UPDATED FOR THE 2023/24 SEASON
We reviewed 70 resorts in the Midwest region.
At this time 8 resorts that allow uphill access, up from only 1 resort four seasons ago.
There is some side mountain "hike in" access available at Mount Bohemia.
Of the mountains reviewed, 5 resorts had policies that do not allow uphill travel at all.
With 70 ski resort mountains in the region, it is our hope, at No Lift Needed, that more resorts begin having written uphill travel policies for the local and visiting guests.
Resort access varies widely. Hours of operation and uphill access can change from day to day. Below you will find uphill access hours allowed and potential costs for uphill travel at your local resort. We have also provuided links to each resorts uphill policy for your review before heading out. We do our best to provide the most accurate informaton. Please be sure to check with your local resort before heading out on the mountain.
NOTE: A variety of factors can close uphill access for resorts including early season operations, snowmaking, lack of snow and avalanche mitigation. Always check with your resort before heading out.
The following resorts do not have stated policies in Illinois - Chestnut Mountain Resort, Ski Snowstar Winter Sports Park and Villa Olivia.
The following resorts do not have stated policies in Indiana - Paoli Peaks and Perfect North Slopes.
The following resorts do not have stated policies in Iowa - Mt. Crescent Ski Area, Seven Oaks and Sundown Mountain.
| Resort | Hours | Cost | Resort Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boyne Mountain | One Hour Before and Operating Hours Only | Lift Ticket/Pass Required | View Policy |
| Crystal Mountain | One Hour Before Lifts Open. Must descend before lifts open | Lift Ticket/Pass Required and a signed waiver on file | View Policy |
| The Highlands at Harbor Springs | One Hour Before and Operating Hours Only | Lift Ticket/Pass Required | View Policy |
| Marquette Mountain Resort | 7:00 am to Open | Season Pass Holders Only | View Policy |
| Mount Bohemia | No Resort Uphill Access from what we can tell. A dedicated Backcountry Zone on Little Boho is available. Map in Policy link | View Policy | |
The following resorts do not have stated policies in Michigan - Alpine Valley Resort, Big Powderhorn Mountain, Big Snow Resort - Blackjack, Bittersweet Ski Area, Boyne Mountain Resort, Caberfae Peaks, Cannonsburg, Mont Ripley, Mount Holly, Mt. Brighton, Mt. Holiday Ski Area, Mulligan's Hollow Ski Bowl, Norway Mountain, Nubs Nob Ski Area, Pine Knob Ski Resort, Pine Mountain, Schuss Mountain at Shanty Creek, Shanty Creek Resort - Summit Mountain, Swiss Valley, The Homestead, Timber Ridge and Treetops Resort.
| Resort | Hours | Cost | Resort Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afton Alps | NO Uphill Access Allowed | View Policy | |
| Lutsen Mountains | NO Uphill Access Allowed | View Policy | |
| Spirit Mountain | Morning hours, of the trails by 9:30 am. All day Mondays except Holidays | Valid Alpine or Nordic Pass Required | View Policy |
| Welch Village | NO Uphill Access Allowed | View Policy | |
The following resorts do not have stated policies in Minnesota - Andes Tower Hills Ski Area, Coffee Mill ski and Snowboard Resort, Elm Creek Winter Recreation Resort, Giants Ridge Resort, Hyland Ski and Snowboard Area, Mount Kato Ski Area, Powder Ridge Ski Area and Wild Mountain Ski and Snowboard Area.
| Resort | Hours | Cost | Resort Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snowcreek | Anytime restricted | Lift ticket or Pass Required during operating hours. Non-Operating Hours has Restricted hours | View Policy |
The following resorts do not have stated policies in Missouri - Hidden Valley Ski Area.
| Resort | Hours | Cost | Resort Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Mills/Brandywine | NO Uphill Access Allowed | View Policy | |
The following resorts do not have stated policies in Ohio - Alpine Valley, Mad River Mountain and Snow Trails.
| Resort | Hours | Cost | Resort Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terry Peak Ski Area | 6:00 to 9:00 am anyday also 10:00 to 3:00 pm Tues/Weds/Thurs | Valid Season Pass Required | View Policy |
The following resorts do not have stated policies in South Dakota - Deer Mountain.
| Resort | Hours | Cost | Resort Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trollhaugen Outdoor Recreation Area | NO Uphill Access Allowed | View Policy | |
| Wilmot Mountain | During Operating Hours, Restricted during Non-Operating Hours | Lift Ticket/Reservation Required | View Policy |
The following resorts do not have stated policies in Wisconsin - Alpine Valley Resort, Bruce Mound, Cascade Mountain, Christie Mountain, Christmas Mountain, Devils Head, Grand Geneva, Granite Peak Ski Area, Little Switzerland, Mount La Crose, Nordic Mountain, Sunburst, Tyrol Basin and Whitecap Mountain.
If you do not see a policy listed for your local ski resort, feel free to contact us. We will be more than happy to research your local resort's policy, as well as try to advocate for uphill access if the resort currently does not allow it. You can reach us at noliftneeded@gmail.com.