Upper Peninsula of Michigan Retains Title as Best Snow Destination in USA Today Poll

Michigan's Upper Peninsula has once again claimed the top spot as the Best Destination for Snow in the 2024 USA Today Readers' Choice Poll, solidifying its status as a premier winter wonderland. This marks the second consecutive year that the region has outshone some of the nation's most renowned winter hotspots, including popular destinations in Colorado, Vermont, and Alaska.

Tom Nemacheck, executive director of the Upper Peninsula Travel and Recreation Association, expressed pride in the region's repeated success. "This is our second year in a row, and it's an incredible honor to see the U.P. recognized by USA TODAY as the best snow destination in the U.S.," Nemacheck stated. He attributed the win to the Upper Peninsula's diverse winter offerings, which cater to a wide range of snow enthusiasts.

The Upper Peninsula's victory is backed by impressive statistics that highlight its winter appeal. The region boasts an average annual snowfall of 200 to 300 inches, providing a reliable base for winter activities throughout the season. Additionally, it offers 3,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and over 300 frozen waterfalls, creating a vast playground for winter sports enthusiasts.

What sets the Upper Peninsula apart is the variety of activities available to visitors. Nemacheck highlighted attractions such as ice climbing, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and fat tire biking. The region also caters to more traditional winter sports with long downhill ski runs and high verticals. Perhaps most uniquely, visitors can even try their hand at luge racing, an Olympic sport rarely accessible to the general public.

The USA Today contest, which relies on public voting following nominations by a panel of experts and editors, placed the Upper Peninsula ahead of other notable winter destinations. Caribou, Maine, and Stowe, Vermont, secured the second and third positions respectively, while popular Colorado destinations like Frisco, Winter Park, and Aspen also featured in the top 10.

This recognition has significant implications for the Upper Peninsula's tourism industry and economy. As word spreads about the region's top-ranking status, it's likely to attract more winter tourists, potentially extending the economic benefits of the tourism season. For travelers, this accolade serves as a strong endorsement of the Upper Peninsula as a must-visit winter destination, promising not just abundant snow but also a diverse range of activities and breathtaking scenery.

The repeated win also highlights a shift in winter tourism trends, with travelers increasingly seeking out destinations that offer more than just traditional skiing and snowboarding. The Upper Peninsula's success demonstrates the growing appeal of comprehensive winter experiences that combine natural beauty with a variety of snow-based activities.

As the Upper Peninsula celebrates this achievement, it stands as a testament to the region's commitment to providing exceptional winter experiences. For snow enthusiasts and winter adventurers, the message is clear: Michigan's Upper Peninsula is not just a contender but a leader in snow destinations, offering a winter wonderland that rivals and surpasses some of the most famous snow spots in the country.