Unfortunately and surprisingly, many people who live in Michigan have less than positive thoughts about the winter season. The moans of “There’s too much snow” and “It’s too cold” just don’t go down well with those of us embedded in the tourism industry here in Northern Michigan. Indeed, it would be fair to say we love winter. From a business perspective, winter is the second most important season for us in Gaylord. We are even fortunate to have a strong winter season as most communities shop and take breaks during winter. Yes happy!

A few years ago I made a bold statement to our board of directors when I presented our winter marketing plan. I told them in no uncertain terms that Gaylord, Michigan was hands down the best winter vacation destination in the state of Michigan. Not only are we located in the center of Michigan’s snow belt, which averages just over 150 inches of snow per year, but we also have the best quality and variety of winter activities here.

We have an amazing and diverse selection of activities and events outside of home to two of Michigan’s best ski resorts – Otsego Resort and Treetops Resort. And don’t forget to add some of the best snowmobile trails in our good condition.

Over the years we’ve seen an increase in creativity in our resort community with fun and eclectic events that require little skill or investment, such as: B. Winter wine hikes, dinner by sledge, dog sledding, ski parties and the “Spud-spectacular” hike. The final event features a bit of local agricultural history as well as the little-known fact that 80 percent of the potato chips Lay come from here in Otsego County.

But the events and activities mentioned above only scratch the surface of other great reasons for visitors and locals to get outside and enjoy the winter. We have two outfitters to take you and some of your close family and friends on a winter rafting adventure on the Sturgeon River, which happens to be the fastest flowing river on the Lower Peninsula. You can go downhill at both the Otsego Resort and Treetops Resort, where unlike in the past they have an elevator that pulls you and your tube back up the hill. The biggest problem with tubing is how to wipe that silly grin off your face when you’re done.

Interestingly, in a detailed marketing report we received last month, out of all the winter activities we promoted in December, the greatest commitment was made to winter rafting.

If these activities don’t seem appealing and you’re looking for something a bit slower, you can rent cross-country skis or snowshoes and try one of the numerous trail systems that range from immaculately groomed to wild and inland (hint: think about Pigeon River Country State Forest. Snowshoes are pretty inexpensive, never go out of style and work the same year after year, honestly, in my opinion, the scenery and solitude that you experience on a winter hike beats a summer hike any day of the week.

The bottom line is that we are blessed with a variety of winter outdoor activities to enjoy and celebrate. As travelers continue to seek the enjoyment and safety of outdoor recreation as COVID relaxes, Gaylord is in a pretty cute place. And if winter outdoor activities are still not your thing, take comfort in the fact that you can enjoy a handcrafted brew at a brewery named after our winter claim to fame … Snowbelt.

The following guest comment was written by Paul Beachnau, executive director of the Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism Bureau.

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