Enjoy the sights, sounds, tastes, and spectacles of the 5th Annual Skitoberfest at Boyne Mountain Resort on October 4–5. Skitoberfest is a cornucopia of Northern Michigan entertainment celebrating the best of fall in an Oktoberfest style setting while also rejoicing the coming snowsports season.
The weekend kicks off on Friday, October 4 with the Bell’s Love & Hoppiness gathering where event goers can sip a selection of local Northern Michigan Bell’s beers in the Trophy Room Pub & Pizzeria, 7-9 p.m., and join the Bell’s afterparty in the Snowflake Lounge beginning at 9 p.m.
On Saturday, October 5, the Snowsports Summit hosted by Olympian and U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame inductee, Cary Adgate, takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the resort’s Civic Center. The summit features ski gear, technique seminars, physical conditioning tips, and a ski swap. Four-time Olympian, six-time U.S. National Champion, and former U.S. Ski Team member, Sarah Schleper, is this year’s special guest speaker taking the stage at 1:30 p.m. At 2 p.m., the outdoor scene ramps up with activities galore. New attractions include a 25-foot rock climbing wall, dual extreme air jumpers, acrobatics, fire breathing performances, and an elaborately decorated Biergarten.
Other Skitoberfest highlights include more than 100 varieties of Northern Michigan beers, wines, spirits, foods and treats for tastings, live street theatre and performances, groomer rides, free scenic chairlift rides, chalk art, and hayrides. Kids’ attractions are plentiful including a Northwoods Soda root beer and soda garden, petting zoo, pony rides, bounce house, crafts, and more. The Rail Jam competition, an annual crowd pleaser, starts at 3:30 p.m.
As evening draws, a DJ, dancing, and the Chicago-based band, After Party, keep the bash going well into the night.
Admission for all events is free; tickets are sold for tastings and select day-time kids’ activities, and a cash bar is available during the evening entertainment. For a complete schedule of events, visit BOYNE.com.
A special lodging package is available starting at $99 per person for one night or $178 per person for two nights including overnight accommodations in Boyne Mountain’s Mountain Grand Lodge and Spa, 10 tasting/event tickets, commemorative mug, and discount on the purchase of a VIP pass to the Biergarten. For reservations, visit BOYNE.com or call 800.462.6963.