors from Wisconsin and Minnesota. They want to take advantage of Michigan’s great snow up north but you can join them too!
Read on for an overview of Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort and to answer all your questions about the ski resort.
Highlights of Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort in Michigan
So you are debating on going to Big Powderhorn but are a mountain statistician as we like to call it. Here are the highlights and stats of Big Powderhorn Ski Resort that you will want to know –
- 45 trails
- 9 Lifts
- 1 terrain parks
- 622 vertical feet
- 253 skiable acres
Where is Big Powderhorn Located?
Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort is located in Bessemer, Michigan. It is basically a stone’s throw from Lake Superior. We have compiled some of the driving distances nearby where a lot of people come from –
- Minneapolis, MN – 4 hours and 20 minutes, 234 miles
- Duluth, MN – 2 hours and 15 minutes, 115 miles
- Green Bay, WI – 3 hours and 45 minutes, 223 miles
- Milwaukee, WI – 5 hours, 314 miles
Need Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort Directions? Map it from your place here.
What is Big Powderhorn Mountain Ski Resort?
Big Powderhorn Resort is a family-friendly ski area in the northern peninsula of Michigan. If you really want to experience the outdoors in Michigan then Big Powderhorn is a great place to go. Their 45 trails leave a lot to explore and there is fun packed into every turn.
Lodging Near Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort
If you plan on driving quite a bit to get to Big Powderhorn then we totally understand you’d want lodging near the slopes. Luckily, they have it. There are quite a few places on the grounds and nearby that you can book through Big Powderhorn Resort. They offer the Hugel Haus, Chateaux Stu and Base Camp. Depending on the size of your group, they sleep from 4 to 8 people.
Another option is to look for local rentals on VRBO or Airbnb near Big Powderhorn Mountain.
Finally, there are a few inns, in Ironwood. Ironwood is a 10 minute drive back south of the resort. The closest thing to a name you are familiar with is probably the AmericInn by Wyndham Ironwood.
How Tall is Big Powderhorn Mountain?
Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort has a summit of 1,640 feet. The mountain itself is on the Gogebic Range of mountains.
The Best Time to Visit Big Powderhorn
The best time to visit the resort is on the weekend mornings. Sunday is generally a little quieter on the trails when the resort opens. If you want freshly groomed trails and sparkling runs, it is best to hit Powderhorn right when they open.
Does Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort Have a Ski Shop?
Left your mittens at home? Powderhorn Gifts is the place if you need an extra piece of warm clothing. It is also the place at the resort to grab souvenirs , pizza and wine for takeout. You can find it on the 2nd floor of Gun Barrel Lodge.
Terrain Park – What to Know
Recoil terrain park is the freestyle area at Big Powderhorn. The park crew throws in a little mix of everything from jumps to rails, boxes and kickers. It changes up a bit over the season too, so don’t always count on it being the same towards the beginning and end of the season.
Is Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort Good for Beginners?
Is 12 beginner trails enough for you? We surely think Big Powderhorn is a great place for beginners. They are generous with the amount of their beginner trails in the sense that you could ride beginner trails all day. Once out of the learning area, beginner trails are great for learners, kids and families alike.
Along with the helpful snow sports school at Big Powderhorn, lessons don’t get much easier. The friendly instructors will help coach you from never riding to getting on your way.
Trails at Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort
The thing to know about the trails at Big Powderhorn is they are split pretty evenly with a slight favor towards the intermediate rider. Here is a breakdown on the number of trails at the resort.
- 12 beginner
- 18 intermediate
- 15 advanced
Some of the most popular trails are Trigger for beginners, Caribou for intermediates and Louie’s Chute for the advanced crowd.
Other Winter Activities at Big Powderhorn Resort
There isn’t a lot of other winter activities at Big Powderhorn off the slopes but if you leave the resort, there is in the upper peninsula of Michigan. There is fat biking, snowshoing and snow mobiling all within 30 minutes. You’ll probably be busy with the trails at Big Powderhorn but it’s good to know there is activities nearby as well!
Is There Summer Mountain Biking at Big Powderhorn?
There’s no summer mountain biking at Big Powderhorn Resort. Aside from weddings and conferences, the resort slows down quite a bit for the summer.
Big Powderhorn – Final Thoughts:
If you can make it to the northern peninsula then you are in for a treat of a Michigan ski resort. Its not the biggest and fastest lifts but theres a feeling of embracing nature and the snow at Big Powderhorn. It feels expansive, refreshing and of course, fun.
Whether it is just you, the family or a group of friends, they will all have a good time going out to Big Powderhorn. Grab your tickets and hit the slopes!
