Michigan Technological University students get to ski and snowboard free at Mont Ripley because Michigan Tech owns it and graciously waives the ski tickets. This fantastic perk means that if you attend Michigan Tech you get to ski free non-stop all winter. For all other skiers Mont Ripley is affordable at $38 a day.
flickr image by
Lordcolus
Considering that it is a university owned ski hill, there is a lot of skiing to be done there and a full service ski shop with ski and locker rentals in the chalet which also houses the lunch area.
Now, if you are visiting Michigan's Upper Peninsula in the winter, Mont Ripley is a really really fun little ski hill to try. It has a vertical drop of 420 feet, 4 lifts, 24 trails, and most of the trails are either beginner or intermediate---making Ripley a great place to learn how to ski and snowboard. However, if you are an advanced skier, there are a few challenging steep black diamond runs and a double diamond run as well as off trail places to ski between the trees. Snowboarders are happy with the tricks they can do off the various ramps.
The skiing quality is pretty reliable due to the excellent snow making abilities of their snow guns. Trail conditions are normally excellent with good grooming and lots of powder days. Night skiing is available as well.
And perhaps because it is owned by a university it is not well known and retains its own unique small town, small hill feel. An added attraction are the university activities at the hill, such as the Winter Carnival with its ice sculptures and ski and snowboard race events, which attract huge crowds and generate a festive atmosphere and high energy level.
If you would like to learn how to race and compete, Mont Ripley has snowboard and ski racing lessons and leagues that meet and compete every week. For added excitement, they offer Boarder-Cross and Skier-Cross Racing, which is the latest in ski racing pitting ski and snowboards against each other.
The area surrounding Houghton, where Mont Ripley is located, abounds with opportunities for winter outdoor sporting activities including skating, ice fishing, ice hockey, snowmobiling and cross country skiing. Houghton sits on the banks of Portage Lake, which is crossed by Portage Lift Bridge. In the winter the lower deck of the bridge is open to snowmobiling.
For lodging there are an ample number of moderately priced motels in the area around Houghton. Being near a university means there will be plentiful nightlife. And for dining, there are several very popular restaurants to try. The Ambassador is well loved for its pizza and giant fish bowl specialty drinks. The Finnish breakfast pancakes are a huge hit at the Suomi Restaurant. And the Keewenaw Brewing Company is favored for its freshly made beer. There are comfy chairs and a roaring fire making it the perfect stop after a snowy day of skiing.
To get your ski pass ahead of time and learn more about Mont Ripley, visit the Michigan Tech web site.
View Larger Map
