The New York Times recently named Michigan a Secret Ski Destination with kudos thrown to Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands. Soon after publication of that article, the Detroit Free Press released its list of the Top 10 Ski Areas in Michigan. We’re proud to be home to three of the top 10 – the two Boyne resorts and Nub’s Nob.

One of the reasons our ski areas are honored year after year is their incredible snowmaking capabilities. With nearly a thousand snowguns roaring away, our resorts make a ton of it.  When there’s not much snow on the ground outside your window, you’ll find several feet of it on the slopes in the Petoskey Area.

Don’t believe me? Then see for yourself. I won’t take it personally. Check the live ski resort webcams for current conditions.

Along with snow that’s measured in feet, not inches, another part of what makes skiing in the Petoskey Area so special are the very cool resort communities that make up our area.

Boyne Mountain, with its 60 downhill runs, is in Boyne Falls, near Boyne City. When you aren’t schussing down the mountain, take some time to check out the unique shops and, of course, restaurants. After a day outside you’ve probably worked up a humungous appetite. The dining options here will satisfy every taste and budget. Ready for a change of pace? Pretend it’s summer and head back to Boyne Mountain and Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark.

Harbor Springs is where you’ll find two more awesome ski areas, Boyne Highlands and Nub’s Nob. Together they tout 108 fantastic downhill runs. In addition to terrific slopes, Harbor Springs entices you with small town charm and a quaint downtown. It’s kind of like Switzerland, but a whole lot closer. Leave time for the one-of-a-kind shopping, you’ll love it. Oh, be sure to cap off your visit with some delicious cookies from Tom’s Mom’s.

So, pack your bags and head to the Petoskey Area for some of the best skiing — and après skiing — around. There are a lot of slopes and a lot to see and do. Plan to stay for a few days to take advantage of it all.

Lodging information and specials can be found online or by calling the Visitors Bureau at 800.845.2828.

{{cta(‘3c672aa5-0c9a-4af2-ab17-fc9959d28069′,’justifycenter’)}}

About the author

Diane Dakins is passionate about all the lakeside communities that comprise the Petoskey Area of northern Michigan: Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor and Boyne City. As assistant director of the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau, she has ‘been there — seen that’ when it comes to virtually every area attraction. Her blogs give potential visitors the scoop on planning a northern Michigan vacation.