Boyne Falls, MI – Boyne Mountain Resort is hosting its 3rd annual Skitoberfest at the Michigan ski area this Saturday. The event celebrates the coming ski and snowboard season with a summit featuring Olympic gold medalist, Seth Wescott, as well as an array of family fun, Michigan beer, wine and spirit tastings, and gourmet food in an Oktoberfest-style setting.
The Snowsports Summit takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the resort’s Civic Center and admission is free. The Summit is hosted by Olympian and U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame inductee, Cary Adgate, and showcases equipment, technique and physical conditioning tips, and features special guest, Seth Wescott. Wescott is an accomplished athlete, having won Olympic gold in men’s snowboard cross in 2010 and 2006, and is also a nine time X-Games medalist. Outdoors, skiers and snowboarders can strap on their boots and compete in a Rail Jam at 5 p.m. near the base of the slopes.
Beginning at 2 p.m., children and family activities include a petting zoo, horse-drawn hay rides, bonfires and sing-alongs, antique cider press demonstrations, a juggler, bounce house, balloon artists, pony and horse rides, parade of decorated golf carts and spontaneous dance routines performed by Crooked Tree Arts Center and Boyne City High School students. Many activities are free of charge and continue until 8 p.m. in the Village at Boyne Mountain. Attendees can also take in views of fall foliage with Twin Zip Rides, two excursions for $20, and free scenic chairlift rides to the top of Boyne Mountain.
A tasting tent is open from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. with more than 50 Michigan beers, wines and spirits, plus area restaurants, markets and farms serving up specialty dishes for sampling. Admission is $25 and includes a Skitoberfest pint glass and 10 tasting tickets good towards food and beverage. Participating breweries include Atwater, Arbor, B. Nektar Meadery, Bell’s, Cheboygan, Dark Horse, Founders, Mount Pleasant, New Holland, North Peak, Short’s and more. Featured Michigan wines include Black Star Farms, Bowers Harbor, Cascade Winery, Chateau Chantal, Chateau Fontaine, Chateau Grand Traverse, Good Harbor, Lake Effect Winery and Mackinaw Trail. Michigan spirits are also available for sampling. Festival goers can balance the libations with edibles from Alpine Chocolat Haus, Bella Vita, Cafe Santé, Kitchen Angel, Lake Street Market, Red Mesa Grill, Shaleen Millard and Tannery Creek Market. At 8 p.m., good times continue as the tent is energized with a DJ, dancing and a cash bar until midnight. Admission is free after 8 p.m.