Porcupine Mountains Ski Area Guide: Superior UP Skiing
Nestled on the remote shores of the Western Upper Peninsula, is the Porcupine Mountains Ski Area. Maybe it’s time for you to venture out to this Ontonagon County ski area? Find out everything you need to know about this sleepy Upper Peninsula ski resort below
Ski the Porkies Overview
- Getting to the Porkies
- Lift Tickets/Season Passes
- Mountain Experience
- Apres Ski
- More Michigan Skiing
Getting to the Porcupine Mountains
The Porcupine Mountains Ski Area is located in Ontonogan County of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Find your way here from the East by taking M-64, as South Boundary Road is shut down in the winter.
Porkies Lift Tickets and Passes
Daily Lift tickets at the Porkies will cost you $45 for an adult and $35 for 17 and under. Season passes can be purchased for $225 with complementary free skiing days at Michigan Ski resorts like Marquette Mountain and Mt. Bohemia.
Mountain Experience at the Porkies
The Porkies offers over 250 skiiable acres and is known for it’s breathtaking Lake Superior views. 1 Chair lift keeps skiers moving around the mountains 20 mellow but fun runs, while an additional summit rope tow sends guests to explore the eastern side of the mountain.
Descending it’s 670 feet of vertical, one of the highest in the Midwest, your senses will be enhanced with the feeling that you’re skiing straight into Lake Superior. If it’s powder you’re seeking, find stashes in the quality tree skiing and glade edges.
Because of it’s lakeside location, the area receives large quantities of Lake Effect Snow to keep all riders happy.
Apres Ski in Ontonagon County
15 miles east, guests can find limited food and drink options in Ontonagon. At the ski hill the most activity you will find is in the parking lot or Covid-19 impacted resort lodge.
Lake of the Clouds is one of the best views in the UP but during winter and for those without a snowmobile, will have to too hike 6 miles one way to enjoy the grandeur.
Legs need a refresher? Find a safe place to take a cold water swim into Lake Superior to reduce the inflammation after a long day of skiing.
Western UP Lodging
This is definitely not the place that caters to someone looking for a ski in ski out type lodging. However, those who love a more rustic or natural lodging experience, will love the choices in the surrounding area.
If you really want to get out there, reserve a ski in/ski out Backcountry Yurt! (Reserve in advance!) Other great Porcupine area lodging options include: Petersons Cottages & Lake Shore Cabins.
More Upper Peninsula Skiing
When you find yourself looking for more skiing after the Porkies, you have some great choices. Just a bit more than an hour north is Mt. Ripley and 45 minutes further is the Midwest’s Best, Mt. Bohemia. To an hour south is Ironwood with 3 different resort options.
Find out more about the Best Midwest Ski Resorts here
More Upper Peninsula Things to DO
Are you making your way around the Upper Peninsula and need some ideas for other things to do other than skiing? Check out the Ultimate UP Guide to fill your cup up for any other adventures. Heading to Marquette, MI and want to make the most of your time? Book me here for a Marquette Tour to ensure you see the best!
Thank you for reading! Where’s your favorite place to ski in the Midwest?