Mont Ripley Ski Area — Attraction in Franklin Township

Decent hill, but not for beginners. Runs are short and steep. I would say I’m a beginner pushing intermediate level, and the blues here are too steep for me to enjoy. Half the runs are closed right now, including the only decent-looking green. The only open greens are serviced by a difficult t-lift (which stops frequently due to people falling, then jerks violently when it starts back up), and one of these two “greens” is still pretty steep and shoots you out onto a steep blue run. The other open green run is basically a bunny hill. So I’ve spent most of the day in the lodge listening to the sometimes very explicit, uncensored songs they have playing (with on-screen lyrics) that are amusing to me but might be unappealing to families with young kids (i.e. “Get Low” - from the windows to the wall anybody?). Luckily my husband is a more confident skier so he’s been on the slopes. But my ticket was a...

The only place in the UP that keeps up with ANY lack of snow!

My first Mont and more than I was ready for (in a good way). The local culture here is amazing and I feel like I've been spoiled with the steep learning curve here because I know I won't have to worry about much anywhere else I go lol. The store on site is great with well priced alternatives to "name" brand stores with low priced tune-ups. Every worker I've met here is kind and cool, some even remembering my name. Also they have tubing for people who aren't so ski/board inclined.

The best place in town to catch a photo or film of the Houghton area as well (if you make it...

If your going to ski on your own places is good.

If your going to get lessons for your children save your money. Paid for snowboarding lessons for 2 children. They never had enough instructors. Only had 2 instructors that actually taught and the rest just stood there talking to each other. I didn’t pay for my children to figure stuff out in their own. Classes were late to start, and no communication amongst each other cause no one ever knew what was going on or where the instructors were when they were late etc. Complete lack of professionalism. So upset that I...