Petoskey sits on the shore of Little Traverse Bay in northern Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, about 260 miles north of Detroit. In summer, it’s known for its Victorian Gaslight District, Petoskey stone hunting, and Lake Michigan beaches. But winter is when this part of Michigan truly comes alive for outdoor enthusiasts. The area surrounding Petoskey — including Harbor Springs, Boyne Falls, and Boyne City — is home to three major ski resorts, extensive cross-country trail networks, and some of the most reliable snow in the Midwest. The region averages well over 100 inches of natural snowfall annually, thanks to lake-effect weather patterns off Lake Michigan. If you’re planning a winter trip, here’s what to do.
Skiing and Snowboarding at Boyne Highlands
Boyne Highlands, officially called The Highlands at Harbor Springs, is the largest ski area in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula by skiable acreage. The resort covers 435 acres with 55 downhill runs across a range of difficulty levels — roughly 27% beginner, 36% intermediate, 27% advanced, and 9% expert terrain. It’s served by eight lifts, including high-speed quads. The vertical drop is the highest in the Lower Peninsula, making it the go-to choice for skiers and snowboarders who want the most varied terrain in the region. Beyond downhill skiing, Boyne Highlands offers cross-country skiing on groomed Nordic trails, snowshoeing, fat-tire biking, snow tubing, zipline rides, and winter horseback riding. The resort also runs SnowCat ride-alongs on select evenings, where you can watch the grooming crew prepare slopes for the next day. On-site lodging ranges from the main lodge to townhouses and rental homes, and a full-service spa operates year-round. Check boynemountain.com for current lift ticket prices and packages.
Skiing and Snowboarding at Boyne Mountain
Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls, about 20 minutes south of Petoskey, is the sister resort to Boyne Highlands and offers a complementary experience. The resort has approximately 60 to 65 trails across 415 acres of skiable terrain, served by 10 lifts including high-speed options. A combined season pass covers both Boyne resorts, giving access to a total of 115 trails across 850 acres. Boyne Mountain also features snow tubing with a lift-served four-lane run, an outdoor ice rink, nine ziplines, snowshoeing trails, and fat-tire biking. The resort’s Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark — an 88,000-square-foot facility kept at 84 to 87 degrees year-round — is a popular option for families looking to warm up after a day on the slopes. Avalanche Bay is open to day visitors as well as resort guests. On-site lodging, dining (from après-ski bars to family restaurants), and a spa round out the offerings.
Skiing at Nub’s Nob
Nub’s Nob, located just outside Harbor Springs and about 10 miles from downtown Petoskey, is a family-owned ski area that has been in operation since 1958. Founded by Norman “Nub” and Dorie Sarns and owned by the Fisher family since 1977, the resort has 53 runs spread across 248 acres on three separate peaks. What sets Nub’s Nob apart is its snow quality — the resort’s snowmaking system covers 97% of its terrain with over 320 snow guns, a technology that was actually patented on-site in 1985. Combined with an average of about 123 inches of natural snowfall annually, this gives Nub’s Nob some of the most consistently excellent conditions in the Midwest. The majority of the trails are intermediate, with solid beginner terrain (including a free beginner area with its own lift) and several expert runs and gladed tree skiing. Night skiing is available on a portion of the slopes. There’s no on-site lodging, but the main lodge has a fireplace, café, and a brown-bag dining area. Pintail Peak Lodge at the summit offers food service on weekends and panoramic views of Little Traverse Bay. Nub’s Cubs daycare is available for young children. Verify current rates at nubsnob.com.
Petoskey Winter Sports Park
Not everyone wants to pay resort prices, and the Petoskey Winter Sports Park is the local answer for budget-friendly winter fun. This city-operated park features a large sledding hill, an outdoor ice skating and hockey rink, and gentle slopes suitable for beginner skiing and snowboarding. A dedicated curling area adds something unusual to the mix. The park provides a warming hut with a fireplace, restrooms, snacks, and Wi-Fi. A limited number of ice scooters are available for rent to help beginning skaters. Best of all, admission to the park is free. It’s a particularly good option for families with young children who aren’t ready for the ski resorts.
Avalanche Mountain Preserve in Boyne City
The Avalanche Mountain Preserve in nearby Boyne City offers over 300 acres of trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat-tire biking, and snowmobiling. The preserve’s sledding hill has been called one of the best in the state — Boyne City provides free sleds and ice skates, and even offers free hot chocolate at the warming house. An outdoor ice rink is also available. The preserve is operated by the city and is free to use, making it an excellent no-cost alternative to the commercial resorts. If you’re looking for a relaxed day of winter recreation without the crowds or cost of a ski resort, this is one of the best options in the Petoskey-area region.
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
The Petoskey area has an extensive network of trails beyond the resorts. The Bear River Valley Recreation Area, located within walking distance of downtown Petoskey, provides a quiet 1.5-mile loop through wooded terrain along the Bear River — snowshoes are recommended in winter. All three ski resorts also maintain dedicated Nordic trail systems, with Boyne Highlands and Nub’s Nob each offering groomed cross-country loops that wind through hardwood forests. For a more remote experience, Petoskey State Park on Little Traverse Bay is open year-round and offers snowshoeing opportunities along its trails, though the paths are not groomed in winter.
Snowmobiling
Northern Michigan is prime snowmobile territory, and the Petoskey area connects to an extensive trail network maintained by local snowmobile clubs and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Groomed trails link Petoskey to Boyne City, Gaylord, Mackinaw City, and beyond. Several local outfitters rent snowmobiles and offer guided tours for visitors who don’t have their own equipment. Trail conditions depend heavily on snowfall and temperature, so check with the Top of Michigan Snowmobile Council or local rental shops for current conditions before heading out.
Exploring the Gaslight District
Petoskey’s historic Gaslight District is worth exploring even in winter — maybe especially in winter, when the gas-lit streets and Victorian storefronts look their best under fresh snow. The compact downtown area along Lake and Howard Streets is home to independent shops, art galleries, bookstores, and restaurants. Winter is the quieter season, which means fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace. For dining, the area has everything from casual spots serving whitefish and Michigan craft beer to more upscale options. The district is also home to several wine tasting rooms and specialty food shops that make good stops on a cold afternoon. If you’re spending a few days in the area, an evening stroll through the Gaslight District after a day on the slopes is one of the simplest pleasures of a Petoskey winter trip.
Kiwanis Park in Harbor Springs
For families with very young children or total beginners, Kiwanis Park in nearby Harbor Springs has a small sledding hill and gentle slopes suited to first-time skiers and snowboarders. It’s a low-key, neighborhood park — not a destination in itself, but a good option if you’re staying in Harbor Springs and want a quick, easy activity for kids who aren’t ready for Nub’s Nob or the Boyne resorts.
When to Visit and What to Know
The ski season in the Petoskey area typically runs from early December through late March, with the most reliable snow conditions from January through early March. Lake-effect snow patterns mean that snowfall can be heavy and sudden, so always check road conditions before driving — US-131 and I-75 are the main routes north from southern Michigan. Petoskey is roughly a 4-hour drive from Detroit and about 1.5 hours from Traverse City. The closest commercial airport is in Pellston (about 20 minutes north), with seasonal service, or Traverse City’s Cherry Capital Airport (about 65 miles southwest). Lodging options range from resort stays at Boyne to vacation rental cabins, condos, and hotels in downtown Petoskey and Harbor Springs. Winter weekends, particularly around holidays and school breaks, are the busiest times — book early and expect higher rates. Midweek visits offer shorter lift lines and better availability.
For skiers and snowboarders deciding between the three resorts: Boyne Highlands has the most terrain and highest vertical drop; Boyne Mountain is the best all-in-one resort experience (lodging, waterpark, dining); and Nub’s Nob offers the best snow quality and a more laid-back, family-owned atmosphere. Many visitors ski all three during a multi-day trip, especially with a combined Boyne pass that covers both Highlands and Mountain. A northern Michigan winter road trip that includes Petoskey is one of the best cold-weather getaways in the Midwest.
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