Signs of the Season: President's Day

It has been a strange winter. I think I have seen my lawn more than I have seen snow covering it. Thankfully that has not been the case at Nub's Nob. Thanks to the snow-making and grooming crews and the Pisten-Bully groomers it has been amazing skiing, as always.

President's Day for some reason feels like the beginning of the end of winter, but there are still seven more weeks of the ski season. Unfortunately for me, I am only instructing two more Saturdays: next weekend, February 25, and Mardi Gras, March 25. Things are going to be too busy at school next month for me to commit to any more days, so call the Winter Sports School if you want to get a lesson in with me before the end of the season.

Hill Names: Twilight Zone

Obviously the black diamond mogul run on the front of Nub's Nob is named for the old TV show. What a lot of people don't know is management didn't name it. Years ago there was a space between Chute and the trees that didn't get groomed. As snow built up, it would become slanted and had a shadowy feel. Skiers (mostly kids) would go there looking for fresh snow and the moguls built up over each winter. The kids named it Twilight Zone. After a few years, the suggestion was made to turn it into an official hill. The space was widened and signs were made. Now it stands as a Northern Michigan right of passage.

Advice from the Purple Chair: Loading Zone

At Nub's Nob, even if you don't have a locker, you don't have to schlep your equipment from the back of the parking lot. Right in front of the main lodge is a loading zone. Pull right up and unload your skis and snowboards. On holidays and weekend there are even some employees there to direct traffic and help you find a spot. At some resorts you have to have a special pass to pull up front, but not here!