Cool Vacation, Warm Memories in the Petoskey Area

Winter Festivals and Events in the Petoskey region

If you love it when the snow flies, you’re really going to love the Petoskey Area. After just one visit here, you’ll see why so many people return year after year.

For starters, this is the best skiing between the Rockies and New England. Here you’ll find three ski areas, more than 160 downhill runs, and an average yearly snowfall of more than 10 feet. Plus, there are terrific cross-country snowmobile trails, winter rafting, sleigh rides, skating and sledding.

The Petoskey Area is also home to a wide variety of winter festivals and events. Here are some of the most popular, to help you start planning.

HARBOR SPRINGS ANNUAL MERCHANTS OPEN HOUSE
December 11, 2010
6:00pm to 9:00pm
Downtown Harbor Springs, MI
You'll feel as if you've stepped into a Norman Rockwell picture when visiting this lovely resort town during the holidays! Stroll the streets weaving in and out of delightful shops and boutiques and get a jump start on your holiday gift buying. Treats for the eyes and the tastebuds will tempt you tonight! For more information, contact Marge Owen at (231) 526-7999, or visit www.harborspringschamber.com.

6-FOR-1-DAY
December 17, 2010
9:00am to 4:30pm
Boyne Falls & Harbor Springs - BOYNE
Six tickets for the price of one, are you kidding me? Load up the van and point it to Boyne Mountain or Boyne Highlands. Save bucks and have a great time! Don't let school or work get in the way, B-line it to BOYNE. For more information, contact BOYNE at (800) GO-BOYNE or www.BOYNE.com.

RED WING ALUMNI GAME SURE TO EXCITE
December 20, 2010
Harbor Springs – Griffin Arena
Come join in the fun and excitement of a Red Wing Alumni Game! At 3:00 pm bidding on silent auction items will begin and continue through the second period. 1st period will be Petoskey Northmen vs. Detroit Red Wing Alumni; 2nd period will be local skaters vs. the Red Wing Alumni. A Millionaire’s Party follows at North Central Michigan College at 8:00 pm for those 18 years and older. Call (231) 301-0334 to find out more.

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE ARTS CENTER
December 31, 2010
Crooked Tree Arts Center – Petoskey
New Year’s Eve at the Arts Center is an all age, alcohol free celebration featuring performances and workshops by the art center’s instructors and by area artists and organizations like Blissfest. Whether you prefer to participate in a hands-on workshop or enjoy a performance – this night is for you! The evening concludes with a “Midnight at 9,” Times Square style, dropping of a lighted ball. For tickets and information, please call the Crooked Tree Arts Center at (231) 347-4337.

WINTER RAFTING, SNOWSHOEING & SPA OUTING
January 9, 2011
Boyne Falls - Boyne Mountain, MI
Come experience the magical winter wonderland in northern Michigan with a guided winter rafting trip, snowshoeing, hot beverage, snack and choice of one 50-minute spa treatment starting at only $175 per person. Departing at 9 a.m., this north woods experience is great fun as you immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Jordan River Valley. Check out the trees and riverbanks blanketed in snow and sense the peacefulness as you travel down the river in a guided raft. This trip includes a stop along the rivers edge for a hot beverage, snack and to take in the natural beauty of the area. A guided snowshoe hike (snowshoes provided) allows you to further explore the snow-covered forest. Be the first among your friends to say "I went winter rafting in Michigan!" Return to Boyne Mountain to experience Michigan's premiere destination spa with an afternoon of relaxation plus your choice of a 50-minute spa service. For more information, contact Solace Spa at (231) 549-7946 or www.BOYNE.com.

TIME FOR THE ANNUAL MOOSE JAW SAFARI
January 15, 2011
Harbor Springs, MI
Now in its 46th year, the Moose Jaw Safari is an easy ride over scenic trails and takes just over two hours with three stops along the way. This is a great group event that ends with the best bean soup anywhere. The more the merrier – so come experience snowmobile riding as it was meant to be. Visit www.harborspringssnowmobileclub.com to find out more.

BAY HARBOR ICE & SNOW FESTIVAL
January 20 – 23, 2011
Bay Harbor, MI
The National Ice Carving Association will be on hand for this year’s ice festival and the carvings promise to be bigger and better than ever! You’ll be amazed as 60 pound blocks of ice become works of art. The festival will also include snow sculpting, a chili cook-off, sled dog rides, a dynamic snow boarding show and children’s activities. Get into the spirit of the festival by relaxing in an “ice chair” sipping your favorite beverage! The Village at Bay Harbor has all the details at (231) 429-2004 or visit www.villageatbayharbor.com.

WINTER CARNIVAL
February 19, 2011
Petoskey, MI
Visit the charming town of Petoskey on February 19th for the Petoskey Winter Carnival held in Petoskey’s Winter Sports Park. There will be youth hockey games, sledding, and figure skating with open skating and skate rentals offered all day. Also attend the ever-popular Petoskey Cardboard Challenge, where contestants race their cardboard sleds, judged on both speed and creativity of design. Petoskey’s own bump-jumping competition is something you don’t want to miss either! For more information, contact the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau at (800) 845-2828.

KRAZY DAYS AND CARNIVAL WEEKEND
March 18 - 20, 2011
Boyne Country, MI
One day just isn’t enough to really enjoy a St. Patrick’s celebration. So Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands have made it an entire St. Patrick’s Weekend. Put on your party hat the weekend of March 18-20 and head to Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls, or Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs. Boyne Mountain will feature live bands and a costume party on Saturday. Topping it off will be the famous Wet n’ Wild Slush Cup on Sunday and plenty of beads for those who get a little crazy. Boyne Highlands chimes in with Krazy Days on Saturday. There will be a totally wacky costume contest, a fun-filled obstacle slalom course and the chance to ski across a frozen pond. For more details, call BOYNE at (800) GO-BOYNE or visit www.BOYNE.com.