As the Up North ski season opens, Gaylord and its surrounding resort properties are introducing new and renovated developments, discounted ski packages, restaurants, and family activities.
TRU Hilton recently broke ground on an 80-room hotel near the I-75 southbound 279 exit in Gaylord, which is expected to open next year. The new property joins the recent openings of the Fairfield Inn and Suites and a Holiday Inn Express.
The Big Buck Brewery adjacent to the downtown district has re-opened the Bearded Dogg Lounge, while the Alpine Tavern has added an Igloo dining experience.
The additions complement new streetscape improvements along Gaylord’s Main Street (M-32), while resort properties throughout Gaylord are being upgraded. In turn, the Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism Bureau, along with area hotels, vacation rentals, and Treetops Resort, are offering free skiing from Dec. 13-15.
The Ski Free packages start at $42 per person/per room at Gaylord area properties, and $109 per room/per night at Treetops Resort (based on double occupancy, max of two free tickets per room). Each overnight guest will receive a free lift ticket voucher, valid for one day of skiing.
Treetops Resort also recently introduced renovated rooms and lobbies while celebrating 65 years of skiing this year with special rates and getaway opportunities throughout the season.
The new offerings include “Glade Skiing through the Trees” on a newly designated slope — an experience similar to those found at Western Ski Properties throughout the country (glade skiing is alpine skiing through trees on a defined trail).
Treetops also provides guided moonlight snowshoe tours with headlamps, terrain parks, including Boarder X, extreme tubing, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, fat tire snow biking, wilderness sleigh rides, sunrise groomer rides, and dog sledding on various weekends.
In addition, the resort is bringing back the Heikki Lunta Party, better known as the “Party of the Snow Gods.” The weekly celebration, which happens at the top of the Ski Hill, takes place most Saturday evenings during the winter. Guests will be able to enjoy S’mores, hot chocolate, various contests, and a bit of Michigan folklore.
