Porcupine Mountain Winter Adventure

Event Info

This event is suitable for anyone in Class 1, 2, or 3. All levels of experience are welcome. For an explanation of the way we classify events, visit this page.

If you have ever wanted to get out over the winter and try out snowshoeing or cross country skiing, here is your chance! Over the weekend we will be staying at one of the cabins in the Porcupine Mountains. If you have never been to the Porkies, it is truly a magnificent place. Seeing it during the winter will be especially magical.

During the weekend we will also be providing instruction on proper clothing layering, cold emergencies, snowshoe selection, fire starting in the winter, and using a pulk to transport gear. Those that want to try their hand at winter camping in a tent can do so, knowing they have the warmth and comfort of a cabin if they decide it is too cold.

On Saturday night the park service provides a mile-long, lantern-lit hike on one of their trails, followed by a bonfire social.

Transportation

Leaving on Friday morning, we will depart from the Chicagoland area. Carpooling options will be available along our route, and as always, there is no additional cost when meeting us at one of the predetermined Park and Rides. If you are unsure if you are along our route, please contact us prior to signing up. 

If you are not carpooling with us, the cabin is located off of the Gitche Gumee parking lot on Hwy M-107, 1 mile East of the park headquarters. It is an approximately 100-yard walk down a trail to get to the cabin. You will also need a Michigan state park parking sticker if you don't already have one (included in your registration fee).

Cabin Info

There are 4 bunk beds with mattresses, you will need to bring a sleeping bag, we would also suggest bringing a fitted twin sheet as well to cover the mattress. The cabin has a dining table, chairs, and benches as well as kitchen and cooking supplies. There is no electricity in the cabin and it has a wood stove for heat and an outdoor fire ring. An ax and saw are provided.

Tickets

The ticket price is $475. Snowshoe rental is available for an additional $50. The ticket price includes snacks and water/beverages during transportation, fuel, tolls, parking, park permits, cabin fees, as well as breakfast Saturday, Sunday, and dinner on Friday and Saturday. You will be responsible for your own snacks throughout the day.

Gear

Guests are responsible for bringing the following:

-day packs

-water bottles

-appropriate clothing for winter hiking (layers)

-snowshoes

-microspikes

-trekking poles

-cross country skis (optional)

-gloves

-compass

-Headlamp

-Sun protection

-sunglasses

-individual First aid kit

-small Knife

-Fire starting kit

Meals

Meals will be provided once we are at the cabin. Meals include dinner Friday and Saturday, Breakfast Saturday and Sunday, and lunch on Saturday. Please notify us if you have any dietary concerns. We encourage you to bring snacks to eat while you are snowshoeing. 

Cancellations

No refunds will be issued for cancellations 14 days or less from the date of the event. All other cancellations are subject to a 50% service fee. A refund will be issued in the form of a check or may be sent via the original payment method. Please allow 5-7 business days for processing, we will notify you when the refund has been issued. Additional information will be emailed to you after registering.

Safety

All True North staff are certified in First Aid/CPR and every one of our events is led by a guide who is a paramedic/Wilderness First Aid instructor. Guides are experienced in wilderness and outdoor travel and are equipped with GPS and well as satellite phones when needed.

True North Expeditions, Inc. reserves the right to substitute the events listed in the description above in the event of inclement weather, availability, or other uncontrollable events.

(Proof of full vaccination, OR a negative COVID test 48 hours prior to the event will be required to attend this event).

Donate and Give Back to the Outdoor Community!

We are teaming up with *Gear Forward in an attempt to collect new and unused gear, specifically sleeping bags, tents, and backpacks. Illinois resident Scott Gauvin is the founder of Gear Forward, an independent nationwide non-profit that provides gear to non-profit community organizations, youth groups, and charities working with young people in the outdoors. If you have one of the above-mentioned pieces of gear and would like to donate it, please bring it with you. After our fall and winter events, the gear that we collect will be turned over to Gear Forward.

*As stated above, Gear Forward is an independent nationwide non-profit that provides gear to non-profit community organizations, youth groups, and charities working with young people in the outdoors. Founded by Scott Gauvin, Gear Forward aims to encourage people to donate unused outdoor gear they no longer want or need. Gear Forward also seeks partnerships with outdoor retailers and manufacturers to encourage donations of unused gear or donations by customers. The outdoors are our collective greatest treasure and gift that we offer the next generation. Gear Forward, simply is about providing the next generation of stewards, adventurers, Scoutmasters, and Girl Scout Leaders the resources they need to get outdoors. No child should be denied access to all the outdoors has to offer because they don't have the necessary equipment. Through the collection of gently used outdoor gear, Gear Forward will work with other youth and outdoor-focused organizations to get donated gear into the hands that need it.  Through the donation of outdoor gear, Gear Forward will provide youth in need via various noteworthy organizations the ability to participate in outdoor-themed activities such as hiking, camping, and backpacking. You can find out more about Gear Forward by visiting their Facebook page or website.