A beautiful, historic, and expanded 100-acre parcel of incredible habitats, trails, and land sits one mile northeast of Mancelona, Michigan, on US 131. The gift of being positioned at the top snow in lower Michigan annually makes for deep natural snow and epic steep runs. From the 1950s until the mid 1980s, Mt (or Mount) Mancelona provided the town of Mancelona with a gathering spot for the commun
ity, a small, intimate ski area for winter sports lovers, and an economic support system for the counties of Antrim and Kalkaska. The legends here run deep from the Axtman Family founders to it's first revival in early 1990’s by Joe Omness and his one of two first in world “Snowboard Only” resorts in 93/94. Over all this time legends were born. Many folks have come back to revisit who spent time at Mt Mancelona and have recalled, with passion and nostalgia, their memories of and their hopes for a resurrection of Mt Mancelona. We are in year three and working every day patiently to bring the mountain back! Mucho help and membership support are welcome with gratitude! Sam Porter, a Rapid City farm boy, Traverse City To Bozeman, MT world traveler, and entrepreneur, and hundreds of Friends of Mt Mancelona have embarked on this purpose, economic and cultural incubator and business dream – a Mountain of Dreams – to preserve and revitalize Mt Mancelona. Sam and good folks have rebuilt, revived and rediscovered the history and many opportunities for others to participate at Mt Mancelona. We have planted a farm of seeds to begin to grow a cultural, educational, health and wellness outdoor recreation music and arts hub centered in the midst of this historic home-grown community ski hill. Sams passion, patients and purpose live here with him everyday at Mt Mancelona as it becomes a “Ski & B” BC and four season playground welcoming innovative model. “It will provide perennial abundance and enduring value and be enjoyable, accessible, and educational. We see great potential in reaching a wide audience–throughout the state of Michigan, and throughout the United States with one goal to co-create what we call a “Giftchise” that will replicate good work for some if the other closed and lost community ski resorts, mainly in small rural towns where this work is needed now more than ever.” Sam Porter
We welcome visits, purpose job seekers, passionate powder people to share your thoughts and ideas. Please keep in touch and call 231-499-4968 for rooms for 30+, riding or more information anytime.
