Even if you are a die-hard winter enthusiast, this year’s below average temperatures, above average snowfall and seemingly unending supply of wind and bad roads may be leaving you less than interested in getting outside. It’s time to refresh, revive and renew the motivation to get out and be active – because let’s face it, winter is not going away anytime soon – enjoy it while it’s here! (Remember complaining because it was too hot in July)?
Temps are headed in the upward direction and it’s a long, holiday weekend coming up. Are you going to stay at home wrapped in a blanket remembering the fun you had last winter? Or are you going to bundle up and do the things that will make you smile once you get past the initial feeling that you’re never going to be warm again? You know deep down that once you get going your whole attitude will improve. You’ll be happier and those around you will be, too – maybe you’ll even make an awesome winter memory!
The Petoskey Area has everything you need to shake the winter doldrums. Boyne Highlands, Nub’s Nob and Boyne Mountain together offer more than 160 downhill ski runs – the best skiing this side of the Rockies! Cross-country ski and snowshoe trails are dotted all through the area, some with incredible vistas. Snowmobile trails are groomed and waiting for you. Sledding hills and ice rinks in Boyne City, Petoskey and Harbor Springs are alive with the sound of laughter. Dress accordingly and a raft trip down the Sturgeon River – yes, in the winter, is something you won’t soon forget. And a horse-drawn sleigh ride and a cup of hot cocoa are available to those who want to enjoy a peaceful ride.
This Saturday, the City of Petoskey hosts its annual Winter Carnival at the Petoskey Winter Sports Park. Skating, sledding, a cardboard sled challenge and a bump jump competition will guarantee a day of fun. Never heard of bump jumping? Then you need to come watch!
Just across (frozen) Little Traverse Bay, Harbor Springs will be paying tribute to those of you needing a Win*Ter*Ven*Tion – a break from scraping the car windows, shoveling the drive and going to work. Instead, scrape the car windows, shovel the drive and head to Harbor Springs for a weekend full of family frivolity that will include sled dog rides, a bonfire and s’mores, broom ball, antique snowmobiles, a snow sculpture competition and a chili-cook off.
Hotels, condos and inns as well as lodging packages are available. Many can be booked online while you’re curled up in front of the fire.
Come spring, we’ll have morels cropping up, Petoskey Stones washing up, golf courses opening and white water rafting that will be incredible thanks to all of this snow – until then, embrace winter!