Boyne Mountain’s 4th annual Skitoberfest offers festive fun for all ages

Photo courtesy of Cary Adgate

Boyne Mountain Resort is hosting the 4th annual Skitoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 6.

The event kicks off the coming snowsports season with a summit featuring four-time Olympian, two-time U.S. National Downhill Champion and World Cup winner, A.J. Kitt, and includes an on-snow rail jam, new Burton Riglet Park for the kids and a ski swap.

Skitoberfest also celebrates the best of fall in an Oktoberfest style setting. Highlights include great food, Michigan beer, wine and spirits plus live music and performances, free scenic chairlift rides, parade, dancing in the streets, art, drama and a party atmosphere making this day festive for the whole family!

The Snowsports Summit takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the resort’s Civic Center and admission is free. The Summit is hosted by Olympian and U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame inductee, Cary Adgate, and features equipment, technique and physical conditioning tips, ski swap and special guest speaker, A.J. Kitt. Skitoberfest’s on-snow Rail Jam offers the opportunity to strap on skis or snowboard with a competition starting at 3:30 p.m.

From 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. are live performances by local dancers, mimes, gymnasts, storytellers and musicians, plus art, face painting, pony rides, petting zoo, laser tag, horse-drawn hayrides, bonfire sing-alongs and more. Skitoberfest also offers ways to enjoy the fall foliage including Twin Zip Rides, two excursions for $20, and free scenic chairlift rides.

Also from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., enjoy tastes of more than 50 Michigan beers, plus wine, spirits and eats from local restaurants and markets. For $30, event goers receive a commemorative Skitoberfest pint glass and 12 tickets good towards food and beverage tasting. Participating breweries include Arcadia Ales, Beards Brewery, Bell's Brewery, Jolly Pumpkin, Mount Pleasant Brewing Co., New Holland Brewing Co., Right Brain Brewery, Short's Brewing Co. and more. Michigan wines are from Black Star Farms, Chateau Fontaine, Chateau Grand Traverse, Good Harbor and Mackinaw Trail. Local restaurants and markets serving up tastes and treats include 42nd & Broadway Deli, Alpine Chocolat Haus, Blue Harbor Grille, Boyne Highlands Resort, Lake Street Market, Morel’s Bistro, Red Mesa Grill, Shanahan’s Prime, Skitoberfest Sweets, Tannery Creek Meat Market and The Thirsty Goat.

The fun continues well into the evening with a DJ, dancing and cash bar from 7 p.m. to midnight. Admission is free.

Nightly hotel lodging starts at just $110 with condo lodging from $145. For complete Skitoberfest details and to reserve lodging at Boyne Mountain Resort, visit www.BOYNE.com or call 800.GO.BOYNE (462-6963).