Saturday, March 15, marks the 46th running of the annual Nubs Nob Open, which is northern Michigan's premier slalom racing event; top-to-bottom slalom racing on Birch Run and Smokey. The following Saturday, March 22, is the annual Mardi Gras, which is fun filled spring fling with fun and games for all ages; Soaker Cup Challenge, a costume contest, crazy couples and Pepsi Challenge races. Nubs has some of the best conditions they've ever had for this time of year. The amount of snow covering the slopes is as much as I've seen in nearly 30 years of skiing there.