Nubs Nob Ski Resort: Ultimate Trip Planning Guide

Whether you’re dashing through the snow for a family adventure or a regular ski- or snowboarding- enthusiast, Nubs Nob Ski Resort is a must-visit. The resort has a rich history as one of the Midwest’s most beloved ski destinations and is a longstanding tradition amongst many families and friends. 

Planning a trip to northern Michigan soon? This is the guide for you. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to plan a trip to Nubs Nob Ski Resort, including amenities, lifts, and runs, what to do off the slopes, where to stay, and more. 

The History of Nubs Nob Ski Resort 

Are you wondering where the name “Nubs Nobs” came from? The resort's quirky name came from the founders who transformed the scenic hilltop in Harbor Springs way back in 1958—Dorie Sarns and Norman "Nub" Sarns. The name originated from Nub's childhood nickname and the aboriginal word "nob," meaning rounded hill or summit. 

Starting with just three runs and a single rope tow, the Sarns family laid the foundation for what would become a skiing institution in Northern Michigan. Throughout the 1960s and '70s, the resort steadily expanded its terrain and infrastructure, adding some of the first chairlifts in the region. 

The pivotal moment came in 1987 when Jim Bartlett, Walter Fisher, and John Borgeson purchased the resort and began an aggressive modernization program. Under their stewardship, Nubs Nob earned a reputation for exceptional snow quality, becoming one of the first resorts in the Midwest to invest heavily in advanced snowmaking technology. 

Their commitment to maintaining pristine conditions earned the resort multiple awards from SKI Magazine for "Best Snow in the Midwest." Today, while maintaining its charming family-owned atmosphere.

Nubs Nob Ski Resort: All About Amenities

Nubs Nob’s long history as one of the best continues with its immaculate upkeep of the grounds and amenities offered today. In this section, we’ll cover all of Nubs Nob Ski Resort’s amenities you’ll take advantage of while on site. 

Lodges 

The heart of Nubs Nob's operations centers around two welcoming lodge facilities that blend rustic charm with modern amenities. The main Winter Sports Lodge is straight from a Hallmark movie, made with nostalgic pine timber and picturesque windows offering panoramic views of the slopes. 

Dining 

Say goodbye to typical cafeteria fare and hello to an eclectic offering of culinary delights at Nubs Nob.  The main lodge's café, known for its legendary chili and homemade soups, offers an extensive menu of hot entrées, fresh sandwiches, and salads at reasonable prices to fill your bellies and get back on the slope.

The resort is also home to the Pintail Peak Lodge, which features a more intimate dining space with a specialty grill menu and local craft beers. On busy weekends, the outdoor BBQ has become a beloved tradition for quick breaks between runs, filling the air with the tempting aroma of grilled burgers and bratwurst.

Safety 

Of course, safety is key at Nubs Nob, where a ski patrol team is on duty during all operating hours. The patrol consists of trained and certified professionals and volunteers who maintain first-aid facilities across the mountain when aid is needed most. The main patrol building, centrally located near the top of the Green lift, serves as the hub for safety operations and provides emergency care when needed.

Accessibility 

Come one, come all, for ski adventures at Nubs Nob Ski Resort, where accessibility features offer inclusive skiing. The resort uniquely offers adaptive skiing programs through partnerships with local organizations, featuring specialized equipment and trained instructors. 

Both lodges are wheelchair accessible with designated parking spaces, ramps, and elevators. The rental shop maintains a selection of adaptive equipment, though advance reservations are recommended.

What to Expect for Skiing and Snowboarding  

Ready to hit the slopes? Here’s what to expect when skiing and snowboarding at Nubs Nob Ski Resort. 

Lift System & Tickets 

Nubs Nob Ski Resort hosts 53 runs, offering seven chairlifts and three surface lifts for skiers and snowboarders. Three triple chairlifts and four double chairlifts allow access to the main face and are strategically positioned across the mountain. With an uphill capacity that reaches nearly 11,800 skiers per hour, you can expect short waits even on peak weekends, typically under 5-10 minutes. 

Tracks 

Nubs Nob Ski Resort offers an impressive variety of trails that cater to every skill level. From gentle beginner slopes to challenging expert runs, the resort's 53 trails spread across three peaks provide diverse terrain for all winter sports enthusiasts.

Beginner-Friendly Trails

• Smooth Sailing: Aptly named, this trail allows beginners to practice turns without feeling rush with a consistent grade and ample width. It also features a dedicated slow zone and is groomed often to offer beginners optimal learning conditions. 
• Little Victor: Named after one of the resort's founding family members, Little Victor is a step up from the bunny hill. It offers a gradual pitch that transitions riders from the absolute beginner terrain to more challenging terrain.

Intermediate Trails

• Scarface: Don’t be scared by the name. Scarface is a local favorite and offers a perfect blend of challenge and enjoyment. This blue run features rolling terrain with varying pitch changes, keeping skiers engaged. The trail's northern exposure helps maintain excellent snow conditions throughout the season, and its width allows for both carving practice and casual cruising.
• Purple Daze: Purple Daze is a fan favorite. It combines sweeping turns with moderate pitch changes for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The trail begins with a steeper section that mellows into a playful middle segment before finishing with an exciting run to the base. 

Advanced Terrain

• Chute: Living up to its name, Chute is a narrow, steep black diamond that challenges even experienced skiers. The trail begins with a sharp drop-in that’ll give you a thrill and demands technical skill to maneuver. 
• Tower Run: Nubs Nob’s signature advanced trail is Tower Run, which offers steep pitches and challenging terrain for experienced riders. The trail follows the fall line beneath the chairlift, providing an audience for those brave enough to tackle its demanding slopes.

Terrain Parks

• Nubs Park: The resort's premier terrain park features a progressive line of jumps, rails, and features catering to beginners and advanced freestyle riders. The park is regularly updated with new features and configurations throughout the season, keeping the experience fresh for regular visitors.
• Green Park: A beginner-friendly terrain park designed to introduce riders to freestyle elements. Small jumps, wide boxes, and low rails provide a safe environment for learning the basics of park riding. Dedicated park staff maintain features daily to ensure safe conditions for learning.

Night Skiing Trails

Several trails across all difficulty levels are illuminated for night skiing, including:

• Smooth Sailing
• Scarface
• Purple Daze
• Tower Run

Lessons 

The Nubs Nob Snow Sports School has earned a stellar reputation for its comprehensive lesson programs for all ages and abilities. During peak season, the school employs over 60 certified instructors, many of whom have taught at the resort for decades. Their expertise spans traditional alpine skiing, snowboarding, telemark skiing, and adaptive sports, ensuring every student finds the right match for their learning style.

Beyond the Slopes: Exploring Harbor Springs

Apres Ski, Harbor Springs, and its surrounding areas offer a delightful mix of attractions that perfectly complement your adventure at Nubs Nob. With its historic downtown and vibrant local culture, this charming lakeside community provides plenty of activities to enhance your winter getaway.

Downtown Harbor Springs captivates visitors with its picturesque Victorian architecture and stunning views of Little Traverse Bay. The area preserves its historic charm while offering modern amenities, making it an ideal destination for post-skiing exploration. 

The Harbor Springs History Museum, housed in a beautifully restored 1886 city hall building, provides fascinating insights into the region's rich past, including its evolution as a premier winter sports destination. During winter, the city's streets are adorned with twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere that epitomizes Northern Michigan's charm.

The dining scene in Harbor Springs rivals much larger cities, with options ranging from casual cafes to fine dining establishments. Shopping in Harbor Springs provides a refreshing alternative to generic retail experiences. The downtown area features a collection of unique boutiques and specialty shops.

Evening entertainment in Harbor Springs keeps the energy flowing after the ski runs close. The Lyric Theatre, recently restored to its former glory, screens both current releases and classic films in a charming setting. The Park Garden Wine Bar offers live music on weekend evenings, featuring local musicians and a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. 

After leaving the slopes, continue your winter adventures with various winter activities available in the Harbor Springs area. The Petoskey Winter Sports Park offers ice skating, sledding, and hockey rinks for public use. Cross-country skiing enthusiasts will find groomed trails at Boyne Highlands Cross Country Center and the scenic Wilderness State Park. 

For a unique winter experience, several local outfitters offer guided snowmobile tours through the pristine wilderness areas surrounding Harbor Springs. The Little Traverse Wheelway, while primarily known as a summer cycling route, transforms into a beautiful winter walking path with stunning bay views.

Adventure seekers might enjoy ice climbing at local spots like Wilderness State Park or taking a winter photography workshop with local professionals who know the best locations for capturing Northern Michigan's winter beauty. The Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau regularly organizes winter events, from ice carving demonstrations to wine tastings at local vineyards.

The Final Word: Stay at OTIS for Nubs Knob Ski Resort 

After a long day on the slopes, there’s nothing like cozying up to some peace and quiet. Make OTIS your escape from the hustle and bustle of Nubs Knob Ski Resort, and make your northern adventure that much more unique. OTIS is northern Michigan’s reimagined mid-century hotel that offers visitors a new vision of the great outdoors and indoors with eclectic, inspiring design.

Browse OTIS’ collection of rooms, reserve your stay today, or explore where to eat and drink when you finally land. Before you go, follow OTIS on Facebook and Instagram to stay up with all the latest seasonal updates.