Marquette Mountain Ski Resort | Marquette

Marquette Mountain Ski Resort, located just minutes from downtown Marquette, Michigan, is a highly regarded year-round outdoor recreation destination renowned for its comprehensive winter sports offerings and vibrant summer activities. Set amid over 300 acres of forested terrain, the resort provides stunning panoramic views of Lake Superior, blending natural beauty with well-developed amenities.

Winter Experience

During the winter months, Marquette Mountain transforms into a bustling ski and snowboard hub, attracting both locals and visitors from across the Upper Peninsula and beyond. The resort offers 25 groomed trails spread across 170 skiable acres, catering to a broad range of skill levels—from beginners discovering the sport to advanced skiers seeking challenging runs. The vertical drop measures 540 feet, giving the mountain enough terrain variety to maintain interest for different abilities.

One of the resort's standout features is its extensive night skiing program, which operates seven nights a week during the season. The trails are illuminated with high-quality LED lighting, allowing guests to extend their skiing or snowboarding day well into the evening with excellent visibility and safety. This is particularly popular given the long winter nights typical of the region.

Marquette Mountain receives an average of 210 inches of snowfall annually, which provides a solid natural snow base. To supplement this, the resort covers approximately 50% of its terrain with snowmaking capabilities. This ensures consistent conditions throughout the season, even during periods of lighter snowfall.

The mountain is served by three chairlifts and one surface lift, which together have a lift capacity of about 5,200 skiers per hour. This infrastructure helps keep wait times relatively low and maximizes time spent on the slopes.

Skiers and snowboarders who don’t own equipment can rent gear on-site. The resort offers a wide range of rental packages including full-day, night, multi-day, and seasonal rentals for skis, snowboards, boots, and helmets. Premium rental equipment is also available for those seeking higher-end or specialty gear. For those wanting to improve their skills, lessons and clinics are offered by certified instructors.

Lift ticket prices vary depending on age and day of the week. For example, adult weekday tickets generally cost around $66, while weekend tickets are approximately $76. Discounts are available for juniors, seniors, and Northern Michigan University (NMU) students, making it an accessible option for many.

Summer and Fall Activities

Marquette Mountain has successfully evolved into a vibrant four-season destination. During the warmer months, the resort offers a variety of outdoor activities that take advantage of the natural terrain and scenic surroundings.

Mountain biking is a major summer attraction. The resort features a downhill bike park with trails designed for various skill levels, from novices to expert riders. The park hosts notable events such as the Marquette Trails Fest and Fall Enduro, drawing mountain biking enthusiasts from a wide area. Trail development continues to grow, supported by partnerships with local organizations and the community.

The resort also offers a creative 9-hole disc golf course. Each hole is uniquely decorated with metal sculptures, adding an artistic and engaging element to the experience. This activity attracts a mix of casual players and more dedicated disc golf enthusiasts.

Additionally, guided kayak tours provide an immersive way to explore the natural and historical highlights of Marquette and its surroundings, adding a distinctive water-based recreation option to the resort’s offerings.

Dining and Guest Amenities

Marquette Mountain features on-site dining options designed to satisfy guests after a day of activity. The T-Bar is the main restaurant and bar, serving a variety of casual meals such as burgers, wraps, sandwiches, pizza, and the local favorite, poutine. Its location offers scenic views of the slopes and surrounding landscape, making it a popular spot to relax and refuel.

For private events and larger gatherings, The Alpine Room offers a remodeled venue with stunning mountain vistas, ideal for weddings, parties, corporate events, and meetings. This space elevates the resort’s appeal as a year-round venue.

The Mountain Shop, located within the Alpine Room complex, is a full-service retail and rental operation. Visitors can purchase merchandise, buy lift tickets, book lessons, and rent or service equipment here. The shop also offers ski and snowboard waxing and tuning, which is essential for maintaining equipment performance.

History and Community Role

Marquette Mountain has a rich history dating back to 1957 when it opened as Cliffs Ridge. In 1982, the resort was renamed Marquette Mountain to reflect its strong connection to the local community. Since then, the resort has undergone multiple upgrades, including installing its first chairlift in 1972 and expanding its mountain bike trails as recently as 2020.

The resort maintains close ties with Northern Michigan University and the Noquemanon Trail Network, collaborating on initiatives to promote outdoor recreation, education, and environmental stewardship. The community’s cultural heritage is also celebrated through art installations like the “Guardians of the Hill,” which enrich the visitor experience with locally inspired creativity.

Location and Access

Marquette Mountain is located at 4501 M-553, Marquette, MI 49855. Its proximity to the city allows easy access for both locals and tourists, with well-marked roads and ample parking. The resort’s management prioritizes guest experience, ensuring that visitors can enjoy both the natural beauty and the recreational offerings without hassle.

In summary, Marquette Mountain Ski Resort stands out as a well-rounded, community-oriented destination. Its combination of excellent winter sports facilities, diverse summer activities, inviting dining, and cultural integration makes it a key recreational hub in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Whether seeking thrilling downhill skiing, adventurous mountain biking, or a scenic place to unwind, visitors find Marquette Mountain an inviting and memorable location.