Bask in the snow-covered beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula this winter. Strap on your skis (or a pair of snowshoes) and a spend a serene day amid the pines and hemlocks of the Porcupine Mountains and Ontonagon County. Here’s everything you need to know.

Where can I go cross-country skiing?
The wintry wonders of the Porcupine Mountains and Ontonagon County are easy to explore with a pair of skis on your feet. Head to the Porcupine Mountains Ski Area to find more than 25 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails that surround the downhill ski area. (See a map of the trails here.)

If you’re up for a more challenging cross-country experience, head into the backwoods of the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park to ski and snowshoe nearly 90 miles of ungroomed trails.

What if I want to downhill ski?
You’re in luck, because the Porcupine Mountains is home to one of the most scenic ski hills in the Midwest. The Porcupine Mountains Ski Area, located just inside the entrance to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, offers beautiful vistas of Lake Superior along with more than a dozen groomed trails and four glade trails for skiers and snowboarders.

Michigan Recreation Passports are required to use the ski area. You can purchase a passport at the Park Headquarters daily from 8am-4pm or at the Michigan Secretary of State office.

Do I need to own skis or snowshoes to ski in the Porkies?
Ski and snowshoe rentals are available at the Porcupine Mountains Ski Area.

What are conditions like?
For the most up-to-date information on snow conditions, follow the ski area and the state park on Facebook.

Where can I stay?
Looking for a home base for your winter adventure? Discover hotels, lodges and cabins that welcome visitors to the Porcupine Mountains and Ontonagon County all year long.