Michigan Ski Area Wins USA Today's '10 Best Ski Resorts' List

Ian Greenwood
·2 min read
5

Mount Bohemia, a legendary ski resort in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, has been named the best in North America by USA Today's 2023 readers' choice poll.

The humble resort snagged the top spot from other heavy-hitters like Alta Ski Area, Utah, and Sun Valley Resort, Idaho.

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USA Today's reader choice polls involve two steps. First, a panel of experts enlisted by USA Today selects the best resorts in North America. Then, readers vote on their favorites from among these choices.

For the most part, USA Today's 2023 top ten list was predictable, with Western industry stalwarts dominating. However, some midwest sleepers, namely Mount Bohemia and Lutsen Mountain, Minnesota, snuck their way in, too.

Now, I don't want to say that Mount Bohemia claiming the number one position is an upset. It's not. Mount Bohemia is a very special place, home to deep snow and a uniquely tight-knit community. Had I participated in the USA Today poll, I would've thrown my hat into the ring for Mount Bohemia—the love the UP ski resort received from USA Today is well-deserved.

That being said, Mount Bohemia was an underdog here. The resort isn't a "destination" like Sun Valley or Vail Ski Resort, Colorado—it doesn't have honkin' ski-in/ski-out mansions or swanky hotels. Much of the lodging available at Mount Bohemia comes in the form of humble yurts and log cabins. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if many of USA Today's poll participants had never heard of Mount Bohemia. The place is a hidden gem.

But perhaps that's precisely why Mount Bohemia is the 2023 champion. The little resort isn't trying to be something it's not, focusing instead on what really matters—the skiing—and nothing more. In an industry where everything besides the skiing is becoming all-consuming, the no-frills approach must have struck a chord for USA Today's readership.

Congrats to Mount Bohemia and the rest of the resorts to make the top ten list!

Here's the list courtesy of USA Today:

1. Mount Bohemia, Michigan

2. Banff Sunshine Village, Alberta

3. Winter Park Resort, Colorado

4. Lutsen Mountains, Minnesota

5. Heavenly Mountain, California

6. Palisades Tahoe, California

7. Vail Ski Resort, Colorado

8. Sun Valley Resort, Idaho

9. Cannon Mountain, New Hampshire

10. Alta Ski Area, Utah

Related: Australian Ski Resort Resurrects Winter With Manmade Snow

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