Midwest Nice: Michigan Ski Area Offers Reciprocal Season Passes To Neighbor Until Conditions Improve

Michigan's Mount Bohemia has had a rough go of it this season. The ski area relies on natural snowfall, and Mother Nature hasn't quite cooperated.

Located just 45 minutes down the road, Mont Ripley (which utilizes snowmaking and grooming), is stepping up to offer Mount Bohemia's season pass holders unlimited access through February 21st. Check out the announcement below:

Mount Bohemia (Boho) averages about 270 inches of natural lake-effect snowfall each season. The moisture that comes off Lake Superior is usually enough to keep the ski area open from late-December through late-April without the need for snowmaking.

Unfortunately for Mount Bohemia, the dreaded El Niño weather pattern that has dominated this winter had other plans.

The ski area has totaled 100 inches of snow this season. Not terrible for mid-February, but the periods of snow have been interrupted with long stretches of above-average temps and rain. Thankfully for Boho skiers, Mont Ripley is stepping up to the plate until conditions improve.

Mont Ripley is a respectable ski area by midwestern standards. Its 440 feet of vertical peers over the Keweenaw Waterway into Houghton, Michigan's snowiest city.

Owned and operated by Michigan Tech, students ski for free all season long.

Skiers won't find expansive tree skiing, cliffs, and steeps like Mount Bohemia, but it's certainly a serviceable hill to make some turns until conditions improve.

There are some calling for Mount Bohemia to invest in modern snowmaking to mitigate weather impacts moving forward, but don't hold your breath.

Boho's draw is predicated on offering a natural snow skiing experience that is unmatched in the region. Don't expect them to flip the script anytime soon.

Mount Bohemia is reporting three inches of new snow overnight with "maybe two to seven inches" in the forecast.

Think snow!

Mont Ripley Ski Area Stats/Info:

Vertical: 440 ft.

Skiable Terrain: 112+ ac.

Average Snowfall: N/A

Lifts: 3

Trails: 34

Snowmaking: YES

Night Skiing: YES

Mega-Pass: Indy Pass

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