History & Improvements
From its early days as Indianhead and Blackjack to today’s revitalized Snowriver Mountain Resort, this is a story of vision, transformation, and Midwest skiing heritage.
Early History and Development
1950s: Indianhead’s Beginnings
Jack English, a skier and pilot, founded Indianhead Mountain after spotting its ridges from the air in the late 1950s. With sweeping Lake Superior views and deep lake-effect snow, he built a ski destination that captured the imagination of Midwest skiers.
1960s–1970s: The Golden Years
By the 1960s, Indianhead had become the U.P.’s premier ski area, drawing travelers from Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Chicago. With reliable snow and lively lodge culture, it ushered in an era of growth and winter adventure.
1977: Blackjack Opens
As Indianhead’s popularity soared, Blackjack Ski Area opened nearby, expanding the region’s skiable terrain and cementing Michigan’s western U.P. as a true ski destination.
Merging Two Mountains
2014: Big Snow Resort Era
Indianhead and Blackjack united to form Big Snow Resort, creating one of the Midwest’s largest combined ski destinations. This collaboration marked the beginning of shared operations, terrain connectivity, and a renewed regional presence.
A New Era Begins
2022: New Ownership & Vision
In 2022, Midwest Family Ski Resorts — owners of Lutsen Mountains (MN) and Granite Peak (WI) — purchased Big Snow Resort and launched a new brand: Snowriver Mountain Resort.
- Indianhead became Jackson Creek Summit
- Blackjack became Black River Basin
This new era brought major investments in modernization, infrastructure, and guest experience, while preserving the authentic spirit that’s defined the U.P. for decades.
2023–2025: Transformation & Revitalization
Snowriver is redefining skiing in the Upper Peninsula through more than $15 million in reinvestment. From new lifts and lodging upgrades to improved snowmaking and guest amenities, this transformation continues to build on 65 years of heritage.
Looking Ahead
From a pilot’s vision in the 1950s to a two-mountain resort reborn in the 2020s, Snowriver’s story continues to evolve. With ongoing reinvestments, technology upgrades, and an unwavering passion for Midwest skiing, Snowriver is shaping the future of mountain adventure in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
