Ski Brule sits in the hardwoods south of Iron River, and the first chair of the 2026/27 season is aimed at November 20. Here's the mountain, the tubing hills, the night runs and where to sleep.
Ski Brule lies down in the Brule River Valley, 150 acres of runs cut into 3,000 acres of Upper Peninsula woods. There are 17 trails, and the mix is kind to a family: 35% beginner, 35% intermediate, 24% advanced and 6% expert.
For distance, take Homestead or Maple Syrup, each about a mile long. For steep, go to the headwalls on Big Bear and Whitewater. The Timberdoodle and Double Doodle terrain trails twist through the trees, and freestyle skiers and riders head for the Snowshoe, Rapids and Bambi Rail terrain parks.
Ski Brule has been family owned for more than 60 years, and it can make snow on the whole mountain. Looking for more hills? See our guide to downhill skiing near Iron County.
Trail Map & StatsNot everyone in the family has to ski.
Whitewater Snow Tubing Park has a rope tow to pull you back up, and it's aiming to open December 26. On Saturday nights it's the old way at Homestead Lodge: a sleigh ride and a BBQ dinner by the potbelly stoves, then you hike up and tube down.
Away from the lifts, the valley goes quiet: 15 km of groomed trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking. Your daily lift ticket gets you on them, and you can rent the gear.
By half past four in late December the woods are dark, and four runs stay lit: Lower Sunrise, Rapids, Bunny and Bambi, 4:30 to 7:30 every night from December 26 to 31, then Fridays and Saturdays. The chairs don't run at night, only the tows on those runs. A day ticket covers the night session.
That's the target for the first chair, if the weather cooperates. The snowmaking crew gets going as soon as it's cold enough, and if they open on the 20th, opening-weekend lift tickets are $30 for ages 10 and up.
Kids 9 and under ski free every day. The SKIwee program gives ages 4 to 9 a three-hour lesson with lunch and lift access, and the Kids Center runs licensed daycare on the mountain. Pick up a free Friends & Neighbors card on your first visit: it unlocks the Sunday kids deals on rentals and tubing (except December 24 to January 3).
Ski and snowboard lessons start every day at 9:30, 10:45, 12:00, 1:15 and 2:30, and run one or three hours. Book them at Guest Services when you get there. The Rental Center fits skis, snowboards and helmets, and it has the trail gear too: cross-country skis, snowshoes and fat tire bikes.
Lessons & RentalsCome in out of the cold to the Brule Saloon & Cafe for burgers and hot drinks at lunch, and live music on many weekends. Most evenings, sit-down dinner is Hillside Dining in the Saloon, with a Friday fish fry. Up the hill, the 1800s Homestead Lodge serves lunch by its potbelly stoves, and on Saturday nights a BBQ supper you reach by sleigh.
Dining at BruleMark these on the calendar. Opening dates ride on the weather, so check the snow report before you go.
The target is November 20–22, 2026, weather permitting. Check the snow report the week you go.
Usually in April, and some years later: the latest closing on record is May 15.
Yes. Four lit runs are open 4:30 to 7:30 PM every night from December 26 to 31, then on Fridays and Saturdays. A day ticket covers the night session.
Yes. Kids 9 and under ski free every day; pick up their free lift ticket when you arrive.
A short drive: about 6 miles south of Iron River on M-189, then west on Osterlund Road to Brule Mountain Road.
Central time, an hour behind most of Michigan. Lift and lesson times are Central.
Ski Brule's own Brule Village is at the base of the mountain, and there's more lodging in Iron River, Crystal Falls and around Iron County.
Watch the snow report, then book a room close to the mountain. Ski Brule's village lodging, most of it within walking distance of the lifts, runs from condos to log homes that sleep 16, and if you bring a sled you can ride from the village onto the Iron County trails. For the rest of the trip, see our winter weekend plan.
Events, Winter and tagged downhill skiing, family fun, iron county, iron river michigan, outdoor recreation, ski brule, skiing, snow tubing, upper peninsula skiing.
Waterfalls in Iron County, Michigan
Christmas Tree Galleria in Caspian, MI
Trout Fishing in Iron County, Michigan
Fat Tire Biking in Iron County, Michigan
906-214-2308
906-265-9100
40 E Adams St
Iron River, MI 49935
906-265-9244
1700 County Road 424
Gaastra, MI 49917
906-265-3611
1257 W Ice Lake Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
800-362-7853
373 Brule Mountain Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
800-DO-BRULE
906-265-4957
397 Brule Mountain Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
906-822-7713
1968 US 141 Highway
Amasa, MI 49903
Iron County is one of the Upper Peninsula’s best kept secrets. From camping to fishing, hunting to canoeing, mountain biking to forest bathing – no matter your interests, the great outdoors and clear crisp air await you here.
