Searchmont Resort

The Great Lakes region is known for several ski resorts on both sides of the border, and the Searchmont Resort ski area is one of them. Lake effect snow can be hit or miss around the region, but the winter venue does receive a decent amount each year. Residents of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and Americans coming from the upper peninsula of Michigan ski and snowboard that snow each year.

Getting to the venue involves taking Trans-Canadian Highway 1 north of Sault Ste. Marie to Heyden, Ontario. Drivers can use Highway 556 to Highway 532, taking them to Searchmont. The closest International airport is the Chippewa County facilities in Sault Sainte Marie, less than an hour away.

Not the Typical Midwest Ski Resort

The Searchmont Resort ski area is a daytime operation, with night skiing and snowboarding available on select nights (check online ahead of time for scheduled evenings). Renovated chalets and villas offer visitors slope-side lodging, and there are several accommodations available in the surrounding communities that meet a guest's budget and needs.

The Kiln is the bar and restaurant at the venue, offering a place to relax and enjoy live entertainment. It stays open later on days that night skiing/riding keep the resort open past sunset. Those looking for more than a pub grub dining experience will need to look for it off the mountain. The Outpost is located on the Searchmont Resort grounds, offering logo gear, brand apparel, and all the hardware visitors might need (it also has a demo center so they can try it before they buy).

Visitors can rent ski, snowboard, and snowshoe equipment. The Searchmont Resort rents items in packages or helmets and poles only. A Snow School on-site offers several lessons and programs. First-timers can take the 1.5-hour class showing them all the fundamentals (ages four-plus for skiing and six-plus for snowboarding). One-hour private lessons are adjustable up to a maximum of three hours by purchasing additional time blocks ahead of time.

A Variety of Terrain Awaits

The Searchmont Resort does sit east of Lake Superior, which puts in position for receiving lake-effect snow from storms grabbing moisture off of the water. An average annual snowfall of 132 inches creates a decent base and provides opportunities for skiers and riders to carve fresh tracks during and after dumps. Snowmaking capabilities on 90-percent of the terrain supplement the totals and extend the season on both ends.

A 703-foot vertical drop provides momentum and potentials down the slopes at Searchmont Resort, which is plenty for most skiers and riders who frequent the winter venue. The ski area covers 100 acres and offers rolling terrain of various ratings, including bush trails and glade skiing for anyone feeling adventurous enough. There are 26 runs across the slopes at the Searchmont Resort, with half of those rated as blue for intermediate skiers and riders.

Beginners can build their skills on 30-percent of the alpine trails with green ratings that are more forgiving. The remaining runs rate black diamond level for advanced ski bums. Searchmont Resort uses six lifts to move guests uphill.