#52 – Ski Indianhead Mountain Resort

My wife, heading down Voyager’s Highway, a fun beginner run.

Even though it may not be as well known as Big Powderhorn Resort, Indianhead Mountain is easily one of the best ski hills in the Upper Peninsula.

Fun Fact: You Start Out On Top

One cool thing about Indianhead is that the parking lot and main lodge are at the top of the mountain, so your first trip of the day is down the hill instead of up the ski lift.

The resort boasts three bars, two restaurants, on site lodging, 7 lifts, 30 runs and a 540 foot vertical drop.

Eating and Drinking at Indianhead Mountain

As you might expect, the lodge offers both the option to hang out and bring in your own food in a fairly large area full of tables, as well as several other dining options.

The Sky Bar

We ate (and had a bloody mary) at the Skybar, a nicely done bar/lounge area with a terrific view of the hill. The Skybar has been renovated recently and features live music on Saturday nights.

An Indianhead employee said “Some people only make one run… down to the Red Dog.”

The Red Dog Saloon

In addition to the Skybar is the Red Dog Saloon, a bar and cafeteria at the bottom of the hill. The Red Dog seems to be a pretty popular place for those who decide to spend the afternoon in the bar instead of on the hill, while the Skybar seemed to be more for people who wanted to grab a bite or a drink and then hit the hill again.

Other Spots

Along with the above, Indianhead also has The Lodge Restaurant and Dudley’s Saloon. I’ve yet to check these out, but they describe The Lodge as “featuring stakes, chops and seafood” and Dudley’s as “Indianhead’s center of nightlife and a great way to relax after a day of winter fun.” More on both of those in future posts.

My Experience at Indianhead

On the Hill

I’ve skied Indianhead a few times, and had a great experience each time. The hill has plenty of runs for advanced skiers but also has a wide variety of runs for beginning and intermediate skiers. Yes, “it’s got something for everyone.”

The deck of the Skybar is a great place for a photo op. (Pictured here is my wife and I.)

For example, my wife was a total beginning skier when we went this winter, but she did great and had a blast. Meanwhile, some of our advanced skier friends were hitting the black diamond runs and really enjoying there day too. I stuck to the middle and skied both the beginner and intermediate runs my wife was on and still really enjoyed it.

And if you’re into terrain parks, they’ve go ta great one.

At the Skybar

We’ve eaten at the Skybar a couple times and the food was “okay.” Next time we may bring our own lunch. However, the view from the Skybar definitely make it worth checking out.

At the Red Dog

My wife and I stopped into the Red Dog for a coffee and a bloody mary (and to warm up) and enjoyed the place. The view from the dining area is looking up the hill and at one of the ski lifts, so it makes an interesting place to grab a snack or a drink and warm up. They do also have a mini cafeteria but we haven’t eaten here yet.

Bottom Line: Indianhead Mountain Resort is one of the Midwest’s “must ski” resorts. From bars, restaurants and on-hill lodging to a wide variety of runs for everyone, it’s got something for everyone.

Other Things to Note: Indianhead Mountain is within a five-minute drive of both Blackjack Ski Resort and Big Powderhorn Mountain, which can make for a great weekend of skiing! Also, a “hill hopper” pass is available that will let you ski at either Indianhead or Big Powderhorn.

To see more photos of Indianhead Mountain, visit the Indianhead Mountain Resort  album on my Facebook page.

Address: 500 Indianhead Rd. Wakefield, MI 49968

Phone: (800) 346-3426

Website: http://www.indianheadmtn.com