Pine Mountain Ski & Golf Resort, nestled in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, is a year-round haven for outdoor enthusiasts. In winter, its slopes cater to skiers of all levels, with well-groomed trails, snowboarding options, and tubing fun. Summer transforms the landscape into a golfer's paradise, boasting a challenging 18-hole championship course amidst scenic beauty. Beyond skiing and golfing, Pine Mountain invites exploration of the surrounding wilderness through hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic overlooks. It's a perfect destination for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking memorable experiences in a serene and picturesque setting.
Pine Mountain Ski Jump, a landmark of the resort.
A Storied Past
The back story of an iconic sport in the region might have been lost had Dr. John Dougoveto not written a history of Pine Mountain. “I always felt there should be a written history of Pine Mountain. I’ve felt that ever since I was a kid,” said Dougoveto, who was a junior and Class B ski jumper at Pine Mountain from 1958 to 1967. Dr. Dougoveto noted, “None of the pioneers are really around anymore. Trepp made me a one-hour cassette tape, where he dictated all his ski jumping memories of early ski jumping in this area. He remembered the people who were involved and how it all came about,” he said.
According to Dougoveto, “All the great ski jumpers from the United States have jumped at Pine Mountain at one time or another. At one time, the Pine Mountain ski tournament was the biggest winter sporting event in the entire midwestern United States. Many world distance record-holders have jumped here,” Dougoveto said. “This book would of never been possible without two people - Buck Erickson, who kept meticulous records of everything that happened at Pine Mountain, and Dick Ferris, who took quality ski jumping pictures.
During the tournament, Dougoveto usually can be found at the bottom of the outrun. “We spent our days hanging around the hill until the tournament is completed. We call it the ski jumpers’ board meeting,” he said.
Read also: The History of King Pine Ski Area
The Pine Mountain Ski Jump is a ski jump located in Iron Mountain, Michigan, Dickinson County. The facility also includes two smaller ski jumping hills that are built into the hill northwest of the large hill. Construction of the jump began in 1937 and was completed in 1938. At the time it was 156 feet (48 m) high. It hosted its first competition in 1939. In 1948, the outrun was dug out, and in 1977 the inrun tower was made larger (to the current 176 feet (54 m)) after a fire. There have been numerous other renovations over the years.
Locally known as "Giant Pine Mountain," it is reputed worldwide to be one of the best ski jumping facilities. The ski jumping fans are said to be friendly. It is also considered by most jumpers as the most challenging jump on the Continental Cup circuit and in the world. This partly is due to the fact that the top of the jump is nearly 600 feet above all of the surrounding landscape giving the jumpers the same view that they would have if they were standing on top of a 60 story skyscraper.
Ski Jumpers Try For Record Leaps At Iron Mountain 1946 Historic Stock Footage
Ski Jumping Legacy
The Pine Mountain ski jumping tournament has been part of the FIS Ski Jumping Continental Cup every year since 2004 and with the exception of the occasional Winter Olympic Games or World Cup event, the tournament is annually the most prestigious and highest level ski jumping competition held in the Western Hemisphere. FIS Ski Jumping World Cup held February 16, 17, 18.
Evolution and Innovation
Mr. Pabst cleared and opened Pine Mountain. Mr. Pabst's tow design involved tow ropes that were powered by an automobile and attendant controlling the speed with the accelerator pedal. Mr. Pabst, being of significant means, also offered train trips from Chicago and Milwaukee to Pine Mountain on the weekends to make Pine Mountain one of the most premier hills of the late '30s and early '40s.
After a brief closure in 1944-1945 due to gas rationing during the war, Pine Mountain was purchased by two members of the 10th Mountain Division, Laverne Trepp and Irvine Johnson. Under their management, a warming hut was added, built from crates used to ship WWIl gliders to the nearby Ford Plant. The roof was made from the remaining glider wing spars and are a part of and can still be seen in our Sitzmark Bar.
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The innovation of the Trepp Family led Pine Mountain to become the first in the region with 100% snow making, grooming, aerial lifts and was the only ski-in/ski-out resort in the UP. This distinction remains to this day.
Trail Map of Pine Mountain Ski Resort.
Golf and Beyond
1996 marked the much anticipated completion of the TimberStone* Golf Course at a cost of over 12 million dollars. Today TimberStone® is consistently ranked as one of the top golf courses in Michigan and is a past recipient of the coveted 5 star Golf Digest award which ranked TimberStone® the 24th best golf course in the United States. Golfers from around the world continue to marvel at the breathtaking scenery and challenging course layout of this hidden gem in the Upper Peninsula.
Recent Developments
2019 is the most important year since the founding of Pine Mountain and in addition to marking the resorts 80th anniversary it also marks the completion of a 10 million dollar acquisition and renovation of Pine Mountain which included all lodge rooms and condos being updated in addition to all common areas. The communities of Iron Mountain and Kingsford in addition to the entire population of the UP are fortunate to have Pine Mountain in such close proximity to enjoy year round. In addition to skiing and golf Pine Mountain offers hiking, biking, swimming, Famers restaurant, cross-country skiing, the UP Sports Hall of Fame and numerous other activities.
About a year ago, an Indiana hotel development, asset management, and investment firm purchased Iron Mountain’s Pine Mountain Ski and Golf Resort, one of the oldest ski areas in the U.P. “The Storie Co. is about investing in hotels and resorts that tell the story of place, have a rich history and a real recreational component that get people outside and enjoy the natural beauty,” says Nathan Nichols, COO of Storie Co. Its story continues today with the Storie Company’s $27 million renovation and expansion plan at the 360-acre resort. Those plans include a tubing hill, six miles of new mountain bike trails, 35 new guest cabins and additional community green space. The Pine Mountain expansion marks the biggest investment in the resort since 2019, when a $10 million acquisition and renovation (of all lodge rooms, condos and common areas) occurred.
Read also: Lodging in Copper Mountain
Community and Trails
Looking to expand its connections with the community, the resort has been working with the Dickinson Trail Network on the design and construction of the mountain bike trails. The network’s Pine Mountain Trail system is located on the resort property and on Dickinson County land west of the Pine Mountain Ski Jump, the largest ski jump in the United States. “Constructing the trails on Pine Mountain has been an amazing collaborative process between the resort, Iron Goat Trail Construction LLC, Dickinson County, and the Dickinson Trail Network.
Overall, the trail system consists of six miles of downhill mountain biking trails that are a mix of new school machine-built flowy jump trails and the old school rough and rocky singletrack. “These are wider than your average trails, with a wide variety of difficulty levels,” Nichols says. “We want our mountain bike trails to be accessible to all skill levels. There are some nice easy flow trails and some that are closer to Black Diamond.” In all, there will be 13 different trails in the six-mile network. “What we have created together has generated a lot of buzz and excitement in our mountain biking community and for good reason,” Susott says. “The Pine Mountain trails start with the best panoramic view in our county, then offer a variety of thrilling rides down one of our area’s highest vertical descents, which twists and turns through diverse landscapes and dynamic riding surfaces.
The Dickinson Trail Network encompasses some 46 miles of trails throughout Dickinson County, helping make the region a destination for eco-tourists looking to bike, hike, and snowshoe. Another nearly six miles of trails will begin construction in 2024. The new guest cabins are prefabricated and will be assembled on the site. The hope is to have them installed in the middle of 2024. Nichols says the additional accommodations are needed to meet growing demand. Currently, there are 55 rooms at the resort.
To create additional green space or park, a Brownfield building is being demolished. The new four-acre space will function as a park and the resort is contemplating creating an amphitheater-style space. Nichols says the space will be available for the local community to host events and be outdoors. A section of a ski hill has been reconfigured for the tubing hill. The ski area encompasses 32 runs and includes three lifts.
Accommodations and Dining
After a day on the slopes or out on the course there's nothing better than relaxing in your amazing, well-appointed room at the Pine Mountain Resort lodge. Choose from a variety of room layouts that sleep many. Our newly refreshed rooms feature a stunning, rustic mountain décor with comfortable beds and uniquely designed furniture. You can also take advantage of our heated indoor pool, sauna, and jacuzzi. Enjoy the convenience of our ski-in/ski-out rooms as you enjoy your Pine Mountain adventures to the fullest.
There's no better way to end a day of such thrilling adventures than with hot drinks and delicious food at one of Pine Mountain's on-site dining options. Stop into the Sitzmark Bar for a great view and great times, including live music on Fridays and Saturdays. Enjoy a hearty lunch or dinner at our Famers Restaurant, which not only has a full bar, but also houses the Upper Peninsula's Sports Hall of Fame.
Resort Map:
A. Pine Mountain Lodge
Our facility provides 35 standard rooms, 1 Family Suite, 4 one-bedroom condo suites, and 12 two-bedroom condos, plus pool, hot tub and sauna facilities.
Guestroom Amenities:
- High-speed internet access
- Premium cable television
- Coffee maker
- Iron and ironing board
- Hair dryer
B. & C. The Mountain Haus & Cedar Haus
The Mountain Haus and Cedar Haus ski-in/ski-out condominiums at Pine Mountain Resort are the perfect place for any type of getaway. Whether you are relocating, your company has an employee working in the area for an extended period of time, or you want to take your family or group on a trip, The Condos at Pine Mountain are the perfect option.
One-Bedroom Condo Suites feature a kitchenette including microwave and a 4.6 cubic ft. refrigerator, king bed, one bathroom and a family room. Our Two-Bedroom Condos contain a fully equipped kitchen and two bathrooms. Each unit also has a patio or balcony that provides great views of the ski hill.
D. Famers Legendary Food & Spirits
Famers at Pine Mountain is not only a full service bar and restaurant, but it is also proud to house the Upper Peninsula's Sports Hall of Fame! We serve 7 days a week with daily specials for both lunch and dinner. Breakfast is available from 8 AM - 11AM
E. The Sitzmark Bar & Deck
The Sitzmark Bar has a perfect view of the hill and is open Friday through Sunday during the ski season, offering a variety of beverages including a menu of hot drinks. The Bar also features live music on Fridays and Saturdays. Our Sitzmark Deck is a great place to enjoy one of those hot drinks while taking in the winter sun and a great view of the ski hill. Come check out our ice bar and outside grill on Saturdays in the month of March while you enjoy the warmer temps and the best groomed snow in the U.P.
Cabins
The Studio Cabins, 2-Bed Cabins, and Full Cabins at our property are the perfect choice for any type of getaway. Whether planning a weekend escape, a family vacation, or need a comfortable space for an extended stay, our cabins offer the ideal blend of relaxation and convenience. Each cabin is thoughtfully designed to ensure a comfortable and memorable experience surrounded by the beauty of nature.
“We’re really excited about the 2023-2024 ski season,” Nichols says. “We’re pleased with how the golf season has gone and looking forward to having golfers back in 2024.
“All of these improvements give this property - this land - the ability to get people outside and having fun,” he adds, noting the variety of outdoor activities in the region, ranging from whitewater rafting and kayaking to hiking and biking.