Skiing
The Porcupine Mountains has 11 miles of slopes covering 100 acres, over a 320-acre area. The daily ticket prices are the lowest of any comparable ski area in the Midwest. There are 7 intermediate trails, 5 challenging expert trails, and 3 novice trails. The vertical drop is 641 feet, the highest in Michigan or Wisconsin! One novice trail is 5,800 feet long. A triple chair and T-bar lift serve the Eastern Summit. The Western Summit is served by a double chair, and a handle tow serves the “bunny” slope. Lift capacity is 3,600 skiers per hour.
Chalet: An attractive A-frame chalet adds Alpine charm to the Porkies. Located at the foot of Hiawatha, the chalet is spacious and well equipped with large picture windows, three fireplaces, food service, ski shop, rental service and National Ski Patrol first aid. The chalet may be rented by groups for evening use during the ski season.
Something Special
Ski Ecology: Look for “Winter Wildthing” stations as you ski and discover our natural heritage. Naturalist-guided snowshoe hikes are offered to civic groups, church groups, school groups, and scout groups by request. Please make your reservations two weeks in advance.
Cross Country Ski Trails
Over 25 miles (42 kilometers) of groomed cross-country trails surround the main hill. Four main and several smaller trails combine to form the trail system. The trails are power-tilled and groomed daily by the Friends of the Porkies. Your pass includes use of the chair lifts, giving skiers quick access to the heart of the Nordic trail system, as well as the entire Alpine ski area. Along these trails there are three warming huts open to all and three rustic 8-bunk cabins that are available for rent throughout the winter.
Trails:
Superior Loop – 1.5 mi., 2.4 km
Deer Yard Trail – 3 mi.,4.8 km
River Trail – 7 mi., 11.2 km
Union Spring Trail – 12 mi., 19 km
On Saturday evenings in February from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m., follow the glow of lanterns placed along the Superior Loop XC trail and join our naturalist by the bonfire.
In addition, Lake of the Clouds can be reached by following M-107, which is unplowed in the winter.
Cabins
The Park maintains three rental ski-in cabins adjacent to the Nordic trail system. Call the park office for reservations.
Spectacular View
From many vantage points along the trails, you can view the largest fresh-water lake in the world, Lake Superior. Witness the ever-changing ice patterns as far out on the lake as the eye can see. There’s even an observation deck to help you enjoy the unparalleled view. Lake Superior also works her magic in other ways—lake-effect snowfall and moderate temperatures! Warmer air passing over the lake picks up moisture and deposits it as powder snow, up to as much as 20 feet in one season. Often the daily temperatures are 10-20 degrees warmer than inland ski areas, which makes it even more attractive to the winter sports enthusiast!
Snowboarding
Snowboarders are always welcome here.
Backpacking and Camping
Ask at park headquarters.
Ski School
Private lesson (1 hr.) $25
Group lesson $12/hr.
Pork E Pine Kinder Kamp: Half or full day, with or without lessons.
For more information call:
Ontonagon County Chamber of Commerce at 906-884-4735
Ski Shop and Rentals at 906-885-5612
or contact:
Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex