Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.) collects more snow than anywhere else in the Midwest, and it boasts the highest vertical drops. Downhill skiing is just one way to experience this exceptional winter wonderland.

Here’s a rundown of the nine ski resorts in the Western U.P., listed from west to east. At a glance, you can find the resort that’s right for you, your family, and your friends. Check the website of the hill that speaks to you for special rates, annual events, and more information.

Big Powderhorn (Bessemer)

It’s hard to miss the turn for Big Powderhorn on Highway 2 when you see the giant skier marking the entrance. Come and find out why he’s been smiling for 50 years! Big Powderhorn was voted “Best Downhill Terrain” in the Midwest by OnTheSnow.com for two years, and guests call it the “Most Family-Friendly Resort” in the Midwest.

Hill specs

• Trails: 622 vertical feet with 33 runs
• Trail type: Groomed, man-made snow, three peaks, a variety of slopes
• Difficulty rating: A third easy, a third intermediate, a third advanced
• Lifts: 6 chairlifts, 1 handle tow
• Terrain park: 3 parks
• Night skiing: Holidays and Saturdays

Rates

• Full-day adult pass: $52
• Kids 9 and under: FREE with adult pass

Food, lodging, and rentals

• Restaurants on-site
• Lodging on-site
• Equipment rentals, tuning, lessons

Blackjack Ski Resort (Bessemer)

Sandwiched just a few miles between Big Powderhorn and Indianhead, you can make this your hub for a multi-mountain ski vacation! Take advantage of Blackjack’s “Midweek Madness” deal, and you can ski five weekdays in a row for only $75! After that many days you’ll realize why they were voted “Best ski resort in the Midwest” in 2011 by About.com.

Hill specs

• Trails: 465 vertical feet with 21 runs
• Trail type: Groomed, man-made snow, glades, race runs
• Difficulty rating: a fifth easy, a third intermediate, a third advanced, a couple expert
• Lifts: 4 chairlifts, 1 rope tow, 1 beginner tow
• Terrain park: 3 parks, one for each skill level
• Night skiing: Yes

Rates

• Full-day adult pass: $55
• Kids 12 and under: FREE

Food, lodging, and rentals

• Restaurant on-site
• Trail-side lodging
• Equipment rentals, tuning, lessons

Indianhead Mountain Resort (Wakefield)

Check out the slopes from the comfort of your couch with their 360 Panoramic Trail Map! That will make you want to ski it in real life. Indianhead was voted “Best Terrain Resort” for 2012 by OnTheSnow.com and Visitor’s Choice “Favorite Family Friendly” for 2011 in the Midwest.

Hill specs

• Trails: 638 vertical feet with 30 runs
• Trail type: Groomed, man-made snow, wide open runs
• Difficulty rating: A fifth easy, a third intermediate, half advanced
• Lifts: 6 chairlifts, 2 t-bars, 1 magic carpet
• Terrain park: 2 parks for different skill levels
• Night skiing: No

Rates

• Full-day adult pass: $54
• Kids 9 and under: $17

Food, lodging, and rentals

• Several eateries on-site
• Rooms, chalets, condos trail-side and on-site
• Equipment rentals, lessons

The Porkies (Ontonagan)

The Porcupine Mountain Ski Area (better known as the Porkies) is a pivotal piece of the Porcupine Mountains State Park—a park totaling over 90 square miles of genuine wilderness. And with a view of Lake Superior from the chairlift, you may never want to go home. “We are what you remember about being outdoors.”

Hill specs

• Trails: 600 vertical feet by chairlift with 19 runs, an extra 180 vertical by foot with an expanse of backcountry terrain
• Trail type: Mostly groomed, open runs, glades, backcountry
• Difficulty rating: A couple easy, a third intermediate, a few advanced, a quarter expert accessed by lift, plus an expansive gladed backcountry
• Lifts: 1 chairlift, 1 rope tow, 1 handle tow
• Terrain park: The only park made with natural structures in the Midwest
• Night skiing: No

Rates

• Full-day adult pass: $35
• 17 and under: $27

Food, lodging, and rentals

• Restaurant on-site
• Visit website for nearby lodging
• Equipment rentals, tuning, lessons

Ski Brule (Iron River)

With almost as many lifts as ski runs, the operators at Ski Brule have a priority to get you up the hill quickly, so you can ski back down. They were voted “Best Overall Resort” from 2008 through 2013 by OnTheSnow.com. They also try to open earlier and stay open later than any other resort around.

Hill specs

• Trails: 500 vertical feet with 17 runs
• Trail type: Groomed, man-made snow, gentle slopes, terrain trails
• Difficulty rating: A third easy, a third intermediate, a quarter advanced, a couple expert
• Lifts: 11 chairlifts, 2 t-bars, 3 rope tows, 1 paddle tow
• Terrain park: 3 parks, 2 terrain trails
• Night skiing: Yes

Rates

• Full-day adult pass: $45
• Kids 9 and under: FREE

Food, lodging, and rentals

• Several eateries on-site
• Chalets and condos on-site
• Equipment rentals, tuning, lessons

Mont Ripley (Hancock)

Since Mont Ripley is owned and operated by Michigan Technological University, a school known for its engineering programs, you can be sure that the slopes, jumps and bowls are optimally designed for your pleasure. Plus they’re located in the “Snowiest City” in the Midwest, according to The Weather Channel.

Hill specs

• Trails: 440 vertical feet with 24 runs
• Trail type: Groomed, man-made snow, powder bowls, jumps, glades
• Difficulty rating: A quarter easy, a third intermediate, nearly half advanced, a couple expert
• Lifts: 2 chairlifts, 1 t-bar
• Terrain Park: Yes, with over 28 features
• Night skiing: Yes, excluding Sundays

Rates

• Full-day adult pass: $40
• Kids 5-17: $37
• Michigan Tech Students: FREE

Food, lodging, and rentals

• Cafeteria on-site
• Visit website for nearby lodging
• Equipment rentals, tuning, lessons

Pine Mountain (Iron Mountain)

After crunching some numbers, Pine Mountain is the best-value resort in the U.P. Anyone can ski from uesday to Thursday for only $15 for the whole day! And if you’re into spectator events, check out their annual Jump Weekend. Ski jumpers from all over the world flock in hopes of setting a new record. This year’s Jump Weekend is set for February 6-9.

Hill specs

• Trails: 500 vertical feet with 26 runs
• Trail type: Groomed, man-made snow, open runs
• Difficulty rating: A fifth easy, half intermediate, a quarter advanced
• Lifts: 5 chairlifts
• Terrain park: 3 parks, one for each skill level
• Night skiing: Yes

Rates

• Full-day adult pass: $39
• Kids 12 and under: 2 FREE with adult pass

Food, lodging, and rentals

• Several eateries on-site
• Rooms and condos on-site
• Equipment rentals

Mount Bohemia (Lac La Bell)e

So far, for the 2013-2014 ski season, Mount Bohemia has collected the most snow out of any resort in the whole United States! It’s no wonder they boast the most runs with the highest vertical and the deepest powder in the Midwest.

Hill specs

• Trails: 900 vertical feet with 95 runs
• Trail type: Not groomed, steep slopes, glades, cliffs
• Difficulty rating: A couple intermediate, a quarter advanced, half expert, a fifth extreme
• Lifts: 2 chairlifts
• Terrain park: No
• Night skiing: No

Rates

• Full-day pass for everyone: $55

Food, lodging, and rentals

• Restaurant on-site
• Yurts and cabins on-site
• Equipment rentals, tuning

Marquette Mountain (Marquette)

Marquette Mountain offers the most ski hours, most diverse terrain, favorite group location, and best terrain park, according to their site. “If you are a freestyle enthusiast, MM’s Terrain Parks will give you nationally ranked hits, rails, and trails for all levels.”

Hill specs

• Trails: 600 vertical feet with 26 runs
• Trail type: Groomed, man-made snow, diverse terrain, new backcountry runs
• Difficulty rating: A few easy, half intermediate, a third advanced
• Lifts: 3 chairlifts, 1 paddle tow
• Terrain park: 3 extensive parks
• Night skiing: 5 nights a week

Rates

• Full-day adult pass: $44
• Kids 9 and under: FREE with adult pass

Food, lodging, and rentals

• Restaurants on-site
• Visit website for nearby lodging
• Equipment rentals, tuning, lessons

Editor’s note: This article was produced in partnership with Pure Michigan.