Nubs Nob - Michigan's Premier Winter Playground
When you think about places to really enjoy winter, especially if you love sliding down snowy hills, there's this spot in Northern Michigan that often comes up in conversation. It’s called Nubs Nob, and it sits on the north side of Little Traverse Bay, pretty close to some very pleasant towns like Petoskey and Harbor Springs. This place has a reputation for being a go-to for many folks who enjoy snow sports, drawing people in with what many say is some of the best snow you'll find anywhere in the Midwest. It’s a pretty big deal for anyone wanting to spend time outdoors when it’s cold and white.
You see, Nubs Nob isn't just a random hill; it’s a well-known spot, a place where people genuinely go to experience the thrill of skiing and snowboarding. It offers a good number of runs, 53 of them, spread out for everyone from those just starting out to others who have been doing this for ages. The setup includes several lifts, and they even have snowmaking capabilities, which is a real plus for keeping things consistent. There are also opportunities for night skiing, which, you know, adds a whole different kind of fun to the day, or rather, the evening. It’s a complete package, really, for winter fun, and it's all there waiting.
What’s more, this place, Nubs Nob, has a bit of history, too, which we'll get into a little later. But for now, just imagine a location that’s pretty easy to get to, whether you’re coming from Traverse City or Grand Rapids, making it a good choice for a quick day trip or a longer weekend stay. It’s a place where families often find themselves, where kids learn the ropes, and where the atmosphere is generally just about enjoying the winter landscape. So, in some respects, it’s more than just a ski hill; it’s a winter escape, a little slice of snowy heaven, really.
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Table of Contents
- Who Started the Magic at Nubs Nob?
- What Makes Nubs Nob Snow So Special?
- Getting Around at Nubs Nob - Lifts and Runs
- Is Nubs Nob Good for Learning to Ski?
- Beyond the Slopes - What Else is There at Nubs Nob?
- Where Exactly Can You Find Nubs Nob?
- How Do You Stay Up-to-Date on Nubs Nob Conditions?
- A Final Look at Nubs Nob
Who Started the Magic at Nubs Nob?
Have you ever wondered who was behind the creation of a place like Nubs Nob? Well, this popular ski spot actually got its name from its founder, a gentleman named Norman "Nubby" Sarns. He, along with Dorie Sarns, opened this place way back in 1958. It started out as a pretty small ski hill, just a little something, but over the years, it has certainly grown into a rather substantial ski destination. It's quite interesting to think about how a single vision can expand so much over time, don't you think? It’s basically a testament to their early efforts and foresight.
Norman Sarns, the person whose nickname gave Nubs Nob its memorable title, was clearly someone with a passion for winter sports. Starting a ski hill from scratch in the late 1950s would have been quite an undertaking, requiring a good deal of dedication and a belief in the idea. The fact that it has continued to grow and thrive for so many decades speaks volumes about the foundation they laid. So, when you're there, sliding down the hills, it's almost like you're experiencing a bit of his dream, still very much alive.
Personal Details - Norman "Nubby" Sarns
Name | Norman "Nubby" Sarns |
Role | Founder of Nubs Nob |
Year Opened Nubs Nob | 1958 (with Dorie Sarns) |
Location of Nubs Nob | Pleasantview Township, Michigan, United States |
What Makes Nubs Nob Snow So Special?
People often talk about the snow quality at Nubs Nob, saying it’s among the very best in the Midwest. So, what exactly gives it this reputation? Well, part of it has to do with the natural conditions in Northern Michigan, which often get a good amount of lake-effect snow. But it's also about what the resort does to keep things in tip-top shape. They have extensive snowmaking capabilities, which means even if Mother Nature isn't delivering a fresh blanket, they can make sure the slopes are covered and ready for action. This is pretty important, actually, for a consistent season.
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Having 53 ski slopes, as Nubs Nob does, means there's a lot of ground to cover, and maintaining good snow across all of them takes a lot of effort. The snowmaking system helps them manage this, ensuring that skiers and snowboarders have a great surface to glide on, even when conditions might otherwise be less than ideal. This focus on snow quality is a big reason why so many people choose Nubs Nob for their winter adventures. It’s a commitment to the experience, you know, making sure the fundamental element—the snow—is really top-notch. It’s pretty much what keeps folks coming back.
Getting Around at Nubs Nob - Lifts and Runs
Once you're at Nubs Nob, getting up the hill to enjoy those famous slopes is pretty straightforward. The place has nine lifts, which is a good number for moving people around efficiently. These lifts provide access to nearly 250 acres of slopes and trails that are cut through the landscape. It means you can spend more time enjoying the ride down and less time waiting around, which is always a plus, right? And, as a matter of fact, one of those lifts is specifically for beginners, which is a thoughtful touch for those just starting out.
With 53 trails available, there’s a really good mix for everyone. You'll find plenty of very easy, long runs, which are just perfect for beginners who are still getting their snow legs. Then there are other trails that offer more of a challenge for those with more experience. This variety across three separate peaks means you can explore different parts of the mountain and find runs that suit your skill level and mood for the day. It’s quite a spread, offering a bit of something for just about every kind of skier or snowboarder, honestly.
Is Nubs Nob Good for Learning to Ski?
If you're wondering if Nubs Nob is a good place for someone to learn how to ski or snowboard, the answer is a pretty clear yes. Many families, in fact, mention that their kids learned to ski right there. The presence of those very easy, long runs is a big part of why it's so suitable for beginners. These gentle slopes give new learners plenty of space and time to get comfortable on their equipment without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. It's a really supportive environment for those first few times on the snow, in a way.
Nubs Nob also has a program called Ski Odyssey, which is specifically set up to teach beginners aged nine and older. This program is offered on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from January 10 through March 9, 2025. For a modest fee, these group lessons include the equipment you'll need and a lift ticket, which is pretty convenient. Each session is kept small, limited to eight or fewer students, which means everyone gets a good amount of attention from the instructors. So, basically, if you or someone you know wants to learn, Nubs Nob seems to have a pretty good setup for that.
Beyond the Slopes - What Else is There at Nubs Nob?
While Nubs Nob is primarily a place for skiing and snowboarding, there are other things to consider when you're planning a visit. The text mentions a "good store" on site, which is helpful for picking up any last-minute gear or perhaps a souvenir. However, it also points out that the food might not be the main draw, with many people opting to pack their own lunches and snacks. This is a pretty common practice at many ski areas, you know, and it can certainly save a bit of money and ensure you have exactly what you want to eat.
It's also worth noting that if you're looking for an experience that goes beyond just skiing at Nubs Nob, there's another large resort right across the street, Boyne. You can actually see Boyne from Nubs Nob, as they face each other. This means if you wanted to explore different options for dining, lodging, or other activities, Boyne offers those possibilities. So, in some respects, you get the best of both worlds: the great skiing at Nubs Nob and the broader resort amenities just a stone's throw away, which is pretty neat.
Where Exactly Can You Find Nubs Nob?
Finding Nubs Nob is fairly straightforward if you're heading to Northern Michigan. It's located on the north side of Little Traverse Bay, which puts it within just a few minutes of those charming resort towns of Petoskey and Harbor Springs. This makes it a really convenient spot to visit, as you have access to other services, shops, and places to stay in the nearby communities. The address is 500 Nub’s Nob Road, Harbor Springs, MI 49740, so it’s pretty easy to plug into your GPS, you know, if you're driving there.
For those coming from a bit further away, Nubs Nob is about an hour and a half drive from Traverse City. If you're coming from Grand Rapids, it's roughly a three-hour trip. This makes it a perfectly doable day trip for many skiers and snowboarders in the region, or a very nice option for a weekend getaway. The location is quite picturesque, too, nestled in Pleasantview Township, Michigan, which adds to the overall appeal of spending time there. It’s essentially a well-placed spot for winter recreation.
How Do You Stay Up-to-Date on Nubs Nob Conditions?
Knowing what the snow is like before you head out to Nubs Nob is pretty important for planning a good day on the slopes. The resort provides daily updates on snow totals and ski conditions, which is really helpful. You can find out the current snow depths and when the last snowfall occurred, which gives you a good idea of what to expect. This kind of information is usually available through their official channels, like their website, or perhaps local news outlets that cover ski reports. It’s pretty much essential for any winter sports enthusiast.
Sometimes, the weather can change quickly in Michigan, as was the case on March 16th, 2025, when it was raining in the morning but expected to turn to snow with some accumulation. These kinds of updates are very useful for visitors, allowing them to adjust their plans or expectations. And, you know, when the season wraps up, Nubs Nob will announce its closure, like they did for the recent season, saying thank you to everyone who visited and asking people to stay tuned for future updates. It’s all about keeping folks informed so they can make the most of their time there.
A Final Look at Nubs Nob
So, we've talked quite a bit about Nubs Nob, a well-regarded spot for skiing and snowboarding in Northern Michigan. It’s a place that began as a small hill thanks to Norman "Nubby" Sarns and has grown into a destination known for its impressive 53 slopes and what many consider the Midwest's best snow. You've got plenty of lifts, including one for beginners, and a good variety of runs spread across three peaks, which is pretty accommodating for all skill levels. They even have snowmaking to keep things consistent, and night skiing for a different kind of fun.
It's also a place where you can learn to ski, with programs like Ski Odyssey designed to help new folks get comfortable on the snow, offering small group lessons with equipment and lift tickets included. While the on-site food might not be the highlight, there's a good store, and you're really close to towns like Petoskey and Harbor Springs, offering more choices. Plus, the big Boyne resort is right across the street if you're looking for even more amenities. All in all, Nubs Nob is a popular choice for a winter day trip or a longer stay, easily reached from larger cities, and it keeps its visitors updated on snow conditions. It’s quite the spot for winter enjoyment, basically.
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Nubs Nob | Indy Pass

Nubs Nob | Indy Pass

Nubs Nob | Indy Pass