Fare Trails
By Dianna Stampfler
Traversing along Michigan’s snow-covered ski trails, one can work up quite an appetite. Imagine being able to stop along the route and nibble to satisfy your hunger and provide extra energy to keep you moving along.
A gourmet winter adventure can be found among the tree-lined paths at Treetops Resort in Gaylord during a Skiable Feast. This 4- to 5-hour excursion (depending on each person’s individual pace) follows along a 6k intermediate trail, where nearly a half dozen food and beverage stations serve up warm, savory fare.
Wilderness Sleigh Ride Dinners are also planned at the resort’s Wilderness Cabin, where a four-course meal and assorted craft beverages are served up in a cozy lodge atmosphere.
Skiable Feast and Wilderness Sleigh Ride Dinner dates are open to both resort guests and day-trippers, on most Saturdays in January and February. Reservations are required by calling (866) 348-5249.
Towering hardwood forests, hemlock groves and pine stands provide the picturesque setting for the March 4 “Worel’s Woods Taste and Glide” along the Valley Spur B Trail.
Located in the heart of the Hiawatha National Forest in Alger County, just five miles west of Munising, this area benefits from lake effect snow created by the cold depths of Lake Superior. Such conditions creating prime snow for cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snacking along the trail. The property’s lodge provides a place to warm up after a day on the trail, as well as a buffet station, beverages and live music.
For more information, call (906) 387-4918.
A scenic chairlift ride to the top of Boyne Mountain’s Hemlock takes snow trekkers to the rustic Eagles Nest restaurant for the “Summit-to-Stein’s Snowshoe Supper,” every Saturday between January 7 and March 11.
Spiced wine and cocoa are served as guides prepare to lead the group on a twilight tour along the snowy mountain tops. A bonfire and hot toddies (or hot chocolate) at the halfway point are a warm welcome, before descending down Cold Springs toward Stein Ericksen’s. A three-course meal of cheese fondue, a prime rib and shrimp buffet, and a decadent dessert of chocolate fondue complete the seasonal experience.
An Aonach Mor Moonlight Dinner is offered daily during the holidays and every Saturday in January and February at Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs. After a sleigh ride to the top of the North Peak, guests mingle at an outdoor fire before gathering at linen-covered tables, illuminated by candlelight, for an elegant and romantic dinner.
For additional information or to make reservations for Summit-to-Stein’s Snowshoe Supper, call (844) 286-9936 (boynemountain.com) or for the Aonach Mor Moonlight Dinner, call (855) 405-3176 (boynehighlands.com).