2022 Porcupine Mountains Ski Area Guide

Porcupine Mountains Skiing aka “Ski the Porkies” provides quality lake effect snowing and incomparable Lake Superior views.

porcupine mountains ski area
Shaggys Ski Trip at Ski the Porkies

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

Getting to the Porcupine Mountains Ski Area

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

porcupine mountains ski area
Porcupine Mountains with Shaggy's Ski Company

Daily Lift tickets at Porcupine Mountain Resort is $45 for an adult and $35 for 17 and under. 

Season passes at the Porkies will cost you $225 with complimentary free skiing days at Michigan Ski resorts like Marquette Mountain and Mt. Bohemia.

Ski the Porkies Mountain Experience

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

porcupine mountains ski area
Ski the Porkies Post Ski

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.

Porcupine Mountains Lodging

Looking for somewhere to stay close to the porkies? There are a few options in the town closest to the porkies, Ontonagon. Here are a few places to consider:

  • AmericInn by Wyndham
  • Mountain View Lodges
  • Lakeshore Cabins

Upper Peninsula Skiing Close to the Porkies

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.

About one hour south of the Porkies is the Ironwood/Bessemer area, which is home to three separate mountains. Read all about my favorite of the three, Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort

For the powder chasers who want to find the best resorts in the Midwest, read my Best Midwest Ski Resorts piece to quench your thirst!

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?