Winter Exploration Awaits at Sleeping Bear Resort

No matter the season or the reason, Sleeping Bear Resort in Lake Ann welcomes visitors to explore the natural wonders that exist around Herendeene Lake. The Resort consists of six cabins a five bedroom log home and a six bedroom remodeled farm home. Sleeping Bear Resort can accommodate as many as 60 guests for a weekend, or longer. The resort is located 15 miles from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and 15 miles from Traverse City.

RESORT FACILITIES

The Lodge (five bedrooms and two bathrooms, accommodating 12 individuals) and The Bear’s Den (six bedrooms and three bathrooms, accommodating 18 individuals) each offer entertainment rooms with a ping pong table, foosball table, pool table and large flat screen TV for hours of family fun. The six individual one- and two-bedroom cabins each sleep five.

Every unit at Sleeping Bear Resort includes a fully-equipped kitchen, with stove, refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker, as well as cooking utensils. Linens and towels are also provided. The entire resort offers wireless internet access, grills and a central fire pit, for warming up after a day of playing.

NEARBY ACTIVITIES

With its 450 feet of lake frontage on the 40-acre Herendeene Lake, Sleeping Bear Resort is more than a summer vacation destination. In the winter months, the iced-over lake welcomes fisherman to drop a line in search of panfish and largemouth bass.

Countless opportunities exist for hiking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing just miles from the resort. Guided snowshoe hikes with a National Park ranger are offered on Saturdays and during winter holidays, starting at 1pm at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire. Self-guided snowshoeing is also permitted on all snow-covered dunes, fields and forests in the Lakeshore. A popular trek is the Empire Bluffs trail, which offers exceptional views of Lake Michigan, the towering snow-covered dunes and the Manitou Islands in the distance.

The resort is located within 20 miles of six different cross country ski trail networks with miles and miles of trail offerings. The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is groomed for cross country skiing, with access at the Dune Climb, Glen Haven village and on Forest Haven Road in Glen Arbor. The famed Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive also welcomes Nordic skiers. Countless other non groomed trails can be found throughout Benzie and Leelanau counties.

Downhill skiers and snowboarders can head 21 miles south to Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville for access to 45 slopes. Hiking, mountain biking and snowshoeing in the Michigan Legacy Park or cross country skiing along 40km of groomed trails is also available. A full-service spa is also available, allowing for a bit of pampering after a day out in the snow.

To the north, skiers will find The Homestead – America’s Freshwater Resort, located in Glen Arbor. Two surface lifts, three chair lifts, 15 unique runs and a terrain park are set overlooking the Sleeping Bear Dunes and the deep blue waters of Lake Michigan. Cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating and an intimate spa facility are also offered.

Discounted skiing vouchers to both Crystal Mountain and The Homestead are available to Sleeping Bear Resort guests.

Those seeking speed can access more than 135 miles of Benzie County’s groomed snowmobile trails, accessible from Sleeping Bear Resort. Staging areas can be found at the Platte River Association Hall, east of Honor; in the village of Thompsonville; and at the downtown Beulah Trailhead & Visitors Center. A trail map for the area – including Leelanau County – can be found here. Please note, snowmobiling is not permitted on the lands or waters of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Additional activities, such as wine tastings, local restaurants, cultural venues and shopping, can be found on the Sleeping Bear Resort website.

SLEEPING BEAR RESORT
7670 Reynolds Road — Lake Ann, Michigan
(231) 642-7000
rentals@sleepingbearresort.com

www.SleepingBearResort.com
www.facebook.com/SleepingBearResort

The Homestead Celebrates 30 Years of Great Northern Michigan Skiing with Special Events, Concerts & Nordic-Inspired Festivals

Hard to imagine there’s another Michigan winter right around the corner. Yet, The Homestead is already preparing for a season-long celebration marking three decades of ski and snowboarding fun.

“Our thirtieth ski season is a special milestone,” says The Resort’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Jamie Jewell. “There have been many changes to the ski area at The Homestead since it opened in 1983. It’s really amazing when you look back at how modestly it all started.”

1983 — The Homestead’s ski area opened with two three-person chair lifts, one two-person chairlift and a rope (pony) tow and state-of-the-art snowmaking equipment. Lifts were carefully installed below the tree line and closer to the ground than lifts at other ski areas for the purpose of providing a secure, safe feeling for new skiers and children learning to ski.

1985 — The Homestead became the first resort in the Midwest to limit ticket sales to prevent overcrowding.

1989 — The Homestead launched its $5 ski club program, a unique season pass for locals who paid just $5 for a pass and an additional $5 every time they came to ski.

1993 — The Homestead added three downhill race courses and broke ground on development of chalet style homes and rental properties for vacationing families and couples.

1996 — A Par 3, 9-hole golf courses was added, built in part on the downhill ski slopes.

2000 — The Magic Carpet© and was installed, along with a new “Lifetime Skills Learning Center: Ski School” and Gnomes lift-ticket and rental building.

2002 — Glade Run and terrain park were added.

2008 — Expanded multi-seasonal use of the ski area by adding wedding ceremony and reception patios overlooking Glen Lake valley and Sleeping Bear Bay.

2012 — The Homestead’s Snowsports School was remodeled

The Homestead has always been a favorite winter retreat for young couples and families with children, according to Jewell. Striving to improve service for this core group of winter guests has inspired every change to the ski area over the last 30 years.

“Children who learned to ski at The Homestead thirty years ago are now parents themselves,” she says. “There are hundreds of families that grew up skiing here. And in a way, The Resort has grown up with them. Yet some things have never changed. Namely our dedication to providing a top-notch experience, which includes limited lift ticket sales so the slopes are never crowded and the best lift ticket, rental, lesson and ski packages in Northern Michigan.”

The schedule of events celebrating 30 years of skiing at The Homestead’s is already shaping up to include many events, parties and special deals, says Jewell. Already on the docket are:

* A New Year’s Eve dinner and dance party — including a cocktail reception, three-course “surf and turf” dinner, champagne toast at midnight and dancing with special musical act The Corvairs — at Mountain Flowers Lodge.

* The Homestead’s 30th Anniversary sweepstakes offering $10,000 in prizes throughout the winter season.

* Ski demo days where representatives from major ski manufacturers will be at The Homestead allowing guests to try out new, state-of-the-art equipment.

* Special food events at the newly designed open-air at Beppi’s, which features outdoor seating, two outdoor gas fireplaces and outdoor heaters.

* Family magic show & dinner in early January featuring Magic Stu (aka Stuart MacDonald) World Class Magician who is in the Hall of Fame of Magic

* Live entertainment throughout the season at Beppi’s with regularly scheduled musicians including Chris Skellenger, New Third Coast, Accidentals, Blake Elliott, Drive South and E-Minor.

As part of its 30th Anniversary sweepstakes, The Homestead is currently running a photo contest on Facebook. Past guests who share their old ski vacation photos from The Resort get a chance to win some great prizes every month throughout the winter season. For more information on this and more 30th Anniversary events and festivals currently in the works, check out The Homestead’s website, Twitter, and Facebook pages.

The Homestead Unveils Newly Remodeled Snowsports School

What do you get when you combine gently rolling terrain, perfectly groomed slopes, and a friendly team of ski instructors with a couple lifetimes worth of experience? The answer: One of the greatest places in northern Michigan to learn how to ski and snowboard.

While thousands have mastered the “snowplow” and cut their first stem-christie turn gliding down one of Bay Mountain’s 15 beautiful runs, many thousands more have spent idle hours waiting in the wings for The Homestead’s master staff of instructors to work their magic.

That waiting promises to be a little easier at The Homestead this season, thanks to the newly remodeled Snowsports School, located in The Village, at the base of Bay Mountain.

“Signing up for ski and snowboard lessons on the spot can be hectic and uncomfortable if the space isn’t laid out just right,” says Jamie Jewell, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Our goal was to create an inviting, convenient, and classy place for people to learn about and purchase our lesson programs. With windows facing the slopes, comfortable seating, and complimentary coffee and treats, it’s also a great place for parents to take a break and hang while their children tackle the slopes.”

Guests are invited to stop in and check out the newly remodeled Snowsports School even if they don’t need a lesson. Have a coffee and take a break from the chill. With cold temperatures, fresh snow falling almost daily, and new ski packages and family-friendly offers like the “kids 17 years old and under ski FREE” deal,” the 2013 ski season is shaping up to be a great one for visitors to The Homestead.

The Homestead is Northern Michigan’s largest waterfront resort community located in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, an area voted by viewers of ABC’s Good Morning America as the “Most Beautiful Place in America”. Along with its unmatched natural setting and miles of frontage on Lake Michigan and the Crystal River, the resort offers guest pools, tennis and golf in the summer; downhill and cross country skiing in the winter; and shops, restaurants, meeting and banquet centers, and luxurious spa and salon throughout all four seasons.

For more information, visit www.thehomesteadresort.com or call 231.334.5100. “Like” The Homestead on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thehomesteadmi and follow on Twitter at @TheHomesteadMI.

Michigan's Homestead Resort Offers the Friendliest Family Pricing

The Homestead announced today that it is taking strong steps to encourage families to ski and ride – kids 17 and under will ski and ride free.

There are only three restrictions and there’s no fine print. The restrictions are:

• The family must be registered guests at The Homestead.
• At least one parent must have purchased a same day, all day lift ticket.
• Proof of relationship must be presented.

This offer is available every day of the season, including holidays, as there are no blackout dates. Call 231.334.5100 for reservations.

Jamie Jewell, a Vice President of the resort stated: “Industry research showed that younger people are not pursuing outdoor winter recreation opportunities that lead to healthy, lifetime skills. This goal of this offering was to make those outdoor opportunities accessible to families with the next generation of skiers and riders." Those first time visitors who pursue this opportunity will discover a place that’s luxurious yet relaxed, nearby yet far away. They’ll also discover the beauty of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the place the viewers of ABC’s Good Morning America chose as “America’s Most Beautiful Place.”

Repeat visitors will be welcomed back with a gift commemorating ABC’s recognition. While here, they will see and enjoy new facilities and services made possible with $1.5 million in improvements that were made to the property this year.

www.TheHomesteadResort.com

The Homestead to Raise Funds for Father Fred Foundation

The Homestead will donate $50 to Traverse City’s Father Fred Foundation for every “Ski for a Cause” package sold through March 6, 2011.

“We are so excited to have the Homestead ‘double up’ with us this month,” said Father Fred’s David Abeel. “The Frostbite food drive has taken on a whole new personality with The Homestead’s ski pass promotion tied to donations at Fox Motors. The Ski for a Cause package takes us to a whole new level.”

Abeel went on to explain that the timing of the extra promotion is especially opportune for Father Fred: “All gifts received in the month of Feb will be matched dollar for dollar by two very generous donors who have challenged us to raise $75,000 in the next 28 days.” Every February sale of a Ski for a Cause package at The Homestead, then, will mean a total of $100 for the much-loved Foundation, which has been an indispensable lifeline for more struggling families and individuals than ever since the recession began in 2008.

“Last year,” says Abeel, “the Father Fred Food pantry helped over 3,900 families facing utility shutoffs or needing help with groceries. We are so thankful for this promotion helping us during what is a difficult season for many.”

The Homestead’s Jamie Jewell says the resort is thrilled to be able to help Father Fred again. “We continue to hope that our relationship with them will grow in the future since our promotions for them have been so successful. Father Fred means a lot to everyone in our organization and we’re always trying to find new ways to support such great work.”

For more information on Ski for a Cause, visit www.thehomesteadresort.com/specials.php or call 231.334.5000.

To learn more about the Father Fred Foundation, visit www.fatherfred.org or call 231.947.2055.

The Homestead Announces 2011 Winter Sweepstakes

Well, folks, it only happens once in a great while, but it’s that time again… time for Skistakes at The Homestead!

The holidays may be over, but the excitement is just getting started at America’s Freshwater Resort, where this weekend kicks off a whole winter of droolworthy prize giveaways like getaway weekends for two, romantic Italian dinners, and luxuriously long days of pampering at Spa Amira.

“Summer is the most common time of the year for hotels or resorts to run a sweepstakes contest,” says Jamie Jewell, Senior Manager at The Homestead. Instead, says Jewell, “We decided to spice up the winter season with an exciting contest filled with prizes that winners will enjoy in all four seasons. And another thing that makes this sweepstakes so fun is that winners are selected every weekend during January and February.”

Over $5,000 in prizes will be awarded with over the eight-week period, including:

• Day of skiing including lift ticket and ski equipment (four prizes)
• Dinner with Executive Chef John Piombo at Nonna’s (four prizes)
• Day of treatments at Spa Amira (three prizes)
•Eighteen holes of golf and lunch at Manitou Passage Golf Club, winner of Golfweek’s 2010 Best New Golf Course Award (three prizes)
• Couple’s Duet Massage at Spa Amira (two prizes)
• Lift-and-Lodging Weekend that includes dinner at Nonna’s (two prizes)
• Wine Tour Weekend that includes dinner at Nonna’s (one prize)
• Beach Getaway for three days that includes dinner at Café Manitou on Lake Michigan (one Grand Prize)

Anyone can enter the contest by registering online or in locations throughout the resort, like shops, restaurants, the Reception Center and the Ski Ticket Office. And whether you’re visiting The Homestead this winter or not, be sure to enter as many times as you like to maximize your chances of becoming a winner!

Drawings will be held each Sunday during the eight-week event from January 9, 2011 to February 27, 2011, and the lucky winners will be contacted via email and announced at www.thehomesteadresort.com.

Be sure to place your entry today for a chance to visit this incomparable destination: Northern Michigan’s largest waterfront resort community, The Homestead is nestled in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a part of the National Park Service. Along with its unmatched natural setting and miles of frontage on Lake Michigan and the Crystal River, the resort offers guest pools, tennis and golf in the summer; downhill and cross country skiing in the winter; plus shops, restaurants, meeting centers, wedding facilities, and the breathtaking Spa Amira.

For more information, visit www.thehomesteadresort.com or call 231.334.5100.

The Homestead Offers Free Ski Passes to Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan

In an effort to thank and honor those who serve or have served in active military duty in Iraq and Afghanistan for the sacrifices they make to keep our nation safe, The Homestead provides complimentary downhill skiing and snowboarding for the 2010-2011 winter season.

“The men and women who are deployed overseas put themselves in harms way and make huge sacrifices for the security of our nation. They deserve honor, respect and thanks for what they do for us,” said Bob Kuras, owner of The Homestead. “We hope to lead the way in thanking our men and women in uniform by giving them outdoor winter fun this season.”

The Homestead is not located near a military base but many people travel to the region to see Sleeping Bear Dunes and to take advantage of the winter activities and snow sports. The Homestead is Northern Michigan’s largest waterfront resort community, located in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – a unit of the National Park Service. Along with its unmatched natural setting and miles of frontage on Lake Michigan and the Crystal River, the resort offers 13 downhill ski runs and 7.5 miles of cross-country and snowshoeing trails adjacent to the property. Bay Mountain has a 375 foot vertical drop with stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands making it one of the most scenic ski hills in Michigan.

Military personnel who are on active duty or have served in Iraq and Afghanistan are eligible for free lift tickets when they present their activity military photo identification to cashiers at the ticket office. Free tickets are limited to one ticket or pass per person, per day. The Homestead also offers special military rates on lodging for those who choose to stay the night or enjoy a weekend getaway.

“We also do not have black out dates for those in active military service,” says Kuras. “Our free lift tickets can be used during peak season and during the holidays. The winter season is short in Northern Michigan and we want our military to take full advantage of what we offer.”

The Homestead – America’s Freshwater Resort, is located in Glen Arbor, Michigan. The resort offers snow sports including downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating as well as lodging, shops, restaurants, meeting centers, wedding facilities and a luxurious spa. In the summer the resort offers guest pools, tennis, golf and a sandy beach on Lake Michigan.

For more information, visit www.thehomesteadresort.com or call 231.334.5100.

Facebook: http://facebook.com/thehomesteadmi
Twitter: http://Twitter.com/TheHomesteadMI
YouTube: http://YouTube.com/TheHomesteadMichigan

Spend the Holidays at The Homestead

Couples and families will enjoy endless activities over the upcoming holiday season, at The Homestead Resort – America’s Freshwater Resort, in Glen Arbor.

Discover a place that's luxurious yet relaxed, nearby yet far away. It's a place that features fine design and inviting décor, exquisite food and memorable accommodations. Skating, snowshoeing, skiing and snowboarding - without crowds - are a part of it. So, too, are magical moments for families, sparkling fires, candlelit dinners and romantic interludes for couples. It's unlike you'll discover anywhere else.

Activities on the schedule this holiday season include:

Roasted Chestnuts & Hot Apple Cider (Daily, Dec. 26-Jan. 2)
Enjoy a classic tradition of chestnuts roasting on an open fire while sipping hot apple cider. Complimentary. At the base of Bay Mountain. 4:30pm daily.

Cookie Decorating (Dec. 27 & 29)
Children can enjoy cookie decorating at Camp Tam-A-Rack at 7pm. Complimentary.

Storytime Reading (Dec. 28)
Storytime reading with hot chocolate at Camp Tam-A-Rack. 1pm. Complimentary.

Guided Snowshoe Hike (Dec. 29 & Jan. 2)
Fun for the whole family! Guided snowshoe hike on the Bay View trail. Meet at Mountain Flowers Lodge. 7pm. (Snowshoe rentals available at Mountain Flowers Lodge)

Storytime with Fuzz Foster (Dec. 30)
Local storyteller, Fuzz Foster, entertains at Camp Tam-A-Rack as part of the Kids Night Out from 6pm to 9pm. Reservations required. $25 per child, includes snack.

Torchlight Parade (Dec. 31)
Watch the magic of a torchlight parade from the base of Bay Mountain. 8pm

New Year's Eve Dinner (Dec. 31)
Enjoy a special five-course New Year's Eve dinner at Nonna's with Chef John Piombo. Serving from 5pm to 10pm. $65 per person plus tax and gratuity. Includes champagne toast at Beppi's.

Happy New Year! (Jan. 1)
Watch the New Year's Day Bowl games on six flat screen televisions at Beppi's. Open from Noon to Midnight.

Celebrating its Silver Anniversary in 2009, The Homestead is Northern Michigan’s largest waterfront resort community located in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – a unit of the National Park Service. Along with its unmatched natural setting and miles of frontage on Lake Michigan and the Crystal River, the resort offers downhill and cross country skiing in the winter; and world-class lodging, shops, restaurants, meeting centers and the luxurious new Spa Amira, throughout all four seasons.

www.TheHomesteadResort.com