Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
PEOPLE WAITING for the ski lift on Saturday at the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex in Ontonagon comply with this year's mandate to wear masks while in line. A sign next to the lift also asks those who traveled there together to share the same lift chair.
By P.J. GLISSON
Ontonagon - Snow was slow this year, but it finally allowed the last ski hill in Gogebic and Ontonagon counties to open to a grateful crowd on Saturday.
Mother Nature appeared to make amends as she flooded Ontonagon's Porcupine Mountains Ski Area with kindly rays of sun and temperatures in the 30s.
"It was a busy day," said Mountain Manager Bill Perrin as the afternoon wound down. He estimated that 375 patrons visited the hill.
"It was a little more chaotic to begin with," said Perrin in relation to necessary new rules in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. But he added that, in general, the process went "very smoothly."
"I liked everything about it," said Abi Pestka, who was skiing for the first time this year in the company of Christian Umlor. They are both 14 and from Ontonagon.
Umlor, who was snowboarding, said, "It was a little spotty" and echoed skiers Tracy Podpeskar and Sean Bahr of Houghton, who said more snow would be welcome.
Even so, said Podpeskar, "It's a lot of fun."
Several folks told the Daily Globe that they had traveled from out of town to enjoy the hill. Mike Smith came from Marquette, while Sandy Poniewaz came from Conover, Wisconsin.
The latter was busy near the lodge, pulling a sled in which her grandchild, Clara Poniewaz, 2, giggled in glee. Their other family members were enjoying the hills.
Jason Shrontz of Wakefield was there to ski with his children, Harper, 8, and Beatrice, 10. He said the kids had learned to ski at Mt. Zion Ski Hill at Gogebic Community College in Ironwood, but added that occasional trips to the Porkies allow for "more diversity."
Due to precautions regarding COVID-19, Perrin said tickets were being sold outside. He said patrons also could turn in forms for rental equipment a couple days in advance online.
He explained that the lodge cafeteria sold food, but only on a "grab-and-go" basis. Guests used outdoor tables to enjoy lunch, snacks or beverages while watching the action on the hill.
According to Perrin, this season's continuing rules will mean that everyone also must wear masks while in the lodge and while waiting for the chairlift.
In addition, regarding the lift, he said, "If you arrive together, ride together. That's what the industry wants."
Perrin said the late snow "hurt us a little bit." In part, that's because, as he noted, "We don't make snow here. It's all natural."
Even so, he assured, "The Telefest is still going to happen." The 31st annual event - which includes skiing on the hill as well as backcountry tours and cross-country skiing - is scheduled for Feb. 12-14.
Although the Porkies website warns that no indoor parties or dinners are scheduled for this year's Telefest, there will be an outdoor party with fire pits and music.
"We still haven't made a decision on our Snowburst (Winter Carnival)," said Perrin.
Despite widespread pandemic restrictions since last spring, Perrin said the Porkies area had an active autumn that included ski lift rides to allow viewing of fall color and neighboring Lake Superior. In addition, he said, "It was crazy busy in the park this summer."
During the winter season, the Porkies Ski Area will be open from Fridays through Mondays. No activity will occur on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays. More information is available at 906-885-5209.
