❖Destination Report: Midwest
Boyne Mountain By Jeff Gayduk
C
Coming off a successful 60th anniversary celebration, Northern Michigan’s Boyne Resorts – now North America’s largest family-owned resort network – has become a Mecca of Midwest winter sports destinations.
Though often referred to as “Boyne,” Northern Michigan’s Boyne Resorts is actually comprised of three resorts – Boyne Mountain in the town of Boyne Falls, Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs and the Inn at Bay Harbor in Bay Harbor. Both Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands are premier ski resorts. I had the opportunity to spend a few days visiting Boyne Mountain and came away quite impressed with the magnitude of this operation.
slides, rides, kids pools, climbing walls, lazy river, a surf simulator and an 800-gallon avalanche of water, providing a day of fun for kids of all ages. On the quieter side, Glacier Hot Springs hot tubs help soothe sore muscles.
Boyne Mountain Resort’s setting is reminiscent of an Alpine village, with architectural accents and décor making one feel they’ve set foot in the Alps. The resort’s village is pedestrian friendly with easy walking between the three lodging areas – Mountain Grand Lodge, Edelweiss and Clock Tower Lodge – and the restaurants, pubs, shops and slopes. Additional lodging options on Boyne Mountain include condominiums, townhomes and cabins scattered around the mountain. The resort can accommodate over 2,800 guests with 450 guest rooms and suites, condominiums and log cabins. Adjacent to Mountain Grand Lodge, Avalanche Bay waterpark lays claim as Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark. The 88,000-square-foot facility features a plethora of www.skicmsc.org ❖ 2009/2010 DIRECTORY
The Solace Spa is a great alternative for non-skiers or welcome addition at the end of a day on the mountain. Immaculately designed, this 18,000-square-foot spa has 19 treatment rooms, whirlpool tubs, steam rooms and cedar saunas along with a state-of-the-art fitness center and classes, Pilates studio and personal trainers. The spa has also added a salon and make-up services.
On the Mountain Skiers and snowboarders will be pleased with nearly 60 downhill runs and over 415 acres of terrain, terrain parks and superpipe. Ten chairlifts and two wonder carpets serve the resort, which also offers 14 acres of free ski/snowboard beginner areas and 35 kilometres of cross country trails. New at Boyne Mountain is a Doppelmayr quad chairlift, the only one of its kind in the Midwest. The Meadows lift now offers the second fastest ride on Boyne Mountain, second only to America’s first high-speed, six-place chairlift, the Mountain Express. Riders can reach the top in about four minutes. MIDWEST SKIER ❖ 19