Deep in the northern woods of Michigan, a Viking horn has been blown. A call to skiers and snowboarders to prepare their equipment for war. As in sliding down the snowy slopes of a ski area that was extinct for a few years. The cozy Upper Peninsula ski area named Norway Mountain is planning to re-open for the 2024-25 ski season!
Ups And Downs
It takes a lot to open a ski area each year – seasonal staffing, maintenance, and long days. Over the years, Norway Mountain has had its ups and downs. Back more than a decade ago in 2012-13, the ski area didn’t open. The owners after two decades decided to leave the industry and go another direction. Then in 2014-15, the new owners re-opened the ski area. And then again in 2017 on Facebook, it was announced that the ski area would be temporarily closed. More than six years later, the resort is still closed.
New Owners Bring Hope And Passion
As of mid-September 2023, it was announced that Justin Hoppe and his wife have purchased the 160 acre property along with an additional 50 acres with plans to “bring Norway back to the glory days.” The Hoppe family is local and have owned several businesses in the area including a landscape and lawn care company. In addition, Justin has spent several years as a ski instructor at a neighboring resort.
What’s Next
With over six years lying dormant, there’s a lot of work to be done to get it re-open. And so the plan is to open for the 2024-25 winter. The good news is similar to running your sports car in the winter to keep the juices flowing, so did the ski area to the lifts during these few years. They’re in decent condition but still planning on re-painting them and installing new wiring as well as possibly replacing a haul rope or two.
Investing In The Ski Area
The one area that does need a bit more effort is the lodge. They’re going to repair the damaged areas of the structure and put in new carpeting and paint. In addition to just getting it back into shape, the Hoppe family is also planning on a few immediate upgrades including new snowmaking and grooming equipment.
What To Expect
One of its unique factors is that Norway Mountain is an “upside down” ski area meaning you park at the top and ski down. Then take the lifts back up. For the 2024-25, they’re expecting to open 15 trails and have operations five days per week. These will be accessed via one triple, two doubles, and two surface lifts. Due to its geographic location being in the Upper Peninsula, Norway Mountain receives 40+ inches more of snow annually than Green Bay which is an hour and a half away. This is due to lake effect snow.
The Final Puzzle Piece For Outdoor Fun
While the area was an iron mining region up until the 80’s, it’s slowly transforming into a gateway for outdoor fun. Classics like fishing and hiking are still the bread and butter, but mountain biking in the Upper Peninsula has really gained steam over the past few years. One of the many up and coming hot spots is the Dickinson County trail network. It’s also home to Piers Gorge which is one of the best places to experience whitewater rafting in the Midwest. You can thank the heavy snowfall for that which translates to a big spring run. Alongside these summer activities, Norway Mountain reopening will add another reason to visit alongside one of America’s largest ski jumps.
Make It a Road Trip
Growing up in the Midwest and falling in love with sliding down a slope here, there’s always a special place in my heart for these ski areas. Although I never made it to Norway Mountain, I have fond memories of road trips to the UP with my Dad. It was the first time I skied DEEP powder. If you live in the Midwest or just looking for somewhere different, consider a road trip to the UP. You won’t regret it.
I’m putting it on my list !
AWESOMEE
WE used to have an “upside down” ski area in New Hampshire, King Ridge. Twas a lot of fun. Unfortunately, it no longer exists. Really too bad. GOOD LUCK with Norway Mountain!!