Backcountry Skiing, Michigan Style

I just returned from an insane alpine ski trip to. . . Michigan.

That’s right, Mount Bohemia (www.mtbohemia.com), a tiny ski area on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, has alpine attributes heretofore unheard of in the Midwest, including chutes, cornices, cliffs, and (usually) deep powder snow.

There’s even a sign at the entrance to the resort that reads “Warning: NO BEGINNERS ALLOWED.” (No joke!)

Two lifts give access to the area’s glades and 71 named trails, none of which are groomed. Yurts are used in lieu of lodges at the base area. A roving minibus picks up skiers from a road below a popular backcountry face, delivering them back to the base area.

All this exists on a 1,465-foot hill overlooking Lake Superior.

Another distinguisher: Bohemia has no snowmaking. Instead, up to 300 inches of fluff fall most seasons (though this year has been paltry).

The pics here are from the resort’s web site; will post some of my own soon. . .

Here’s the trail map: