Triple Shred Fest: Midwest Snow Fun at Boyne Mountain, Nub’s Nob, and The Highlands.
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Northern Michigan ski resorts have a trio of top spots: Boyne Mountain, Nub’s Nob, and The Highlands – where the best slopes are practically neighbors. These ski destinations, just a stone's throw apart, offer a mix of flavors that'll keep every snow junkie grinning. Whether you're into the high-energy vibe at Boyne Mountain, the classic cool of Nub’s Nob, or the breathtaking scenery at The Highlands, you should check out all three. Midwest snow fun is all about variety, shredding different slopes, and enjoying winter sports – a triple treat waiting for you. We’ve been to them all and want to share the snow love for these three.
The Highlands at Harbor Springs: Your Luxury Ski Adventure Basecamp.
When we decided to take a long weekend trip to this area of Michigan, we stayed at The Highlands because we wanted a more luxurious base camp. As I said, these three places have their personality.
Entry sign into the Highlands.
The check-in process to The Highlands sets the standard right away. When you enter the property, the check-in process is set off in a building before you get too far into the property. The building is small. You are offered champagne once you walk through the doors, and they have warm cookies. You get access to your unit and head to the main lodge, where your concierge is waiting outside to take your luggage to your room. There is fresh water throughout, with lemon and orange slices. In the evening, they have hot cocoa stations. So, yeah, it is that kind of place. And why did we make this spot our base camp? Ski in and ski out. It is a relaxing way for two girls to unwind, relax, and ski. To learn more about staying at the Main Lodge, visit here.
Skiing and Snowboarding at The Highlands
This snow destination caters to all levels of skiers. They offer plenty of runs for the beginner green to the black diamond junkie. You can take all these off-the-beaten-path trails through the woods to connect you to other super fun trails. Some of our favorite trails are Leslie’s Quest, Bucky’s, Lois Lane, and Upper and Lower Camelot.
This way to Buckey’s at the Highlands.
Mountain Facts:
435 acres of terrain
Eight chair-lifts with one new
552 feet of vertical
53 runs
Four terrain parks
The longest run in Michigan is 1.25 miles
The fastest chairlift in the Midwest coming 2023-2024
20 miles of Nordic Trails for you cross-country skiers
A nice view from North Peak where you can get snacks and a restroom at the top of North Peak lift.
A nice view from North Peak where you can get snacks and a restroom at the top of North Peak lift.
Lift Ticket Costs at The Highlands.
The Highlands offers seasonal passes, but I imagine those benefit Michigan locals more. They have a few options if you are coming in for a long weekend or week.
Open to close (depending on the day) can run you from $49.00 - $105.
The best deal is the Lake Eflex pass, which costs $185.
All in all, they have a ton of options. We don’t think the prices are wrong with what you get at this ski destination. To learn more about ticket options and pricing, visit the landing page here.
What We Like About The Highlands for Winter Snow Fun.
Kelly is at the top at The Highlands of Harbor Springs.
It’s a fantastic place to ski, and it is also super chill. They have a nice variety. It is a more quiet place to ski than Boyne Mountain or Nub’s Nob. Their runs are pretty long for not being a mountain resort but a Midwest one. The runs are beautiful as they are carved through the forest. We start by taking the Heather Express and work our way left. You can do this by going down and up on different runs to the next lift or taking the upper passes. As you do this, you get your warm-up in as you get to the right of the mountain, where there is a good mix of greens and blues. The terrain is much more dense in this direction as the runs are cut through the forest.
Additionally, there is a warm fire at the base of the main lodge to warm your hands and feet.
To learn more about The Highlands of Harbor Springs, visit their site here.
Boyne Mountain: Adventure Park Meets Michigan Snow.
Boyne Mountain is a mix of adventure and snowy enchantment. When the snow covers everything in sight, the whole place becomes a snow globe playground.
Think heart-pounding winter sports and the beauty of untouched powder—it's all here. Boyne Mountain isn't just for the adrenaline junkies; it's a call to anyone who loves the outdoors. It's an experience that blends the excitement of the slopes with the peaceful vibe of Michigan winters.
It is like a theme park because it offers so much, but we are discussing skiing and snowboarding here.
Mountain Facts:
415 skiable acres
12 lifts
500 feet of vertical
60 runs
Seven terrain parks
The terrain parks are enormous here. There is a variety, too. Ramshead Park is their most significant. I remember skiing past the terrain park and thinking wow, this is huge, with jumps made of snow and tons of features. For any level, they have a park for you.
Lift Ticket Costs at Boyne Mountain.
Boyne Mountain offers seasonal passes like The Highlands. Remember, they are a part of the same family of resorts.
Open to close (depending on the day) can run you from $54.00 to $105.
The best deal is the Lake Eflex pass, which costs $175. This allows you to choose several days and bounce from Boyne Mountain and The Highlands. To learn more about this option, visit here.
They, too, have night skiing.
To learn more about pricing or to purchase lift tickets, visit here.
The Village at Boyne Mountain: Dining, Shopping, and Après Ski
The main point of difference between the other two ski spots is The Village at Boyne. Unlike many ski resorts in the Midwest, The Village has a ton of dining, shopping, and Après ski options. They even have a nightclub for your adulting. And please do not skip the infamous Waffle Cabin while there. It is the best part of The Village. Trust me. To learn more about their dining options, visit here. To learn more about their shopping, see here.
Pro Tip: Boyne is cashless, so ensure you have your CCs.
Close-up of a hand holding a waffle with chocolate dripping off, at Waffle Cabin, Boyne Mountain.
What We Like About Boyne Mountain.
Boyne Mountain is like a giant snow playground with lots to do between runs. It feels like a destination with its shops, dining, and entertainment. The mood is even more like a giant playground in a snow globe. We did not spend that much time here. One day. The other two are more of my kind of place to ski, but this is your place for a family with kids or a group having a fun, party kind of weekend. To learn more about Boyne Mountain, visit here.
Nub’s Nob: Your Midwest Hub for Slopes and Suds.
Nub’s Nob sign outside the parking lot.
Nub’s Nob is a family-owned business since 1958. It is where the local spirit of winter comes alive. This isn't your flashy resort—it's a down-to-earth spot where folks gather for the simple love of skiing and snowboarding. The resort has this kitschy, authentic vibe. The slopes are impeccably groomed, the vibe is laid-back, and there's no need for pretense. Here, it's all about the ride's genuine joy and the local crowd's welcoming camaraderie. Nub's Nob feels like a hometown hill where everyone is a friend, and the thrill of the snow-covered slopes is what truly matters. A local warmth makes Nub's Nob a cherished spot in Michigan and for us.
Mountain Stats:
53 Ski Runs
Eight Lifts
Two Lodges (Main Lodge and Pintail Peak Lodge)
Three Peaks
427 ft. of Vertical Drop
FREE Beginner Area
Kids Under Eight Ski FREE
Night Ski/Snowboard
Lift Ticket Costs at Nub’s Nob.
We had the Icon Pass, so we had two days to ski Nub's Nob during the season. The last time we were there was for night skiing only because we had already paid for skiing passes for The Highlands and Boyne Mountain. You know how that goes: budgets. To learn more and buy tickets in advance, visit here. I know they are still pending for the 2024/2035 ski season. You can check their site for updates here.
Nub’s Pub: The Best Après Ski in the Midwest.
Besides the rad slopes, the best part about Nub’s Nob is Nub’s Pub. Nub’s Pub is in the main lodge. Once you enter the bar, you feel like you have walked into a local woody bar in Michigan. It doesn’t have that bar vibe that you typically find in a lodge at a ski resort. It feels local and warm within a crowd of people wearing ski and snowboard gear and drinking local beer, wine, and cocktails. Nub’s Pub has been my favorite bar at a ski resort. It doesn’t feel commercial like the others; it feels local.
Why We Love Nub’s Nob.
We come from a small town, which is what we love about Nub’s Nob. It is this kitschy ski spot with incredible runs, a chill vibe, and authentic folks who are the heart of the Midwest. There isn’t this big-town vibe of who, what, where, and why. To learn more about Nub’s Nob, visit their site here.
A Local Favorite: Shaggy’s Skis.
In the heart of Northern Michigan is a family-owned shop that handcrafts skis using wood from local trees.
It starts locally, where the wood for your skis is cut in a local mill. They have a high standard of craftsmanship in their product. This family eats, sleeps, and breathes skiing. I love the placement of the logo. It is super huge on the bottom that will not go unnoticed. You will not find these skis at any retailer. You can only get them at 100 Air Industrial Park Drive, Boyne City, MI 49712, or online here.
Kelly with her Shaggy’s The Highlands of Harbor Springs.
Triple Shred Fest: That’s a Wrap.
The commonality in these three ski destinations is that they are family-owned. That is why all three of these are unique, with different personalities. To sum up, The Highlands is quiet and upscale with incredible ski runs for all levels; Boyne Mountain has more adventure park destination vibe with great skiing and snowboarding. The terrain parks here are amazing. Then, Nub’s Nob has your local Midwest ski vibe. Great runs, chill atmosphere with less of that big ski resort with all the commercialization - more homegrown. However, the point of this article is to encourage you to try all three or two or one. We did all three in one trip. Variety is the spice of life. Get spicy.
Learn More About These Ski Destinations in Our Other Blogs and Videos.
Find Deals on Ski Tickets and Passes at getskitickets.com.
If you will hit some of the above ski spots for skiing or snowboarding, take a quick peek at GetSkiTickets.com. It's a handy spot for finding deals on lift tickets at various resorts. Straightforward and easy to use, it's all about getting you on the slopes without a fuss.
