Winter-is-Here.jpgThe slopes are open and ready for you at Boyne Mountain, Boyne Highlands and Nub’s Nob.The Petoskey Area of northern Michigan is well known for its terrific downhill skiing and snowboarding. Now that snow has arrived, pack up the car and come take advantage of the Midwest’s best slopes. Combined, the three ski resorts offer 168 runs, and 15 terrain parks.

Boyne Highlands

The Highlands is located in Harbor Springs. With 55 downhill runs and 5 terrain parks, you are sure to keep busy. And as if that’s not enough, a lift ticket from Boyne Highlands is also good at Boyne Mountain, so you’ll have access to 115 downhill runs, a halfpipe, high-speed lifts and 70km of cross-country trails. Boyne also offers lessons and special prices for kids and seniors.

For the seasoned skier, the longest run at Boyne Highlands is 1¼ miles long, and the vertical drop is 552 feet. If you are just getting started, there are also 16 acres of free beginner ski and snowboard areas. The terrain parks also range from easy to challenging.

Boyne Mountain

Boyne Mountain, in Boyne Falls, is home to 60 downhill runs over a span of 415 acres. Seven terrain parks include Burton Riglet Park, for ages 3-6, who are just getting used to riding, to the high-speed adrenaline course at Chmielew-ski Skier/Boardercross Course for those who are ready for more thrills. As with the Highlands, lift tickets are interchangeable between the two Boyne resorts, opening up even more options.

The Mountain operates 10 lifts, including a 6-person high-speed lift and 2 surface lifts to bring everyone to the top. The longest run is Cold Springs, at a mile long, and the vertical drop is 500 feet. There are also 14 acres of free beginner ski and snowboard areas to test your skills before hitting the bigger runs. Lessons and equipment rental are available to make sure you are well-prepared for your adventure.

Nub’s Nob

Nub’s Nob is remarkable for having the most highly decorated snowmaking and snow grooming crew in the Midwest, along with an award-winning lodge. Nub’s features 53 runs on three separate peaks and three terrain parks. The longest run is Ramblewood, at 7/8 mile, and the highest vertical drop is 427 feet. Nub’s has a free bunny hill for beginners, and also offers lessons and equipment rental.

The three terrain parks at Nub’s Nob are set for all age levels. The Purple Park is for beginners to get the feel of riding, Nub’s Jib Yard is best for riders of intermediate ability, and the Main Line Park has features for the most experienced boarders.

This is only the beginning. To find out more about these three resorts and view trail maps, please download the FREE eBook: Guide to Michigan’s Best Snow Skiing & Riding. For lodging, visit the Petoskey Area website at PetoskeyArea.com.

{{cta(‘4ae2acbf-891f-4667-9071-a783b50bab94′,’justifycenter’)}}Diane Dakins is passionate about all of the communities that comprise the Petoskey Area of 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. She strives to create informative content that gives potential visitors the scoop on planning a northern Michigan vacation.