Indianhead Mountain Ski Resort Review

Indianhead Mountain Ski Resort is in Michigan's Upper Peninsula overlooking the Ottawa National Forest. This part of Michigan is known for some of the best and deepest snow in the mid west. That's why it got the name "Big Snow Country". Indianhead is four hours from Green Bay, four and a half from Madison and six from Milwaukee.

There are 29 runs at the Indian Mountain ski area, 18% beginner, 36% intermediate and 46% advanced/expert. The longest run is 1 mile. The trails cover 220 acres with a vertical drop of 638 feet. The trails are serviced by 9 lifts. The annual snowfall is over 17 feet and when needed snowmakers cover 90% of the slopes.

Expert skiers should head straight for Crazy Horse, Elkhorn, Hiawatha and West Headwall for the most challenging skiing. Beginners should stay on trails marked Deer Track, Totem Pole, Snowshoe, Voyager's Highway, Running Bear and Little Paw. All the rest are somewhere in between and suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers.

There are two terrain parks for the snowboarders. They are Big Chief and Timber Wolf. Timber Wolf is a beginner park for all of those not quite ready for Big Chief.

For those of you wanting to cross country ski Indianhead offers a free shuttle to an area just a mile away. From here you have many miles of groomed trails through the northern Michigan woods.

Indianhead's Totem Pole beginner area is the place to learn and get comfortable on your skis. It is equipped with a ski carpet and is the location of the ski school lessons. They have lessons for children and adults in groups or with a private instructor. On Tuesdays and Thursdays they have the Play and Ski Program for children ages 4 through 8. Babysitting is also available on an hourly basis. Snowboard clinics are offered four times a day, seven days a week.

The Family Fun Center is the place to go for something besides skiing and boarding. Here you can enjoy snow tubing, bon fires and moonlight snowshoeing through the Northwoods. At the Health and Racquet Club an indoor pool awaits you. Or you can work out in the weight room, dip in the Jacuzzi, get a massage or play racquetball.

The Lodge Restaurant is the fancy place to eat at Indianhead featuring steaks and seafood. The place for drinks and entertainment is Dudley's Saloon where live bands play on the weekends. On the slope dining can be at the Base Place or the Red Dog Saloon. At the top of the mountain are the Summit Center, the Ski High Cafeteria and the Sky Bar and Grill.

On the slope lodging is abundant at Indianhead with your choice of hotel style lodging, village chalets or trailside condos. You will also find a ski shop and a rental shop for boarders and skiers.

Indianhead Mountain Resort is open year round with golf and hiking being the biggest summer attractions.

Other ski resorts near Indianhead Mountain are Whitecap Mountain at 20 miles away, Big Powderhorn Mountain is six miles away and Blackjack is three miles.

The hours at Indian Mountain Ski Resort are 9 am to 4 pm daily. Their address is Indianhead Mountain, 500 Indianhead Road, Wakefield, Michigan 49968. You can call them at 1-800-346-3426.

Indianhead Mountain Ski Resort Map & Directions (click on "Marker" for your personalized directions)

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