First Chair to Family Traditions

Mont Ripley Ski Area

Mont Ripley delivers the kind of Michigan skiing you don’t forget. Think glacier-carved terrain groomed to perfection, clean natural lines through the trees, race-ready pitches, rail features, tubing lanes, and dependable lake-effect powder rolling in off Lake Superior. Mont Ripley is Michigan’s oldest ski area and a cornerstone of Keweenaw ski culture - shaped by mining-era roots, Nordic-inspired Yooper heritage, and generations of families and Huskies from Michigan Technological University.

Five minutes from downtown Houghton or Hancock and you’re on the lift. Ten minutes after your last run, you’re settling into après ski. From champagne powder mornings to Winter Carnival torchlight parades and sunsets over the Portage Canal, this is where winter holds on a little longer in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Quick Highlights at Mont Ripley

Ski & Ride Features

• 24 trails across 112 skiable acres for all skill levels
• 440‑foot vertical drop with two chairlifts and a T‑bar
• Night skiing and snowmaking keep the hill active all winter long

Terrain & Parks

• Six glade runs and natural terrain for adventurous skiers
• Terrain parks with jumps, rails, boxes, and freestyle features

Tubing & Family Fun

• Keweenaw’s only tubing park with a tow rope—no hiking required
• Stunning views of Houghton, Hancock, and the Portage Waterway

On‑Hill Amenities

• Café at the base serving hot food, drinks, rentals, and gear
• Lessons and learn-to-ski programs for beginners and youth

A Day at Mont Ripley

Morning – First Tracks

Ease into the day on steep, short runs carved by glaciers and lined with trees. On a good morning, Lake Superior delivers champagne powder that makes every turn feel earned.

Midday – Warm Up & Refuel

Slide into the HuSKI Café inside the chalet for hot soup, cocoa, and hearty bites that keep the stoke level high before heading back out for more laps.

Afternoon – Find Your Fun

Lap the tubing park, hit the rail features, or dial in your turns with learn-to-ski programs offered through Michigan Tech. It’s the kind of hill where kids build confidence and grandparents still lead the way.

Evening – Lights On, Views Out

Stay for night skiing and catch sunset over the Portage Lift Bridge before carving under the lights as Houghton and Hancock sparkle below.

Après – Downtown in Minutes

When the lifts slow, downtown is just minutes away. Swap ski boots for winter boots and settle into a cozy café, brewery, or dinner spot in Houghton or Hancock to toast a full day on the hill.

Bonus – Late-Season Snow

Thanks to reliable snowmaking and Lake Superior lake-effect storms, the season stretches well into late winter and early spring—because in the Keweenaw, winter likes to linger.

Après Ski in Houghton & Hancock

• Warm up with coffee, pastries, or hot chocolate at local cafés.
• Toast your day on the slopes with a pint at the Keweenaw Brewing Company.
• Refined, hearty plates or quick bites at restaurants minutes from the lifts.

Keweenaw Winter Points of Interest at Mont Ripley

• MTU Winter Carnival Torchlight Parade: Watch skiers wind down the hill with torches and watch fireworks light the valley at Winter Carnival's finale.
• Tubing Adventures: Fast, thrilling runs for all ages, no skis required.
• Learn-to-Ski Programs: Build confidence on Michigan’s oldest ski hill.
• Spring Break Escape: Late-season skiing in the Upper Peninsula with natural terrain and reliable snow.