Ski Blackjack, in the western end of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, has been a favorite of many riders and skiers for years for reasons that vary from its remote feel, to its great deals.

Stand at the top of nearly any of its slopes, and it’s like being at a resort in Colorado, as you’re surrounded by trees and craggy Midwest mountains covered so far by some 14 feet of snow this season. Add some great deals, and you’ll know why this resort, with 26 runs on a 500-foot vertical served by four lifts, a rope tow and handle tow, draws skiers and boarders from Chicago and the Twin Cities to Lower Michigan looking for a great getaway without the air fare.

If you’re a regular visitor to Blackjack, where you can also ski two neighboring big mountains on the same trip just on this side of the Michigan-Wisconsin border, not to mention others in Badger country, now’s the time to by your season pass for next winter. The cost for pass that’s normally $295 is just $99 through March 31, and enjoy $10 off lift passes for the rest of this season, which should extend at least through March. Buy a daily ticket online for just $40 and save $7 off the ticket window price, or $8 if you purchase a two-day ducat.

Wisconsin skiers and boarders: buy a Golden Pass at Blackjack, and ski or ride here and at its sister resorts, Little Switzerland, near Singer, Wis., and Nordic Mountain, near Mt. Morris, Wis., for just one price: $319 through March 31, and $395 after.

Fun events includes the March 16-17 St. Patty’s Day weekend, with a slush cup run design that each year is unique. On top of the watery fun in a pool that’s dyed green, tents and grills at the bottom of the hills will be serving starting at 2 p.m. Saturday.  Or, watch the fun from the Logger’s Lounge that overlooks the mountain.