There are only a few ski areas in the U.S. where your ticket is good for multiple mountains. At Big Snow Resort, lift tickets let you ski or snowboard at Blackjack Mountain and Indianhead Mountain. We are diving into Blackjack Mountain to get you up to speed with everything you need to know before visiting.
Read on and you’ll be able to make the decision if Blackjack Mountain at Big Snow is the best place to go skiing and snowboarding.
Highlights of Blackjack Mountain in Michigan
So you are debating on going to Blackjack because you could spend your time at Blackjack. Well here are some stats on Blackjack that might get you excited –
- 24 trails
- 6 Lifts
- 2 terrain parks
Where is Blackjack Mountain Located?
Blackjack Mountain is located in Wakefield, Michigan. It sits just below Lake Superior in the upper peninsula. We have compiled some of the driving distances nearby where a lot of people come from –
- Minneapolis, MN – 4 hours and 30 minutes, 238 miles
- Duluth, MN – 2 hours and 20 minutes, 120 miles
- Green Bay, WI – 3 hours and 40 minutes, 220 miles
- Milwaukee, WI – 5 hours, 310 miles
Need Blackjack Mountain Directions? Map it from your place here.
What is Blackjack Mountain Ski Area?
Blackjack Mountain is part of Big Snow Ski Resort. Blackjack is separated from their other mountain, Indianhead by the Black River. One lift ticket gives access to all the 56 trails in total of the two mountains. They even have a free bus to shuttle you between the two mountains.
Big Snow with its two mountains is a winter destination. They have the trails, lodging and food onsite so you only need to show up and have fun.
Lodging Near Blackjack Mountain
One of the great things about visiting Blackjack Mountain at Big Snow is the onsite lodging. Most people hear the upper peninsula of Michigan and immediately get turned off on the idea of visiting. Especially if they are from the lower peninsula.
Thankfully if you make the drive then there are multiple options for lodging at Big Snow and Blackjack. Hotel-style rooms start at just over $115 a night generally and go up from there. Chalets start around $400 but can sleep to 13 in ones like the Wakaigan.
Before booking at Big Snow, two other good options to compare rates and amenities are the Black River Lodge that sits just to the north and the AmericInn by Wyndham Ironwood.
If camping is more your style then there is Alpine Campground & RV park just 5 minutes from Blackjack Mountain.
Key Takeaway: There are a lot of lodging options near Blackjack Mountain – Big Snow. Be sure to compare your options because sometimes you can get better amenities off the mountain itself.
Night Skiing at Blackjack Mountain
There is no night skiing at Blackjack Mountain. Big Snow but it is only on select trails at Indianhead. Night skiing is free with the daily lift tickets and is ONLY on Indianhead and not Blackjack. The trails include Voyager’s Highway, Old Flambeau and Chippewa. The last thing to note about night skiing is that it is only on Fridays and Saturdays.
Key Takeaway: Night skiing is only at Indianhead on Fridays and Saturdays. It is never at Blackjack Mountain.
The Best Time to Visit Blackjack Mountain
The best time to visit Blackjack Mountain is on weekday mornings. Thursday morning are usually the quietest right when the mountain opens. Blackjack is only open on Thursdays through Sundays so keep that in mind when planning your trip.
Does Blackjack Mountain Have a Ski Shop?
Both Blackjack and Indianhead have ski shops. You’ll find the one in the lodge at Blackjack Mountain. H.W. Rider is the ski shop you need to visit when you forget gear.
H.W. RIder also has a sister shop on US 2 in Ironwood. If you stay at one of the inns, in Ironwood, you ought to stop by and check out the shop. It is called Hobbywheel.
Blackjack Mountain Terrain Park
Blackjack Mountain has two terrain parks. Just Cuz Park and Narrow Gauge Park. While both are suited for beginners, Just Cuz Park is the place you want to start if you are new to freestyle riding. More experienced riders should head back over to Indianhead and ride the Big Chief terrain park.
Is Blackjack Mountain Good for Beginners?
There isn’t as many beginner trails at Blackjack but Horseshoe is always a favorite for beginners. Additionally, there is a beginner learning area at Blackjack so don’t feel like beginners can only ride Indianhead. Taking a lesson will help give you a start on both mountains if you are new.
Trails at Blackjack Mountain – What to Know
24 of 56 Big Snow trails are at Blackjack Mountain. It is definitely the smaller mountain. That is one of the reasons it is only open Thursdays through Sundays. If you go on a day Blackjack is open then here are some trails to check out at the different skill levels.
Beginner
- Horseshoe
Intermediate
- Whitesides Crossing
- Duke’s Mixture
- River Drive
Advanced
- Broad Ax
- Steiger’s Mill
Other Winter Activities at Blackjack
There’s enough stuff to keep you busy off the trails as on the trails. When planning your trip to Blackjack at Big Snow, there is also snowshoeing, snowmobiling and often live music at the resort.
If you are wanting to ride snowmobiles then Big Snow is the place. 70 miles of trails connect to Big Snow in the Gogebic Range Trail System. Just be sure to monitor the snow and check with the resort as they don’t rent when there isn’t enough snow.
Summers at Blackjack Mountain
After the snow is long gone, Blackjack remains action-packed. There are over 13 miles of off-road trails to explore and test you. Bring out your best off road vehicle and explore the trails at Blackjack ORV park.
Is Blackjack Mountain Better than Indianhead Mountain?
A common thing we hear people asking is if Blackjack is better than Indianhead at Big Snow. They each offer their unique trails. Blackjack often has shorter lift lines if you are focused on riding advanced trails. Although only Indianhead has night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays.
You might want to do half a day at one mountain and then the other half on the other mountain. Just hop on the free shuttle and they will get you moved around pretty easily.
Blackjack Mountain at Big Snow – Final Thoughts:
Big Snow will give you options. You have your choice between Blackjack and Indianhead, both on one ticket! You can’t beat that. Even though the trails are fun, it is fun in itself to switch up mountains. If you vacation on the weekends then you can even catch night skiing at Indianhead on Fridays and Saturdays, making it all the more better.
Whether it is your first time to big snow or you make the trip every year, you are sure to find a trail that you will fall in love with at Blackjack Mountain.
