Once again the Spring Challenge between Michigan resorts Boyne Mountain and Mount Bohemia, located in the UP, is on. Which resort will keep the lifts turning longest and skiers and snowboarders on the slopes?

With all the recent winter storms marching across the Heartland, the Midwest appears to be in great shape heading into March. Could we see a repeat of last season that saw many upper Midwest ski areas staying open well into April, and six -Boyne Mountain, Ski Brule, Mount Bohemia and Big Snow, Granite Peak, Lutsen Mountains—stayed open into May?

The Hemlock Open takes place April 28 on Boyne Mountain. (Boyne Mountain)

With plenty of snow on the slopes and in the glades Michigan’s Boyne Mountain, located in the Lower Peninsula, and Mount Bohemia, in the UP, have thrown down the gauntlet. Who will remain open longest this season for the Wolverine State title?

As the old saying goes, “It ain’t over until the large lady sings,” applies to the Michigan ski season. A handful of resorts, both peninsulas, plan on staying open through April 12 and some on weekends into May if the snow lasts.

The first new ski area in the Midwest in quite a few years is slated to open in Michigan’s UP next season. Mount Bohemia plans to open Voodoo Mountain for cat skiing, which will make it the first commercial cat skiing area east of the Rockies.