Downhill Skiing in Petoskey

It’s time to hit the slopes!

Ski lovers wait for this all year long – the white stuff + a long weekend = heaven! Here are a couple of downhill ski options not far from Petoskey to checkout. 

And while you’re here, be sure to spend a little of your time off the slopes walking beautiful downtown Petoskey. Be sure to pop into Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts for cozy Wigwam socks and Minnetonka moccasins for cozy post-ski attire!

Read on for two ski slopes to take a run at! Snowfall averages 120+ inches a year – and it may be arriving late this year, but it always shows up! But even with winter’s meager start, ski resorts are reporting that their “snow farmers” have been able to keep making snow, keeping lifts open!

Nub’s Nob Ski Area

Harbor Springs, MI

Nub’s Nob gets its playful name from founder Norman “Nubby” Sarns. Nubby, along with his wife, Dorie, opened the small ski hill in 1958. Today, it was grown into a beloved local legend. 

The ski area has 8 lifts and 53 runs, with 427 feet of vertical drop. You’ll also find snowshoe and cross-country trails, plus a terrain park with features for all levels. 

Nub’s Nob offers two lodges with great food options for a break and warm-up between runs. They also have large outdoor seating areas with plenty of plug-ins for crockpots, so bring the tailgate and tuck in for the day. And, when the kids are tuckered out, drop them off at their on-site daycare, Nubs Cubs.

One big plus that is unique to Nub’s Nob: Newbies can ski for free in their Beginner Area. It connects to two ski lifts, as well as The Space Worm, the Midwest’s first covered conveyor belt to take you up the hill (this is a fun little adventure unto itself). You can use the Beginner Area free of charge any day the hill is open. If you need equipment, they offer rentals.

Other updates (besides the endearing Space Worm) include a newly renovated Main Lodge, in-ground heating at their Winter Garden Café, and 9 new snow guns, bringing their total to 315. 

You can find trail conditions online, as well as live webcams showcasing the slopes 24/7. If you plan to come for the weekend, Nub’s Nob does not have on-site lodging, but you might consider a stay at one of their recommended favorites. Tis the season to visit this local gem of snowy goodness!

Boyne Mountain Resort

Boyne Falls, MI

This resort has it all for outdoor lovers seeking the UpNorth experience. With a wide variety of accommodations and amenities throughout their many properties, you can downhill ski, cross-country ski, fat bike, tube, ice skate, zipline and more. They also boast Avalanche Bay, Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark!

However, their two new big additions this year are stealing the show:

1. SkyBridge Michigan – The resort has just finished construction of the world’s largest timber-towered suspension bridge. You can buy tickets to walk the 1,200-foot long and 118-foot high pedestrian bridge – if you dare!
2. Disciples 8, is the Midwest’s first 8-person chairlift. Getting up the mountain just got quicker and a whole lot more fun. 

Overall, the resort has 500 vertical feet, 60 runs and 12 lifts (including the new D8). In addition, they have a 3.5K snowshoe trail and 35K of cross-country trails. Plus terrain parks! One unique option for playing is their “MoonBikes” – the industry’s first fully electric snow vehicle. It’s essentially a bike on skis!

You can check daily conditions and webcams online here, and look at lodging options here. If you head to Boyne, you will have more options than you can finish in a weekend. Plan accordingly – and joyfully!

Now, enjoy the white stuff and get out to play!