Michigan (MI)3 Active Stations

Upper Peninsula of Michigan

The legendary lake-effect snowbelt of the Midwest with 200+ inches of annual snowfall and vast groomed trail networks.

Michigan's Upper Peninsula (U.P.) is the premier snowmobiling and Nordic ski destination east of the Rockies. Powered by heavy lake-effect snow bands off Lake Superior, areas like the Keweenaw Peninsula, Munising, and Lake Gogebic regularly build 30-50 inch snow bases. Over 3,000 miles of interconnected groomed trails make it the heart of Midwestern winter riding.

Official Avalanche Advisory Required (Upper Peninsula of Michigan)

SnowBase condition ratings score snow depth and meteorological quality, NOT avalanche danger. Before backcountry skiing or mountain riding, you must check the official regional avalanche forecast and carry rescue gear (beacon, shovel, probe).

View Official Avalanche Center Forecast →
Base Depth
48"+
24 - 48"
12 - 24"
< 12"

Recreation Destinations in Upper Peninsula of Michigan

2 Areas
Michigan

Keweenaw Peninsula Snow Country

The legendary 300-inch Lake Superior snowbelt stretching from Houghton to Copper Harbor.

1,100 ft elevationView Location Conditions →
Michigan

Munising & Pictured Rocks Recreation Area

Dense Lake Superior lake-effect snow corridors and ice-curtain backcountry canyons.

820 ft elevationView Location Conditions →

Telemetry & Weather Stations in Upper Peninsula of Michigan

Regional Avg Base: 0"

Keweenaw County (Houghton / Copper Harbor)

Michigan • 1,100 ft
0.0•Poor
Base Depth0"
24h Snow+0"
Temp45°F
Poor: Thin 0" base, softening at 45°F, calm winds.NOAA GHCN

Munising / Pictured Rocks

Michigan • 820 ft
0.0•Poor
Base Depth0"
24h Snow+0"
Temp52°F
Poor: Thin 0" base, softening at 52°F, calm winds.NOAA GHCN

Lake Gogebic / Bergland

Michigan • 1,310 ft
0.0•Poor
Base Depth0"
24h Snow+0"
Temp44°F
Poor: Thin 0" base, softening at 44°F, calm winds.NOAA GHCN

Recommended Reading for Upper Peninsula of Michigan Travelers

Snowpack Science

What is Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) and Why Does It Matter?

Snow depth tells you how high the snow reaches; Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) tells you how much water and mass is actually packed into that snow.

Read Article →
Snowmobiling

How Much Snow Do You Need to Snowmobile? (Trail vs. Mountain)

Clear breakdown of minimum base depth requirements for groomed trail riding vs deep backcountry mountain boondocking.

Read Article →