Winter Weekend at Boyne Mountain
Now is the perfect time to book your winter getaway to Northern Michigan. You need to be here where the snow is fresh, and the winter air is crisp! There is something for everyone here in the winter - the outdoor enthusiasts to the cozy coffee shop lover!
This winter, we are having prime weather for all the outdoor enthusiasts. The usual average of snowfall at Boyne Mountain each year is around 140 inches – making this your winter wonderland to come and enjoy!
We’re sharing about the local ski resort, the coziest restaurants to visit and some of our favorite shops that offer the perfect winter ambiance.
Local Ski Resort:
Boyne Mountain offers so many incredible amenities in the winter, whether you love to ski or not! In the winter, Boyne Mountain offers skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, winter tubing and more.
Skiing: If you are ready for your Northern Michigan adventure, then put your gear on and hit the slopes! Skiing or snowboarding, there are over 60 trails that are ready for you. If you need a refresher lesson, you can book a class!
A few of their ski stats:
· 415 Skiable Acres
· 10 lifts
· 64 Trails
Cross Country Skiing: With over 20 miles of groomed trails, there is a trail for the beginner to the professional. The trails are always groomed to precision – it’s an amazing way to be outside enjoying the winter air.
Ice Skating: After a long day outside, stay outside a little bit longer to experience a night ice skating under the twinkle lights. Located on the property behind the Clock Tower Lodge, the ice-skating rink has free ice-skate rentals, on a first come, first serve basis. Don’t miss out on ice skating in the fresh air under the starry skies – you won’t be disappointed!
Snowshoeing: Enjoy the beautiful winter experience on their snowshoe trails. If you don’t have snowshoes or have never given it a try, make this the trip where you experience it for the first time. Snow shoeing is magical, especially on the trails where you can see the fresh snow resting on the trees.
Fat Tire Biking: We love fat tire biking! Explore the Fat Tire Bike trail system as a family or by yourself for a lovely afternoon enjoying the fresh air and biking over the crunchy snowy trails.
Winter Tubing: If you aren’t into skiing or any of the other winter activities above, it’s super easy to grab a tube and head down the winter slopes on a giant tube. 700 feet long, these downhill slopes are the perfect adventure for the one that wants minimal adventure. Or, it’s the perfect winter activity to get your little ones involved in – so grab the entire family and suit up for a fun few runs tubing down the hill!
Sky Bridge: The Sky Bridge is something you cannot miss this winter! It’s currently twinkling with over 200,000 lights – truly spectacular. The Sky Bridge is 1,200 feet long and 118 feet suspended in the air. It’s an amazing architectural piece that holds the title of the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge. This is truly an experience you will want to have during your winter adventure.
For a complete list of winter activities, visit their website here: https://www.boynemountain.com/winter-activities.
Not into doing anything outside? We recommend visiting the spa for a truly relaxing experience! The full-service spa and salon offers massages, facials, manicures and so much more. Try the new European Thermal Circuit, which combines dry and wet thermal therapies, using alternating heat and cool experiences. It’s a unique way to relax and spend your time, if you don’t want to hit the slopes with your group. To learn more about the spa, visit their website here: https://www.boynemountain.com/the-spa-at-boyne-mountain/spa-treatments
Along with the spa, the pools at Boyne Mountain are headed to be indoor and outdoor. So, you can be relaxing in the heated, steaming pool or hot tub, while watching your friends and family ski down the slopes. Such a fun experience!
Boyneland manages over ten rental condos at Boyne Mountain. The condo properties at Boyne Mountain are great because they offer prime location, access to all the Boyne Mountain amenities (you can ski in / out of a few of them!), plus they are set up to accommodate larger families / groups. The condos at Boyne Mountain we have available offer sleeping for groups of 6 up to groups of 14!
Cozy Restaurants to Check Out:
Picture from Boyne Mountain Website
Forty Acres Tavern: Located on Boyne Mountain’s property, Forty Acres Tavern is named after the store of how Everett Kircher purchased 40 acres for $1 – the future property of Boyne Mountain. Like it’s incredible story, this spot has incredible food!
If you are looking for a lighter option, the Thai Noodle Salad is delicious! Made with red cabbage, green cabbage, carrots, jalapeño, green onion, radish, broccoli, red bell pepper, roasted peanuts, rice noodles, cilantro, peanut sauce. Really, anything and everything on their menu is delectable – you will love whatever you try.
Check out Forty Acres next time you are on the Boyne Mountain property for a delicious meal that will leave you wanting to come back again for more!
See their website here: https://www.boynemountain.com/resort-dining/forty-acres-tavern
Eagle’s Nest: An iconic spot to grab a bite to eat in between skiing the slopes! Eagle’s Nest is situated at the top of the mountain, accessible by chairlift! It’s coziest by the fireplace, with incredible views, but also staying warm and dry from the winter elements. We love the menu – featuring chili, burgers, grilled cheese, garlic knots and more! This eatery will fuel you up for the rest of your day adventuring!
See their full menu and hours here: https://www.boynemountain.com/resort-dining/eagles-nest
Picture from Pour Petoskey Website
Pour Petoskey: If you are looking for a cozy, winter eatery head to Petoskey and try Pour! Their menu is unique and eclectic. They feature farmers and producers giving you a taste of local in a fun and exciting way! The Poke Nachos are a favorite: ahi tuna poke, wonton chips, mango salsa, avocado mousse, salsa verde, scallion, unagi, sesame seeds, togarashi. Mouthwatering just thinking about them! We love that they offer wine pairings with each order. This makes it easy for you to sit down and enjoy your meal without having to think through too many decisions.
Check out their website here: https://pourpetoskey.com
Picture from Brandy’s Harbortown Website
Brandy’s Harbortown: The restaurant has transformed for the winter and turned into Brandy’s Lodge, located in Bay Harbor. It’s the coziest little spot to sit and watch the snowfall and enjoy a cocktail. The Winter Sangria made with white wine, orange liqueur, rum, seasonal spices, and citrus fruit is truly refreshing. This is a great spot to visit with friends. Order multiple appetizers and entrées for the entire group to share!
Visit their website here: https://www.brandysharbortown.com
Picture from Walloon Watershed Website
Walloon Watershed: A new addition to our up North towns, the Walloon Watershed offers appetizers and beverages with a one-of-a-kind ambiance. They offer delicious boards (you must try the Looney Board!) and the Bee Sting Flatbread pizza is mouthwatering! They have their custom beer from Mackinaw Trail Winery, the Million Dollar Dog. Stop in for a cozy afternoon and enjoy a relaxing afternoon enjoying amazing provisions. If you’re going solo on your outing, be sure to bring a book! This is a great spot to cozy up with a glass of wine and an appetizer while catching up on your latest read.
Visit their website here: https://walloonwatershed.com/menus/
Other Cozy Finds:
Roast & Toast: This quintessential coffee shop has been a staple in Petoskey for thirty years! If your entire group wants to ski and you just want to cozy up with a good book, this is the spot to visit for a coffee, sweet treat and a good book!
Open seven days a week with a delectable and full menu, this is the coffee shop you want to visit. If you go for breakfast, try the Breakfast Quesadilla! It’s stuffed full of eggs, shredded cheese, sautéed onions, green peppers, diced tomatoes, southwest ranch aioli. The perfect power breakfast before hitting the slopes! Their coffee menu is full of the usual staples but also have so many incredible sweet treat drinks that you should try!
See their website here: https://www.roastandtoast.com
Picture from McLean & Eakin Instagram
McLean & Eakin Booksellers: Did you forget to bring your good book with you on this trip? Don’t worry! McLean & Eakin is the best bookstore in the North! Open seven days a week, this classic bookstore is one that we love to visit, spending hours perusing each aisle to see the new books and the ones that we’ve missed out on! This bookstore has two levels to explore and is filled with so many incredible titles. You’ll want to linger as you browse the shelves!
Want to learn more before visiting? See their website here: https://mcleanandeakin.com
Bearcub Outfitters: If you forget any of your gear, visit Bearcub Outfitters in Petoskey! They have the perfect picks for everyone in your group. Stop in to shop the warmest socks, coats, layers and other gear! Your Up North adventure can be complete, once your dressed in the right gear to keep your warm.
Did you forget something? See their website here: https://bearcuboutfitters.com
Boyne Mountain offers several shops that will keep you occupied inside for the afternoon when you are off the slopes. Spielladen is a cute gift shop on the property, that offers candy, toys for all, puzzles, games and so much more! The shops also offer other apparel, accessories, gifts and so much more! Be sure to take the time to wander through these cute shops. They especially come in handy if you forgot some gear and need to grab something last minute before you hit the slopes!
Rentals We Recommend:
Quite a few of our rentals are located on the Boyne Mountain property. Here are four Boyne Mountain Rentals that we think you’ll love!
Bunnyhill: Chic and cute, this is the perfect location for a romantic winter getaway! Bunnyhill is a modern, updated studio condo. You will be a short walk to all the Boyne Mountain amenities and restaurants. The closest lift is a walkable 100 yards away. This condo is comfy, cozy, and bright. With a wall of windows, natural light floods this beautiful condo, making it the coziest spot for a weekend away. Being an end unit, it offers a lot of privacy, too!
Tucked Away: Tucked Away at the base of the majestic Boyne Mountain, this recently updated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom vacation rental promises an unforgettable retreat for those seeking a blend of comfort, luxury, and natural beauty. With its prime location and modern amenities, this accommodation is the perfect home away from home! Located on the main floor and tucked away on the back side of the condo building into the woods yet central to the mountain activities you will feel at one with nature!
Ember Lodge: The Ember condo is located at the base of the ski hill in the Ramshead Condo complex. It is outfitted with 7 beds and can sleep up to 14 people. It is a short walk to the base of the ski lift through the condo complex. You are on property at Boyne Mountain and only minutes to Boyne City.
Village Slopeside: The closest lodging to the Mountain Village amenities! Great condo for the family. It is perfectly appointed to give privacy to many of the spaces but still being large enough to gather in the main living area. Ski-In/Ski-Out as you are steps away from the Boyneland "green" and Mountain Express high-speed lifts! Coming to swim? This condo is super close to Avalanche Bay, too!
When you stay with a Boyneland Rental at Boyne Mountain, you also will have access to other amenities. Restaurants, shops, nightly activities all within walking distance and on property at Boyne Mountain. On property there is also access to tennis courts, swimming pools, hot tub, gym, golf, water park, lake access at Deer Lake, lawn games, skiing, tubing, and salon. The opportunities are endless!
See all our rentals here!