Articles

The Magic of a Winter Meeting in Gaylord, MI

While many are dreaming of warmer days to come and taking that first spring swing on the greens, some of us are embracing winter and all its magic. Don’t skip over planning your meeting, conference or event during one of Gaylord’s most spectacular seasons!

A few things to keep in mind when making winter meeting and event arrangements:

1 – Winter is not a shoulder season in Gaylord.

You’ll need to plan ahead when bringing your group to our Alpine Village during the chilly months. While many communities see summer as the ultimate peak travel season, winter has an equal amount of hype in our neck of the woods. You’ll be in the company of a bevy of snow enthusiasts, all excited to grab their gear to downhill ski, snowboard, snowmobile, ice fish, snowshoe and cross-country ski.

Hint: Treetops and Otsego Resort offer a large array of lodging, meeting spaces and outdoor activities you’ll find all on-property, eliminating the need to travel once you arrive.

2 – We love snow…and it loves us!

Our average snowfall is 142 inches…and we couldn’t be prouder! Gaylord’s high elevation puts us smack dab in the same snowbelt that covers much of the Upper Peninsula, which means you’ll find heaps of snow waiting for you without having to make the trek over the Mackinac Bridge.

Fun Fact: Record-breaking snow hit on November 29, 2024, when Gaylord received 24.8 inches of the white stuff in just one day!

3 – Dress appropriately for the season.

Remind your team and guests that it does get chilly during our up north winters. While you’ll find meeting spaces and event venues to be eternally warm and inviting, encourage anyone considering outdoor activities to pack winter jackets, hats, gloves, boots and even snowpants. Depending on how active you’re going to be outdoors, many people find they overdress, so layers are always a bonus.

Insider Tip: Bring your warm clothing along even if your plans are to stay indoors. Establishments such as White Birch Outfitters and the Louis M. Groen Nature Preserve rent snowshoes and you don’t want to miss out on the fun.

4 – Your post-meeting and event activities take on a fresh look.

Opportunities for team building, bonding your group or just relaxing after a long day will range from skilled runs down the ski slope to strapping on a pair of snowshoes and venturing into a white-blanketed forest. You don’t need to be a winter aficionado to embrace frosty fun. Winter rafting, sleigh rides and downhill tubing require minimal effort and will make some of the most fantastic memories.

Don’t Miss: Sturgeon River Paddlesports in Wolverine and Big Bear Adventures in Indian River offer guided winter rafting trips that rival any team building experience you’ve ever had!

5 – You can still opt for the great indoors.

While we would love to convert non-snow lovers, we understand that some people prefer cozy fireplaces and activities that don’t require mittens. Fortunately, Gaylord has team activities to meet the needs of everyone in your group. The Landing Zone, our local bowling alley, has enough lanes for your crew to have a friendly after-hours competition. For those itching to hit the greens, Gaylord’s newest attraction, Mulligans at the Bluffs, has state-of-the-art golf simulators and a full menu to keep you going. You’ll also find pickleball at the Otsego County Sportsplex and even a robust trivia night at Snowbelt Brewing Company.

A Little R & R: If your idea of rejuvenating your group includes relaxation, Treetops Resort has a full spa on site.

6 – Comfort food is always a win.

The array of outdoor activities awaiting you is complimented by an equally vast array of comfort foods to warm you up after exploring. If you have time to sample the local cuisine, a trip to Alpine Tavern for their famous white chicken chili will be time well spent. Or snuggle into the warm glow at Bennethum’s Northern Inn for a hot toddy or a special treat from their extensive wine room.

If You Dare: If you really want to heat up your tastebuds, Snowbelt Brewing has a spicy adult grilled cheese sandwich that comes with a warning!

7 – Our venues welcome you during every season.

Booking your next winter meeting, conference or event in Gaylord is simple. Our Alpine Village never goes into hibernation and it’s business (and fun!) as usual during every season. Winter gatherings have a nostalgic, cozy vibe as the snow casually falls just outside the window, making your event memorable and successful on so many levels.

Get Started: Contact Alise Hale, Group Sales Manager, to plan your event today!