Petoskey Area WINTER GUIDE
PETOSKEY
HARBOR SPRINGS
ALANSON
BAY HARBOR
BOYNE CITY
SKYBRIDGE MICHIGAN, BOYNE MOUNTAIN RESORT
Celebrate, Don’t Hibernate
THE PETOSKEY AREA KNOWS THE RIGHT WAY TO WINTER – WE EMBRACE THE COLD, THE SNOW, AND, OF
COURSE, THE APRÈS SKI!
Winter typically stretches from late November to early April, and with an average of 120-140 inches of natural snowfall, you’ll find some of the best snow in the Midwest to take advantage of all your favorite winter activities.
Three of Michigan’s top ski resorts can be found in this corner of Northern Michigan: Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls, The Highlands in Harbor Springs, and Nub’s Nob in Harbor Springs. Check out pages 4 and 5 for a rundown of all resort activities and offerings available.
And while enjoying the slopes and ski resorts is a popular activity, there is so much to do beyond the ski hills. Find free winter fun at the Petoskey Winter Sports Park or Avalanche Mountain Preserve, stroll the streets of our quaint downtown districts sprinkled in snow, or consider stopping by the year-round Boyne City Farmers Market. Keep reading to find recommendations for your perfect winter hike on page 5, a peek into the local restaurant scene on page 8, or get a jump on your winter shopping with information on page 9.
Turn winter blahs into a winter blast this year. How will you enjoy winter in the Petoskey Area?
3 of Michigan’s Best Ski Resorts
The Petoskey Area’s ski legacy emerged in 1947, when Everett Kircher bought land in Boyne Falls to create what would become Boyne Mountain Resort. He later expanded with The Highlands at Harbor Springs in 1963, while Nub’s Nob joined the scene in 1958. Together, these ski destinations have established the Petoskey Area as one of the Midwest’s premier winter playgrounds. Looking for local gear rentals? See page 15 for details.
BOYNE MOUNTAIN RESORT
1 Boyne Mountain Road, Boyne Falls 844.773.8321 // boynemountain.com
SKIABLE ACRES
24+ MILES OF NORDIC TRAILS
Boyne Mountain is a premier resort destination with lodging, dining, downhill and Nordic skiing, outdoor and indoor activities, and a bevy of Mountain-side events. Skiers and riders, from beginners to experts, can enjoy the thrill of some of Michigan’s steepest slopes and most varied terrain.
Downhill Skiing
Snowboarding
Cross-country Skiing
Snowshoeing
Bike Adventures
Tubing
Ice Skating
Zipline Adventures
Horseback Riding
SkyBridge Michigan
Spa & Swimming Pool
Avalanche Bay
Indoor Waterpark
Winter Events
THE HIGHLANDS AT HARBOR SPRINGS
600 Highlands Drive, Harbor Springs
855.229.3421 // highlandsharborsprings.com
55 DOWNHILL RUNS
8 CHAIRLIFTS
3 TERRAIN PARKS
435 SKIABLE ACRES
10+ MILES OF NORDIC TRAILS
Tucked into the forests of Harbor Springs, you’ll find The Highlands, a full-service resort destination with on-site lodging, restaurant dining and culinary experiences, downhill and Nordic skiing, and other outdoor activities that have become a beloved tradition for many.
Downhill Skiing
Snowboarding
Cross-country Skiing
Sno-Go Biking
Guided Night Hike
Swimming Pool
Winter Events
NUB’S NOB SKI AREA & RESORT
500 Nub’s Nob Road, Harbor Springs 231.526.2131 // nubsnob.com
53 DOWNHILL RUNS
8 CHAIRLIFTS
2 TERRAIN PARKS
248 SKIABLE ACRES
16+ MILES OF NORDIC TRAILS
Nub’s Nob has been a family-owned ski destination for over 60 years, welcoming generations of skiers to find their rhythm on the slopes – including the local Harbor Springs Ski Team. When it’s time to warm up, make sure to try the famous curly fries in the Main Lodge, best enjoyed on the outdoor patio – known as their Winter Garden – at the base of the hill.
Downhill Skiing
Snowboarding
Cross-country Skiing
Snowshoeing
Off the Slopes Outdoor Adventure
THE FUN DOESN’T STOP WHEN YOU TAKE A BREAK FROM THE SLOPES, AND THERE’S PLENTY TO DO EVEN IF YOU DON’T SKI AT ALL.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING, SNOWSHOEING & WINTER HIKING
Hundreds of miles of groomed trails in the Petoskey Area offer a special serenity with routes that lead along beautiful frozen lakes and through whisper-quiet forests. The map on page 14 highlights some of this region’s top trail networks.
Little Traverse Conservancy // landtrust.org
Top of Michigan Trails Council // trailscouncil.org
Petoskey State Park – Petoskey Young State Park – Boyne City
WINTER RAFTING
With the expertise of a trained guide to help you along, traverse the waters of the Sturgeon or Jordan rivers on a multi-hour paddle to take in the scenery.
Jordan Valley Outfitters // jvoutfitters.com Sturgeon River Paddlesports // sturgeonriverpaddle.com
FAT TIRE BIKING
Don’t let the snow stop your ride – continue to explore the outdoors on two wheels with fat tire biking. There are plenty of groomed trails to enjoy in the winter, including local favorites Avalanche Mountain Preserve and the Boyne Forest Trail, both located in Boyne City.
Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association // tommba.org
ICE SKATING
There is something incredibly freeing about gliding along the smooth ice of a skating rink – once you find your balance, that is! Petoskey’s Winter Sports Park and Boyne City’s Avalanche Mountain Preserve both offer free outdoor skating with rentals, while the Petoskey Ice Arena provides year-round indoor open skate hours.
Petoskey Winter Sports Park 1100 Winter Park Lane, Petoskey
Avalanche Mountain Preserve 1129 Wilson Street, Boyne City
Petoskey Ice Arena 3450 M-119, Harbor Springs
SNOWMOBILING
Over 140 miles of area trails are groomed for snowmobiling in Emmet and Charlevoix counties, routing you through some of Northern Michigan’s most breathtaking winter scenery.
Boyne Recreation Rentals // boynerecreation.com
Indian River Sports Center // ir-sc.com
Let’s Get
Cozy
COZY VIBES ARE TUCKED INTO EVERY CORNER OF THE PETOSKEY AREA.
STIGGS BREWERY & KITCHEN, BOYNE CITY
DINING EXPERIENCES
Fresh flavors, locally sourced ingredients, and Northern Michigan’s charming character are hallmarks of the Petoskey Area culinary scene – and winter is no exception. Cozy up at a historical haunt like City Park Grill in downtown Petoskey or scope out restaurants with igloo dining like Forty Acres Tavern at Boyne Mountain Resort.
Consider making an evening out of your meal with full dining experiences like the Aonach Mor Moonlight Dinner at The Highlands in Harbor Springs, complete with sleigh ride.
Or explore hidden gems like the 1911 Restaurant at the Terrace Inn in Bay View and Vintage Chop House at the Inn at Bay Harbor, which give you a peek inside these cozy, tranquil communities blanketed in snow.
Scan here for a list of restaurants and eateries in the Petoskey Area.
SHOPPING
Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor, Alanson, and Boyne City are all known for charming downtown areas with local shops perfect for perusing. Pick that memorable souvenir, your next new favorite accessory, or find something unexpected.
Boyne City is also home to one of Northern Michigan’s best yearround farmers markets, open every Saturday from 9am to noon.
Scan here for a list of shops and boutiques in the Petoskey Area.
SPA RELAXATION
Match the serenity found during winter in the Petoskey Area with the calming tranquility of spa relaxation.
The Spa at the Inn at Bay Harbor // innatbayharbor.com The Spa at Boyne Mountain Resort // boynemountain.com
BOYNE CITY FARMERS MARKET
PETOSKEY WINE REGION
There are 15 wineries in the Petoskey Wine Region, with a delightful selection of red, white, fruit, and even maple wines. Particularly in the winter, chances are high that you will meet the owners themselves as they tell you the virtues of their various blends.
Scan for a list of wineries to build your own custom tour.
Arts and Culture
CONCERTS, THEATER PERFORMANCES, ART GALLERIES, AND HISTORY MUSEUMS ARE JUST THE SURFACE OF THE ARTS & CULTURE THAT AWAIT.
Crooked Tree Arts Center // Petoskey crookedtree.org
Originally constructed as a church in 1890, this fully restored facility hosts concerts, plays, films, a rotating art gallery, and dance performances throughout the year, including its Downtown Sound winter concert series.
Freshwater Art Gallery & Concert Venue // Boyne City freshwaterartgallery.com
In addition to unique exhibitions with 200+ Michigan artists, Freshwater presents a lively concert series in various genres during the winter months.
Great Lakes Center for the Arts // Bay Harbor greatlakescfa.org
One of Northern Michigan’s premier performing arts destinations with events featuring music, dance, theater, movies, intellectual dialogue, and education.
Harbor Springs Historical Society // Harbor Springs harborspringshistory.org
The Harbor Springs History Museum and newly opened Ephraim Shay Works Museum shine a light into the storied history of Northern Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay area.
Odawa Casino // Petoskey odawacasino.com
This premier visitor destination is home to 1,000 slot machines, dozens of Las Vegas-style table games, and hosts live concerts and entertainment.
POND HILL FARM, HARBOR SPRINGS
Live
Music & Entertainment
Enjoy live music, trivia nights, karaoke, and other entertainment at restaurants and eateries in the Petoskey Area throughout the winter season. Please inquire with each business for dates, times, and information.
ALANSON
Bob’s Place
Jerk-N-Depot
Riverside Bar & Grill
BAY HARBOR
Brandy’s Harbortown
Gypsy Distillery
Mammoth Distilling
BOYNE CITY & BOYNE FALLS
Cafe Santé
Muskrat Distilling
Snowflake Lounge
Inside Boyne Mountain Resort
HARBOR SPRINGS
Nub’s Pub
Inside Nub’s Nob Ski Area & Resort
The Pier Restaurant
Pond Hill Farm
Slopeside Lounge & Zoo Bar
Inside The Highlands Resort
PETOSKEY
Beards Brewery & The Root Cellar
Boyne Valley Vineyards
City Park Grill
Elder Piper Beer + Cider
Gypsy Spirits Tasting Room
Noggin Room Pub
Inside Perry Hotel
Victories Sports & Entertainment
Inside Odawa Casino
Community
EVENTS
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER
A Very Bay Harbor Christmas
Alanson Holiday Open House
Downtown Petoskey Holiday Parade
Harbor Springs Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Harbor Springs Merchants Holiday Open House
Holly Jolly Boyne // Boyne City
New Year’s Eve at the Arts Center // Petoskey
Petoskey Holiday Open House & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Restaurant Week // Petoskey
JANUARY & FEBRUARY
Annual Ice Festival // Harbor Springs
Fat & Flurrious Bike Race // Boyne City
Free Snowmobiling Weekend // All of Michigan
Restaurant Week // Harbor Springs
Winter Wonderland Weekend // Petoskey
For a full list of winter events, visit PetoskeyArea.com. Event dates may be updated or canceled with changing circumstances.
Gear Rentals
SKIS, HELMETS, SNOWSHOES, BIKES
– IT CAN BE A
LOT TO PACK!
Arrive without worry and let us fit you out with all the gear you need to enjoy your winter trip. Gear providers cater to adults and children of all ages.
Avalanche Mountain Preserve
Boyne City
Bahnhof Sport
Petoskey
Bearcub Outfitters
Petoskey
Boyne Mountain Resort
Boyne Falls
Boyne Recreational Rentals
Boyne Falls
The Highlands Resort
Harbor Springs
Indian River Sports Center
Indian River
Latitude 45
Petoskey
Nub’s Nob Ski Area & Resort
Harbor Springs
The Outfitter
Harbor Springs
Winter Sports Park
Petoskey
