One of the Heartland's oldest ski areas, Wisconsin's Wilmot Mountain, is celebrating its 82nd year in business in 2020. Indianhead, part of the UP's Big Snow Resort, is celebrating 60 this spring and Mt. Bohemia, also located in Michigan's UP is turning 20.

It may be a slow start to the Midwest ski season, but things are supposed to improve by the holidays and several Heartland resorts have plans to celebrate the season. Let’s all ask Santa to bring the snow.

Mountain top dining is popular at ski resorts in the west. But, there are a handful of resorts scattered around the Heartland that offer distinctive mountain top dining experiences as well.

March, with longer, warmer days, is often one of the best months to head to Michigan’s UP for some skiing and riding. More good reasons: Indianhead Mountain is hosting its annual spring music festival and Ski Brule plans a beach party.  

Big things are happening in Michigan’s UP, a.k.a. Big Snow Country where they receive on average close to 20 feet of snow per winter. They’ve already received close to 13 feet this season.

What a difference a year makes. Last season, most Heartland ski resorts were closed before the end of March. This year, several will be open Easter Weekend, and a few plan to remain open into April.

March is often one of the best months to head to the western end of Michigan’s UP, which so far has received over 14 feet of snow this season. Indianhead Mountain, the big chief of UP ski resorts, has some fun events scheduled later this month.  

Many ski resorts across the Midwest were able to open this past weekend, even as far south as southern Indiana where Perfect North Slopes was open.

Midwest ski shows are a sure sign that the winter season is not far away, and two of the Heartland’s top shows take place this weekend: The Windy City Ski and Snowboard Show and the Minnesota Ski and Snowboard Expo. 

How would you like to ski 31 of Michigan’s top ski areas for less than $6.50 per visit this winter? 

It may be the middle of August during one of the hottest Heartland summers on record, but several of the region’s ski areas are currently offering their best season pass deals for the 2012/13 season.