From: KEVINC@haven.adp.wisc.edu
Subject: Midwest skiing...
Organization: UW-Madison Admin. Data Proc.
Date: Fri, 8 Jan 93 21:11:23 GMT

in Wausau.

Northern Wisconsin & Michigan's Upper Penninsula: I've been to several up here including Whitecap,
Indianhead, Powderhorn and BlackJack.  I've heard good things about the Porcupine Mtns.

Whitecap: Located off of hwy 77 west of Hurley, Whitecap spans two hills with a vertical drop of 
around 400 - 500 feet.  Since Whitecap does not have much snow making capacity, they tend to be
a bit bare until after Jan 1 or so.  The runs tend to be narrower than the other area hills, meaning they left more
trees standing when they cut the trails.  Mostly an intermediate hill.

Indianhead: My favorite, located off of US 2 between Bessemer and Wakefield in Michigan's upper 
penninsula.  Vertical drop is approx. 600'.  Unlike the others, the lodge is at the top so you start the
day off with a run rather than with a ride.  This hill has more advanced runs than any others.  With three
bars, this is more of a party hill than a family hill.  Its also the most expensive.  Lift tickets are around
$30.  If you are going with a bunch of "rowdy" friends, this is the place to be.

Powderhorn: Located near Indianhead, its vertical drop is between 500 and 600'.  Its more family oriented
than Indianhead.  It also has fewer advanced runs.  Lift tickets are around $27 this year, I think.

BlackJack: Also located near Indianhead, its vertical drop is between 500 and 600'.  It has even fewer
advanced runs than Powderhorn.  Although sporting a nice bar, this place is mainly family oriented.  
Lift lines are the shortest here as the place has only been open since the...mid 70's I believe.  In fact,
I'm surprised they can stay in business.  Lift tickets are $26.

Porcupine Mtns: Location: Take US 2 to 28 to ...uh...65???  At any rate, its about 45 minutes farther into 
the UP than the previous mentioned hills.  I haven't been there yet, but I know its vertical drop is around
600'.  It is a state park, so I'm told you don't get the same level of services you do elsewhere.  For 
example, they don't make snow and I'm told they don't groom as much.  However, lift tickets are only
$18.  Based on the brochure I have, this is mostly an intermediate hill.  The few advanced runs look
like they are "headwalls",  with flatness above and below.  The main reason for going, I'm told, is the
picturesqe view of the surrounding forest and lake Superior.  I intend to check it out on the 16th.

All of the N. Wi/U.P hills have adequate snow cover.  While you won't find powder or even a respectable
mogul field yet, in general there aren't any rocks or stumps sticking out.  I haven't been anywhere else
yet due to our dismal snow conditions so skiing condition info is second hand and past experience
(i.e. mid and lower WI).

All that said, be aware that the midwest is NOTHING like out west.  If you go skiing in the midwest 
and then go out west, you won't want to ski the midwest anymore this season once you get back.  It
will take a whole spring, summer and fall of non-skiing to make you desperate enough.  Hey, if its all
ya got...  Also, if you go north wear lots of layers as its not uncommon for the temps to start out in the
single digits and end up in the low 20s, often with a cold north wind.

Happy Trails...
- kev -

Email: kevinc@beau.adp.wisc.edu

single digits and end up in the low 20s, often with a cold north wind.

Happy Trails...
- kev -

Email: kevinc@beau.adp.wisc.edu
Newsgroups: rec.skiing