Nub's Nob
4.5
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Recreation area offers downhill and cross-country skiing, 246 acres on 43 slopes and runs up to almost a mile in length.
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notyetvet
Barrington, IL6 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
There was no snow, which is obviously not their fault, but it was too warm to even make snow. They only had the front lifts open. They are doing holiday prices and there are no discounts despite only 30% of the runs being open. It is definitely worth calling ahead and checking the snow report. Lift tickets for teens will run you anywhere from $80-$112 during the holiday season. If you live in Wisconsin or Minnesota, it is not worth the drive!
Written December 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie K
57 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Comparing this to other places we’ve been, the kids were occupied all day. The runs are long, the chairlifts aren’t crowded because there are so many! Great cafeteria ($$$) if you don’t choose to bring a lunch. There’s a hill for every level of skier. We will be back!
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ray R
Grand Rapids, MI88 contributions
Feb 2020
This is our 3rd trip to Nubs Nob and it never disappoints! The conditions were excellent. The hill was well-groomed and well-marked. They open lifts as needed to keep the lines down. Plenty of room to ski to spread out the crowd. Yummy, made to order food, a pub and a coffee/pastry shop. My favorite place to ski in Michigan.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Crystal S
Portage, MI154 contributions
Dec 2018 • Family
We spent an entire day and night at Nub’s Nob over the holiday. Went on a Saturday between Christmas and New Years. While they were busy, it was not crazy crowded on the slopes. Even on the holiday, 8 and younger ski free with paying adult. They have child prices, teen prices, and adult prices. Was still close to $300 for our family of four to ski all day. We did choose to add on the night skiing which was $10 more per person.
It is a great resort. There are three main sections to ski. The farthest out is only open during the day (9-4:30, though honestly they were shutting it down closer to 4). That was my favorite. All blue runs. Accessible for my kids (they have been skiing for about 5 years now) and less crowded than the other two sections. Also has a great warming hut at the top with bathrooms and cafeteria style food. Had a three and four person lift (called black and gray). All attendants were polite and helpful.
During holidays and weekends you can only bring your own food to the basement section. Lots of tables and even a door outside so you could go in that way instead of through the lodge. We were able to find a table to eat our packed lunch. They did have some cubbies about to store things if you needed. While very full at lunch time we were still able to find a table.
They did have a cafeteria. We bought fries and hot cocoa to munch on during our second break. There is also a pub. No kids allowed in during weekends and holidays so we did not use on this trip (but I like the idea).
The other two sections for skiing close down at 4:30 but open again at 6. The place really cleared out at 4:30. No one was in the basement picnic lunch area, maybe two other families? We chilled out by the fire to wait for night skiing.
Which was great. Really empty, able to do some black diamonds with the mountain to ourselves. They also have a half pipe! The kids thought this was awesome. I posted a day time pick, but sum was high. They also had some smaller terrain parks.
While none of the lifts are the high speed kind, they had them all up and running and we never waited long for a lift, even on a Saturday over the holidays. I can’t recommend this ski resort enough. While across the street from Boyne Highlands, I was extremely pleased we came here too.
It is a great resort. There are three main sections to ski. The farthest out is only open during the day (9-4:30, though honestly they were shutting it down closer to 4). That was my favorite. All blue runs. Accessible for my kids (they have been skiing for about 5 years now) and less crowded than the other two sections. Also has a great warming hut at the top with bathrooms and cafeteria style food. Had a three and four person lift (called black and gray). All attendants were polite and helpful.
During holidays and weekends you can only bring your own food to the basement section. Lots of tables and even a door outside so you could go in that way instead of through the lodge. We were able to find a table to eat our packed lunch. They did have some cubbies about to store things if you needed. While very full at lunch time we were still able to find a table.
They did have a cafeteria. We bought fries and hot cocoa to munch on during our second break. There is also a pub. No kids allowed in during weekends and holidays so we did not use on this trip (but I like the idea).
The other two sections for skiing close down at 4:30 but open again at 6. The place really cleared out at 4:30. No one was in the basement picnic lunch area, maybe two other families? We chilled out by the fire to wait for night skiing.
Which was great. Really empty, able to do some black diamonds with the mountain to ourselves. They also have a half pipe! The kids thought this was awesome. I posted a day time pick, but sum was high. They also had some smaller terrain parks.
While none of the lifts are the high speed kind, they had them all up and running and we never waited long for a lift, even on a Saturday over the holidays. I can’t recommend this ski resort enough. While across the street from Boyne Highlands, I was extremely pleased we came here too.
Written December 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KathyV
8 contributions
Dec 2019
We have been coming to Nubs for years with our kids, from the time they were pre-teens until now when they are all young adults. We LOVE it here! Great runs to choose from whether you are a beginner or a great skier. Best grooming around and they do a great job of making lots of snow when needed. It's nice to have the option to go to the back of the hill to ski (in Pintails) or stay in the front not only for variety of skiing, but also to get out of the wind if you need to.
Written December 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John H
25 contributions
Feb 2016 • Family
Nub's Nob used to be a family ski destination with our young kids and extended family. We always liked the variety of runs here and it seemed like you could always find your family members on the hill and not get too separated. While these qualities are still present, I feel Nub's has not improved its amenities in too long a time. I had not been to Nub's in approx 4 years prior to yesterday's visit.
Comparing Nub's to nearby Boyne Mountain is really no comparison. Boyne is far better in terms of amenities and overall feel of the entire ski experience.
I brought my (now teenage) kids to Nub's remembering the good ski experiences of years ago and hoping it would be a good change from the seemingly dominant Boyne resorts. While the skiing was fine and the kids thought the hills were fine (especially the glades), I ended up with a less than favorable impression.
I was not skiing that day and decided I would catch up on some email in the lodge. Competing ski areas all seem up to date with wifi, multiple seating areas and generally go out of their way to ensure the off-hill experience is a good one for those not skiing (or taking a break)....Not Nub's.
Nubs has non working wifi and when I asked a few employees and the office staff if the wifi was working, they said "oh, well it doesn't work that well and only in the cafeteria (even though the one comfortable seating area they had didn't have access). And the employees didn't seem to care that much or think it was a big deal.
So I moved from my comfy chair into a much less comfy cafeteria chair only to find wifi did not work there either (after many tries on different hotspots - none worked). Maybe I am spoiled but in 2016 there is no excuse to not have working (decent speed too) wifi in a place where people are spending many hours. Many parents hang out in the lodge area area and every other ski area I have been to has working wifi.. Even little coffee shops have working wifi.. Come on Nubs!
So basically my entire day was unproductive (since there is sketchy cellular coverage in that area).
So while I understand this is a ski area for "skiing" not surfing the web - it made me notice so many other things that made the experience (by comparison to other ski areas I have been to) seem like Nub's was way behind. Here are a couple thoughts good and bad:
Cons:
- No working wifi (big one for me as other resorts have working wifi all over the indoor and outdoor areas - if I am not skiing, it would be nice to have access during the hours I am sitting).
- Outdated lodge & other areas.
- Only one (outdated) seating area.
- Cafeteria food was overpriced ($5.25 for a small bowl of chili - competing ski areas with nicer amenities change less for more).
- Ticket prices on par with competing areas (again offering better amenities).
Pros:
- Nice accessible ski hills
- Good glades area
- Good snowboard areas
- Easy to find family members while skiing
So while I think Nub's is still a decent skiing hill, if you are looking for comfort (dining, seating, wifi, ski atmosphere) off the hill... look elsewhere. I think I will now just continue to go to the places that give me the skiing and the comfort/atmosphere. Unfortunately Nub's has some very strong competition in the area but there has to be a minimum standard and smiling customer service attitude as a base from which to build. A good start would be getting a decent wifi access and up to date amenities (for those of us not still living in 1992). How something like this is overlooked makes one wonder about what they talk about in planning meetings for improving guest experience.
Comparing Nub's to nearby Boyne Mountain is really no comparison. Boyne is far better in terms of amenities and overall feel of the entire ski experience.
I brought my (now teenage) kids to Nub's remembering the good ski experiences of years ago and hoping it would be a good change from the seemingly dominant Boyne resorts. While the skiing was fine and the kids thought the hills were fine (especially the glades), I ended up with a less than favorable impression.
I was not skiing that day and decided I would catch up on some email in the lodge. Competing ski areas all seem up to date with wifi, multiple seating areas and generally go out of their way to ensure the off-hill experience is a good one for those not skiing (or taking a break)....Not Nub's.
Nubs has non working wifi and when I asked a few employees and the office staff if the wifi was working, they said "oh, well it doesn't work that well and only in the cafeteria (even though the one comfortable seating area they had didn't have access). And the employees didn't seem to care that much or think it was a big deal.
So I moved from my comfy chair into a much less comfy cafeteria chair only to find wifi did not work there either (after many tries on different hotspots - none worked). Maybe I am spoiled but in 2016 there is no excuse to not have working (decent speed too) wifi in a place where people are spending many hours. Many parents hang out in the lodge area area and every other ski area I have been to has working wifi.. Even little coffee shops have working wifi.. Come on Nubs!
So basically my entire day was unproductive (since there is sketchy cellular coverage in that area).
So while I understand this is a ski area for "skiing" not surfing the web - it made me notice so many other things that made the experience (by comparison to other ski areas I have been to) seem like Nub's was way behind. Here are a couple thoughts good and bad:
Cons:
- No working wifi (big one for me as other resorts have working wifi all over the indoor and outdoor areas - if I am not skiing, it would be nice to have access during the hours I am sitting).
- Outdated lodge & other areas.
- Only one (outdated) seating area.
- Cafeteria food was overpriced ($5.25 for a small bowl of chili - competing ski areas with nicer amenities change less for more).
- Ticket prices on par with competing areas (again offering better amenities).
Pros:
- Nice accessible ski hills
- Good glades area
- Good snowboard areas
- Easy to find family members while skiing
So while I think Nub's is still a decent skiing hill, if you are looking for comfort (dining, seating, wifi, ski atmosphere) off the hill... look elsewhere. I think I will now just continue to go to the places that give me the skiing and the comfort/atmosphere. Unfortunately Nub's has some very strong competition in the area but there has to be a minimum standard and smiling customer service attitude as a base from which to build. A good start would be getting a decent wifi access and up to date amenities (for those of us not still living in 1992). How something like this is overlooked makes one wonder about what they talk about in planning meetings for improving guest experience.
Written February 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mac N
Cincinnati, OH1 contribution
Dec 2013 • Family
After years of skiing at Nub’s Nob, located in Harbor Springs, Michigan, I can easily say that it is one of the best family vacation spots I have ever visited. I’ve grown up going to this snow covered mountain with my family, and it could not be more perfect. The cozy resort is home to 246 acres of pure fun and enjoyment. I am constantly astonished by the beauty of nature within the resort. Harbor Springs gets a fresh snow fall almost every day during the winter, which makes the skiing that much more pleasurable. It’s my favorite vacation of the year.
Nub’s Nob is known for being a family friendly resort. The workers are caring, the slopes are well-manicured, and the food is excellent. There is one base lodge at the bottom of the mountain and another lodge at the top of the mountain, which presents a gorgeous view of Harbor Springs. My family has a tradition of eating lunch at the top lodge; the chicken noodle soup is incredible. Once our frigid bodies have been warmed by the roaring fire, we exit the lodge for a few more hours of skiing.
The best part about Nub’s Nob is that it’s wonderful for all skill levels. I actually learned how to ski at this resort, so I’m speaking from experience! The lessons that are provided are extremely helpful. The instructors really know how to connect with their trainees; you can tell they really care! Because Nub’s Nob has so many different runs, everyone can find a hill that appropriately fits their comfort level. I personally love the slopes located on the backside of the mountain.
Not only is Nub’s Nob well known for its quality snow, but it’s also praised for its magnificent night skiing. My family always goes night skiing on the last day of our trip. It’s my favorite part of the vacation. The peaceful atmosphere of the mountain at night really gives me an appreciation for nature. Everything is so quiet. The snow sparkles from the gleaming lights. The trees droop from the weight of snow. An occasional gust of wind shakes their branches. I never want to leave the resort, but our trips always come to an end.
A large portion of my childhood involves Nub’s Nob, and I can’t imagine what my life would be like if I hadn’t come for all these years. I’ve made so many memories with my family, memories I’ll never forget. I know that when I have children of my own, I’m definitely going to carry on the tradition of skiing here with them. Nub’s Nob is perfect.
Nub’s Nob is known for being a family friendly resort. The workers are caring, the slopes are well-manicured, and the food is excellent. There is one base lodge at the bottom of the mountain and another lodge at the top of the mountain, which presents a gorgeous view of Harbor Springs. My family has a tradition of eating lunch at the top lodge; the chicken noodle soup is incredible. Once our frigid bodies have been warmed by the roaring fire, we exit the lodge for a few more hours of skiing.
The best part about Nub’s Nob is that it’s wonderful for all skill levels. I actually learned how to ski at this resort, so I’m speaking from experience! The lessons that are provided are extremely helpful. The instructors really know how to connect with their trainees; you can tell they really care! Because Nub’s Nob has so many different runs, everyone can find a hill that appropriately fits their comfort level. I personally love the slopes located on the backside of the mountain.
Not only is Nub’s Nob well known for its quality snow, but it’s also praised for its magnificent night skiing. My family always goes night skiing on the last day of our trip. It’s my favorite part of the vacation. The peaceful atmosphere of the mountain at night really gives me an appreciation for nature. Everything is so quiet. The snow sparkles from the gleaming lights. The trees droop from the weight of snow. An occasional gust of wind shakes their branches. I never want to leave the resort, but our trips always come to an end.
A large portion of my childhood involves Nub’s Nob, and I can’t imagine what my life would be like if I hadn’t come for all these years. I’ve made so many memories with my family, memories I’ll never forget. I know that when I have children of my own, I’m definitely going to carry on the tradition of skiing here with them. Nub’s Nob is perfect.
Written February 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bikelady
86 contributions
Nubs Nob does it right! We spent the week after Christmas skiing at Nubs Nob with 14 family members, 5 who were first time skiiers. And tho everyone knows the snow conditions this year were poor, Nubs was doing the best job possible, with all their snowmaking machines and trained staff grooming the slopes. We were still able to do some decent skiing, and get in shape for when the real snow arrives and for our trip west.
Much of our group was made up of new skiiers, and they make it so easy at Nubs...when you drive in, look for Nubs guides who will show you where to (short term) park your car near the ski drop off area. One parent can then take the kids into the ski rental area, and get the forms filled out, while the other parent parks the car, gets the lift tickets then joins everyone in the ski rental area. Nubs has great rental equipment, with a staff that knows how to fit you quickly. Soon you're out on the slope ready to head up the green lift. While we didn't take advantage of it for this group, Nub's has some great ski instructors...it is completely worth it for new skiiers to take a lesson from an instructor, that first time on the slopes, as they teach everything from how to get on and off the lift, to how to ski and stay in control. When my sons were first learning, I felt safer with them skiing with an instructor, who made sure they got on and off the lifts and learned how to navigate the area safely. Skiing with an instructor built their skills and confidence twice as fast as if they were self-taught. It is truely money well spent.
Nubs is also known for it's food and great soups...nothing better after a couple of hours skiing...their chicken noodle (with thick noodles), has revived my youngest son on more than one occassion and gotten him refueled up to hit the slopes in the afternoon when I didn't think we had any hope of getting him back outside again. When it's really cold, we dry out our mittens/ warm up our boots by the fire, and get a hot chocolate. Here's a tip most folks don't know, head down the stairs by the cafeteria checkout, and there's a second fireplace and easy access rest rooms, and a quiet area for kids/tired parents to relax before heading outside again..it's the "sack lunch area" but a good spot to know about. On a clear day, be sure to head to the Pintail Peak area, they have the same great soup, and it is a stellar place to warmup, get some lunch, and look out over little traverse bay. What a view!
And while we're not "boarders" the new superpipe at Nubs is, well, absolutely incredible. When we saw it for the first time, last year, we couldn't believe it, we're like, what is that? It is HUGE! No wonder Nubs got the Number one ranking for terrain parks in the US in Ski magazine this year...We've skiied Utah, Colorado, and Canada, and watched the boarders complete in Whistler several times, but this superpipe is something. Again, Nubs did some good thinking as those boarders are in their own "spot" an not crashing into the rest of the skiiers. By the way, be sure to ski "in control" or they will lift your pass... a good thing...who wants to have a blown out knee, surgury and weeks of PT cause someone skis into you from behind? Nubs is pretty diligent about skiing safely, which just adds to it being a great family place to ski. Nubs just does skiing, no real estate, no other stuff. Their focus shows. It's no wonder they are consistenly the top ranked ski area in the midwest.
Much of our group was made up of new skiiers, and they make it so easy at Nubs...when you drive in, look for Nubs guides who will show you where to (short term) park your car near the ski drop off area. One parent can then take the kids into the ski rental area, and get the forms filled out, while the other parent parks the car, gets the lift tickets then joins everyone in the ski rental area. Nubs has great rental equipment, with a staff that knows how to fit you quickly. Soon you're out on the slope ready to head up the green lift. While we didn't take advantage of it for this group, Nub's has some great ski instructors...it is completely worth it for new skiiers to take a lesson from an instructor, that first time on the slopes, as they teach everything from how to get on and off the lift, to how to ski and stay in control. When my sons were first learning, I felt safer with them skiing with an instructor, who made sure they got on and off the lifts and learned how to navigate the area safely. Skiing with an instructor built their skills and confidence twice as fast as if they were self-taught. It is truely money well spent.
Nubs is also known for it's food and great soups...nothing better after a couple of hours skiing...their chicken noodle (with thick noodles), has revived my youngest son on more than one occassion and gotten him refueled up to hit the slopes in the afternoon when I didn't think we had any hope of getting him back outside again. When it's really cold, we dry out our mittens/ warm up our boots by the fire, and get a hot chocolate. Here's a tip most folks don't know, head down the stairs by the cafeteria checkout, and there's a second fireplace and easy access rest rooms, and a quiet area for kids/tired parents to relax before heading outside again..it's the "sack lunch area" but a good spot to know about. On a clear day, be sure to head to the Pintail Peak area, they have the same great soup, and it is a stellar place to warmup, get some lunch, and look out over little traverse bay. What a view!
And while we're not "boarders" the new superpipe at Nubs is, well, absolutely incredible. When we saw it for the first time, last year, we couldn't believe it, we're like, what is that? It is HUGE! No wonder Nubs got the Number one ranking for terrain parks in the US in Ski magazine this year...We've skiied Utah, Colorado, and Canada, and watched the boarders complete in Whistler several times, but this superpipe is something. Again, Nubs did some good thinking as those boarders are in their own "spot" an not crashing into the rest of the skiiers. By the way, be sure to ski "in control" or they will lift your pass... a good thing...who wants to have a blown out knee, surgury and weeks of PT cause someone skis into you from behind? Nubs is pretty diligent about skiing safely, which just adds to it being a great family place to ski. Nubs just does skiing, no real estate, no other stuff. Their focus shows. It's no wonder they are consistenly the top ranked ski area in the midwest.
Written January 17, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott G
Farmington Hills, MI29 contributions
Feb 2020
We've been coming here for 50 years. It's always a great time. Great instructors, great staff, great skiing, great fun.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shanna M
Grand Blanc, MI334 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
This was our second visit to Nubs. The price in tickets have gone up & you have to pay extra for night skiing that you have to wait an hour & half to start. The back side closes for night skiing. We didn’t bother to stick around. Trying to leave the parking lot was like leaving a concert. Luckily Waze had us cut through the cabins and we were able to skip some of the traffic. We will most likely be back again.
Written February 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have new skiers 13 & 9, has anyone brought new skiers to Nubs and what lifts are best for these beginners?
Written January 2, 2021
Solomon
Chicago, Illinois
Almost all lifts are centralized so ultimately you’ll have safe choices (blue and greens) from each lift.
Check out the map on their website but I think the Yellow Lift is the one next to the tow rope, so generally speaking that could be the easiest trails.
Nubs is known for having good blues and greens that are fun for all levels.
Written January 31, 2021
Wondering if you have the name of ski in/out condo? Have 4 of us looking specifically for proximity to lifts (would have to be evening accessible as well). Thx.
Written September 1, 2019
My husband is wheelchair bound. We'll be tagging along with our adult kids and are wondering if: 1.the lodge is handicapped accessible?
2.can you see the slopes and the skiers well from the lodge?
Written February 16, 2018
You should be fine in the lodge, as the fireplace, bar, and cafeteria are all on the main floor. As well, you can see some of the slope from that area.
Written March 30, 2018
o there is no tubing but there is a free beginner's hill with a free chair lift.
Written February 3, 2015
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