Gogebic Community College students to operate Porcupine Mountains ski hill under deal with DNR

Students at Gogebic Community College in Ironwood will operate the ski hill at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park this season.

An agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources calls for students in the college's ski area management department to handle everything from maintaining equipment to running the slope, restaurant and ski shop.

Park supervisor Bill Doan says the arrangement will give the students experience and boost the western Upper Peninsula's winter economy.

Doan said students have begun preparations by building a rope tow line.

Officials say 5 percent of the operation's revenue will go to the college's ski management program. The rest will be used for ski hill improvements.

The Porcupine Mountains Winter Ski Area will open Dec. 15. It features a 641-foot vertical drop and 12 runs.