Whether carving fresh powder, exploring downhill runs or enjoying breathtaking Lake Superior views, the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex in Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula offers something for every winter enthusiast.
To keep pace with rising operational costs and ensure fair competition with regional ski areas, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is implementing rate adjustments on select lift tickets, season passes, lessons and equipment rentals – the facility's first price increases since 2018.
The new rates, which will be in effect this ski season (expected to start in late December), were determined by evaluating regional market comparisons and economic indicators, including inflation.
These adjustments ensure the DNR can continue providing a safe, high-quality experience for visitors. State park operations, including the winter sports complex, are largely driven by user fees (such as Recreation Passport purchases and lift tickets) and royalty revenues, with only 3% supported by Michigan’s General Fund tax dollars.
The DNR has recently dedicated $500,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to critical maintenance of the triple chairlift. Over the past six years, total facility investments have reached an estimated $1.4 million, funding additional chairlift maintenance, new Alpine and Nordic grooming equipment, modern mountain rescue gear, a dedicated staff snowmobile for alpine rescues and refreshed rental inventory (including Sno-Go ski bikes).
"The Porkies Winter Sports Complex is a true U.P. experience, a community-focused destination with a variety of terrains that keep people coming back year after year,” said Mike Knack, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park supervisor. “We don’t raise rates without careful consideration, and these Consumer Price Index-adjusted increases will allow us to continue the investment in the operations and maintenance that ensure quality visitor experiences for skiers and snowboarders."
New rates
Following are some examples of the adjusted rates (current rate to new rate), beginning with the 2026-27 season:
- Adult annual lift pass ($225 to $280).
- Youth annual lift pass ($100 to $125).
- Adult full-day lift ticket ($45 to $60).
- Youth full-day lift ticket ($35 to $45).
- Full-day snowboard or downhill ski rentals ($30 to $40).
- Group lessons ($25 to $30 an hour per person).
Early-bird season pass
Visitors can lock in the best rates before the new season begins by taking advantage of the annual early-bird sale Oct. 26 through Nov. 6.
About the winter sports complex
Nestled within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex in Ontonagon County offers 100% all-natural snow, Lake Superior views and a full spectrum of winter recreation, including 20 downhill runs, a natural-terrain park, glades (woodsy trails cut between each run) and a triple chairlift, as well as groomed winter trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat-tire biking.
To use the facility, all that's needed is a Recreation Passport for vehicle entry to the park and a lift ticket to use the triple lift. There’s no ticket fee to use the groomed winter trails.
A late-December opening, based on weather conditions, is currently planned.
Ready to plan your visit? Find complete details – including early-bird sale hours, operating hours, rates for the triple lift, rentals and lessons and updates on the opening date – at Michigan.gov/SkiThePorkies.
For more information, contact Michael Knack at 906-885-5270 or KnackM@Michigan.gov.
Accompanying photos are available below for download.