Benzie County in Northern Michigan Offers Active Winter Fun with Excellent Accommodations
Snowmobiling, Snowshoeing, Dog Sledding, Downhill and Cross Country Skiing, Snow Boarding & Ice Fishing make winter vacationing in Michigan a perfect location for active, sportsminded people. Unique Inns and Resorts offer top notch restaurant and lodging experiences within beautiful scenic small town settings.
Grand Rapids, MI (Vocus) January 5, 2010
Beautiful Benzie County, Michigan, has been on the receiving side of perfect winter weather this season. Cold temperatures and an abundance of snow in Northern Michigan have helped to launch another spectacular winter in a location where snow sports are top notch. Benzie County (http://www. visitbenzie. com) is the perfect escape for a week or weekend for those who like winter sports and outdoor adventure. New this season are snow mobile rentals to experience 135 miles of groomed natural trails, and dog sled excursions that the entire family can enjoy. These activities along with excellent downhill skiing and snowboarding at Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa (http://www. greatfoodandtravel. com/sponsor_details. cfm? id=319), snowshoeing along the dunes on Lake Michigan’s shore, and miles of groomed cross country skiing trails give those who seek winter adventure a chance to see Michigan’s beautiful scenery along with their outdoor fun.
According to Mary Carroll, President of Benzie County Visitor’s Bureau, “The temperatures and the significant amount of natural snowfall so far this season has contributed to the high quality of snow for such sports as downhill and cross country skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling.” Restaurants and lodging (http://www. greatfoodandtravel. com) are also readily abundant in Benzie County including inns and b&b's and and restaurants where local foods are a specialty.
Downhill & Cross Country Skiing
One of Parents Magazine’s Ten Best Snow Resorts for Families (2009) and rated #1 Resort in the Midwest by Ski Magazine, Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa’s (http://www. crystalmountain. com) conditions for downhill skiing and snowboarding are prime. The resort features 45 downhill slopes and two terrain parks. Led by Ron Shepard, a former Professional Ski Instructors of America examiner from Park City, Utah, Crystal Mountain's snowsports school features programs for skiers and snowboarders of every age. Visitors can also experience cross-country skiing along 40 kilometers of groomed trails. including those through Michigan Legacy Art Park, a 30-acre preserve featuring over 40 outdoor sculptures. The resort is a premier destination for healthy living with a first class fitness center, an extensive list of fitness classes, Peak Performance menu in its restaurants, and Crystal Spa, the Midwest’s only LEED-certified spa awarded Favorite Hotel/Resort Spa: Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, & Midwest by Spa Magazine and Top Ten: Winter Sports Spa by SpaFinder.
Dog Sledding
Crystal Mountain Resort has partnered with Wiggins’ Mountainside Huskies this season to offer a family experience you won’t soon forget – dog sledding. Sleds are pulled by four to six Siberian Huskies along Crystal Mountain’s wooded trails. For more information about dog sledding excursions, contact Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa at (800) 968-7686 ext. 7000.
Snowmobiling
Benzie County’s 135 miles of groomed and challenging snowmobile trails are spread throughout the county in three locations: East of the village of Honor, in Thompsonville, and in Beulah. There are maps at the Benzie County Visitors Bureau located on US31 in the village of Benzonia showing the trails as well as staging areas for loading in the snowmobiles. Snowmobile rentals are available by contacting Crystal Adventures at 231-651-9648.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is the fastest growing winter sport and one in which anyone can take part. Snowshoeing doesn’t require a lot of advanced training and is a great group activity to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Some of the most majestic locations for snow shoeing in Benzie County are the Elberta Dunes and Arcadia Dunes along the Lake Michigan Shore and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park (http://sleepingbeardunes. com/blog/?p=133). More information about snow shoeing at http://www. visitbenzie. com (http://www. visitbenzie. com).
Ice Fishing
Benzie County has 57 inland lakes, which are perfect for ice fishermen and women. To make arrangements for a fishing shanty and more information about ice fishing locations, contact Benzie County Visitors Bureau at 800-882-5801.
Benzie County, 30 minutes Southwest of Traverse City and approximately five hours from Chicago and Detroit has miles and miles of beaches and dunes – including over 24 miles along Lake Michigan, quaint towns and villages, and is the gateway to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It is one of the most desirable destinations in the state of Michigan for year round vacationing or second home purchases. Whether you’re a nature seeker or more adventurous type, Benzie Country (http://www. visitbenzie. com) offers something for everyone. Travel its winding roads from village to village, and discover natural beauty, a relaxing style, and outdoor adventure.
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