Music. Drinks. Giveaways. Demos. Costumes. Food. And don’t forget: Skiing! Northern Michigan ski resorts make sure your visit to the slopes are full of celebration at their festivals. Here are seven of MyNorth’s top picks of Northern Michigan skiing festivals this winter by Emily Bingham, originally published in the December 2015 issue of Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine.
World Snow Day at Crystal Mountain, January 23
Crystal Mountain (pictured) is just one of many spots around the globe participating in this international celebration of all things snow, aimed at getting more kids to be active in snowsports. Test drive a fat-tire snow bike, roast marshmallows around a bonfire, watch snow sport demonstrations, learn the art of snowmaking, and much more.
Brew-Ski Festival at Boyne Highlands, March 12
Now in its seventh year, this annual event has become a veritable spring ritual for the region’s craft beer enthusiasts. On tap are nearly 300 beers from 65 Michigan and U.S. breweries, live music, brats and burgers, and an after-party at the legendary Zoo Bar.
Mardi Gras at Nub’s Nob, March 19
Send off winter and welcome spring at this family-friendly party on one of the North’s classic slopes. Featuring races, the “Soaker Cup,” a costume contest, live music by the Petoskey Steel Drum Band and more.
Spring Carnival at Caberfae Peaks, March 19
This lively fest features a costume parade, a big-air contest, a terrain park rail jam, and other fun, plus food and drinks at the Snow Bar & Grill—an outdoor slopeside bar built entirely out of snow.
Subaru WinterFest at Boyne Mountain, February 28 to March 1
Subaru’s traveling lifestyle festival will make a stop at Boyne Mountain this year, bringing with it plenty of winter fun: free demos of the latest Nordica and Lib Tech equipment, free ski and ride clinics, giveaways (like a Yakima Fat Cat rack and other prizes), a photo contest and more.
The Slush Cup at Shanty Creek Resorts, March 5
A late-winter highlight for more than 40 years, the Slush Cup dares skiers and snowboarders—many of whom get decked out in crazy costumes for the event—to cross an icy, 40-foot pond at the base of one of the hills. Other events include a frozen-fish toss, snow-shovel racing, and more.
Skiable Feast at Treetops Resort, January – March
This ongoing Culinary Adventure series takes cross-country skiers along 6K of ski trails through the remote Project Adventure wilderness, with stops at five gourmet food and beverage stations featuring Michigan craft beer and wine. Tickets required.
January 16, 23, 30; February 13, 20, 27; March 5, 12.
More Northern Michigan Skiing
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Learn a Snow Sport This Month in Northern Michigan
Boyne Honors Late Ski Legend Stein Eriksen
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