Winter Recreation Upper Peninsula Michigan

Winter Activities & Events
Michigan Upper Peninsula: Skiing, Snowmobiling, Snowshoe Hiking, Winter Festivals and more

two harbors in winter

With some sections of the UP receiving over 200 inches of snow, one can see how this is a winter wonderland for skiers, snowshoeing enthusiasts, and snowmobilers. With the milder winters we've been having in the upper midwest, going to Yooperland is your best chance at fun in the snow.

Winter - Sault Ste Marie, Ontario Porcupine Mountain Winter Ski Snowshoe
UP Lake Superior Winter Events Calendar

Popular UP Ski Areas:
Indianhead Mountain
Big Powderhorn Mountain
Porcupine Mountain Ski Area
Mount Bohemia

One popular destination is the Porcupine Mountains area - offering downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing (see pictures from an earlier snowshoe trip), and beautiful Lake Superior scenery.

In addition to downhill and cross country skiing, other popular wintertime activities along the south shore include, snowmobiling, sled dog races, and shoeshoeing.

Below are a few of the 2011-12 Yooper winter events along the Lake Superior shore communities we know are taking place. Below the event listing are links to trail maps, snow condition reports & snowmobile trail maps.

2011 - 2012 Winter Events - Michigan Upper Peninsula
South Shore of Lake Superior

Negaunee Heikki Lunta Winterfest - Jan 21 - 22nd
Marquette Noquemanon Cross Country Ski Marathon - Jan 28th
Hancock Heikinpäivä Mid-Winter Festival - TBA
Michigan IceFest - Feb 2nd - 5th
Michigan Tech Winter Carnival - Houghton - Feb 10 - 12th
Soo International 500 Snowmobile Race - Feb 4 - 6th
Keweenaw Nordic Festival - Feb 4 - 5th
Agawa Canyon Snow Train Waiting to hear if repairs have been completed to enable the train to run this winter.
Marquette - Munising UP 200 Sled Dog Race - Feb 16 - 20th
Trenary Outhouse Classic - Feb 25th
Munising 300 Snowmobile Race - TBA
Calumet Great Bear X-Country Ski Race - March 10th
Pow Wow in the Pines Music Festival & Bikini Races - TBA

Snow & Trail Report Links:

- Munising snowmobile trail report

- Pictured Rocks Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling Conditions

- Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Trail Conditions

- Michigan Snow Sports Reports

- Michigan & Upper Peninsula Snowmobile Trail Maps

- Michigan.org Cross Country Ski Trail Directory

- Marquette County Cross Country Ski Trails

- NOAA Interactive Snow Information Map

Snowshoeing along Lake Superior in Porcupine Mountains State Park (click photo for link)

- SuperiorTrails Michigan Upper Peninsula Travel Directory

Winter is a great time to enjoy Michigan UP northwoods and the Lake Superior shore. You can get some healthy exercise, friendly ambience, and see views and sights not easily seen during the other seasons.