The Best Resorts in the Midwest for Spring Skiing

While the Midwest might not be the first place that comes to mind for spring skiing, there are plenty of fun laps to be found if you know where to look. You’ll just need to plan accordingly. Because the regional season typically runs from late November through March—with a lucky few reaching Easter—the window is tighter than out West. Read on for our round-up of the best Midwest ski resorts for spring skiing.

Note: Head to our Midwest snow report page to find updates on conditions and projected closing dates at Midwest ski resorts.

Best Midwest Resorts For Spring Skiing

Big Powderhorn, Michigan

Take advantage of the lake-effect snow flying off Lake Superior at Big Powderhorn in Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula throughout March. Lake-effect snow occurs when cold air sweeps over the warmer expanse of lake water, often resulting in heavy snowfall. If you’re lucky, you may even get a spring powder day. Big Powderhorn has plenty of accommodations in the ski resort village to make a fun weekend out of it with friends or family. This resort typically closes by early April.

Mount Bohemia, Michigan

Mount Bohemia is known for its advanced terrain, making it a prime spot for experienced Midwest spring skiers. Due to its position on the Upper Keweenaw Peninsula, the resort receives dry, powdery lake effect snow in abundance. On average, Mount Bohemia sees nearly 300 inches of snow each season. Additionally, Mount Bohemia boasts one of the largest vertical drops in the Midwest and is the only lift-serviced ski resort in North America that doesn’t groom its snow. Therefore, we don’t recommend it for beginners. Mount Bohemia usually remains open until mid- to late-April.

Check out Lodging options at Mount Bohemia

Pine Mountain, Michigan

Pine Mountain, which overlooks the town of Iron Mountain, Michigan, is about a two-hour drive from Green Bay, Wisconsin. It’s a legacy resort that opened in 1939 when Fred Pabst of the Pabst Brewing family began the winter recreation area with a handful of runs and two rope tows. Today Pine Mountain is a versatile ski area with a large terrain park and numerous trails, and is popular with locals for its night skiing, since more than half the runs open under the lights. It’s typically open until late March. Pine Mountain has its own lodge, condos, and cabins, making it great for an entire weekend.

Ski Brule, Michigan

Ski Brule enjoys one of the longer ski seasons in the Midwest, typically staying open well into April. It has 17 trails with a pretty even distribution of difficulty levels. Come spring, it’s well-known for fun-filled events, like the rip-roaring week of nearby college spring breaks and the Brule Bash Ski Party in late March. This unique end-of-season celebration features a petting zoo (yes, really), free dog sled rides, and 50% off lift ticket prices. Bonus: Several runs are open at Ski Brule for night skiing on Friday and Saturday nights as conditions allow.

Boyne Mountain, Michigan

Boyne Mountain is highly rated by OnTheSnow users for its Midwest après-ski vibes, which, let’s face it, is really half the fun of spring skiing. Spring sees warmer temps, great lodging deals, and that sweet corn snow that keeps things fast and fun. Spring sees long ski days at Boyne, with lifts continuing to spin until 4:30 p.m. There’s also night skiing, which continues into spring, as conditions allow. All of this, plus a great fun food and drink scene, makes Boyne one of the Midwest’s top vacation destinations for spring skiing. Boyne Mountain typically remains open into April.

Check out Lodging options at Boyne Mountain

Granite Peak, Wisconsin

Skiing and riding can run well into April at Granite Peak, making for a lovely Midwest spring skiing season in Wisconsin. Granite Peak’s ski area consolidates its operations to the Sundance Chalet late in the season, where skiers can hang on the sundeck for a dose of Vitamin D and sunbathing after a morning of skiing. Afterward, head to Wausau, Wisconsin, for dinner and lodging options. Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, and the pond skim are some of Granite Peak’s most fun events in the spring.

Check out Lodging options at Granite Peak

Lutsen Mountains, Minnesota

March and April are arguably two of the best months for skiing and snowboarding at Lutsen Mountains. The softer snow is more forgiving for beginners, while pit stops on the mountain turn into mini beach days with lots of sun to soak up. Plus, the spring is full of fun events and live music across the resort. Check out Lutsen Mountains’ full lineup of spring events on their website. The Minnesota ski resort typically closes in April.

Check out Lodging options at Lutsen Mountains