This Midwest Mountain feels suspended in time

The ski season in the West has been one of the worst on record, with popular resorts like Big Sky experiencing record-low snowpack well under 200 inches year to date, according to On the Snow. Conversely, the East Coast and Midwest have seen relatively advantageous snow. This has given classic Midwest gems a second wind, with locations like Mount Bohimia, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, seeing an influx of new visitors. But across the border in Wisconsin, another, lesser-known mountain offers the same Midwest ski spirit without the price tag or lift line. 

Map curtsey of Whitecap Mountain

Located in Upson, Wisconsin, Whitecap Mountain feels like you are suspended in time, reliving an era of the mountain that has long been lost in the west. Whitecap is characterized by old chalets built in a classic Bavarian style, and hidden warming houses with wood-burning stoves and vats of mulled wine. The spirit of the mountain is very much indicative of the low gradient, high-stoke vibe that characterizes Midwest skiing. The Mountain is hardy and cheap, with a cheap breakfast buffet and even cheaper drinks all across the mountain's 48 runs. 

While the quality of the runs at Whitecap falls short of that at Bohemia, lift tickets reflect this gap with Whitecap day passes running nearly $20 than those of their neighbor. This being said, the quality of the skiing is well worth the $80 cost of admission, with steep technical turns found on the west side of the mountain. Additionally, Whitecap snowcat operators leave several runs ungroomed, making face shots a real possibility if the snowgods provide.  As a whole, this layout and spirit create a mountain experience that is a must-visit for winter andventurars across the Midwest.