Grab some coffee and join us for Ski Resort Sundays (SRS), where each week, we take a brief look at a ski resort from around the Midwest. SRS episodes are uploaded every Sunday morning, so check in each week to see which ski resort we are covering. Today, we will be examining Mt. McSauba.
Mt. McSauba is a small community-run ski hill located in Charlevoix, Michigan. This ski area has a great history that dates back to 1956. Ten fathers had an idea to start a ski hill to give something for their children to do in the wintertime. They approached city officials with the idea, and the city donated a piece of land that included a steep slope located along the banks of Lake Michigan.
Each of the fathers tossed in one hundred dollars into a kitty and used this money to purchase the needed equipment for hill modifications. After a summer filled with grading and moving dirt, they backed up an old Ford Model T, deflated a rear tire - rigged up a rope tow, and the rest is history.
Thanks to Nub's Nob, their ski operation would also continue to develop with the addition of fan guns, a groomer, and additional rope tows. Because Nub's Nob has donated equipment to the hill, many locals label McSauba "Little Nub's Nob."
Today the resort offers six runs serviced by four rope tows. A lift ticket costs you less than a beer at many resorts, and the view from the top of the hill is well worth the price of admission alone. Since the hill is less than one thousand feet from the lake and the highest point in the surrounding area - this hill offers views that will rival any resort in the country.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Mt. McSauba has become a winter recreation playground offing a skating rink, sledding hill, and cross country trails. So no matter how you want to experience winter, you'll be able to at this hill.
Although Mt. McSauba might not be the largest ski hill in the Midwest, we will never pass up the opportunity to ski it again. It was great reminder that skiing/riding is not about how much vertical you can get in during a day but the experience, laughs, and company along the way.
If you want to learn more about Mt. McSauba, we will drop some links below. But until next time, I hope all of you have a great week, pray for snow, & we'll see you out there!
If you want to learn more about Mt. McSauba, be sure to check out their website at www.cityofcharlevoix.org/331/Mt-McSauba, and we hope to see you out there this season!