Features

What to *SNOW* about the 2025-26 Ski Season

Cool temps, early openings as ski resorts prep for a frosty forecast

By Kierstin Gunsberg | Dec. 20, 2025

No one cheers an autumn blizzard quite like a kid with a brand new sled…except, maybe ski resorts and their season pass holders. So when that early November snow dropped piles of the white stuff all across northern Michigan (Leelanau saw 10 inches!) it was just the kind of sign the industry, which brings in nearly $55 million annually across the state, was looking for. Indeed, with another blizzard that came right … Read More >>

Dashing Through the Snow

Your 2026 winter race calendar

By Jamie Kauffold | Dec. 20, 2025

How to stay warm this winter? Keep moving! Ski, snowshoe, bike, or run your way through the cold months with 20+ races happening around northern Michigan. JANUARY Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026Forbush Moonlight Snowshoe 5KForbush Corner Nordic, Fredericforbushcorner.com/snowshoeRace.html Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026Winter Wolf Skiathlon: 5K Classic Skiing; 5K Skate SkiingHanson Hills Recreation Area, Graylinghansonhills.org/winter-events Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026Vasa Raptor Rush Classic: 10K, 5K, 2.5KHickory Hills Ski Area, TRAVERSE CITYnordicskiracer.com/event-details.asp?id=4232 Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026Cote … Read More >>

26 Ways to Ring in 2026 in Northern Michigan

The NYE countdown is on!

By Ross Boissoneau | Dec. 20, 2025

Counting the days, hours, and minutes to the New Year? You’re not alone—or at least you don’t need to be, as there are celebrations of all sorts across the region. The list of NYE parties below is not by any means comprehensive, but it does serve as a sampling of what there is to do as we bid adieu to 2025 and set our sights on 2026. TAKING A BITE OF OUT … Read More >>

Climbing Out of the Winter Blues

ELEV8 and Petoskey Field House talk winter climbing

By Ren Brabenec | Dec. 20, 2025

Sixteen years ago, Kevin Vlach was fresh out of college at the University of Michigan and living abroad in Spain. That was when he first heard the siren song of climbing. “I’d heard about these locals who would go down into these huge culverts below highway overpasses and climb up the sides. I tried it once and was hooked.” Vlach moved back to the States, lived in Colorado for a few years, … Read More >>

Family Fun Over Winter Break

10 inexpensive ways to keep the kiddos busy

By Abby McKiernan | Dec. 20, 2025

Winter break has arrived, and if you are looking for ways to get the whole family out of the house and off the couch, we have you covered! From ski lessons and light shows to surrey rides and even an international snowcross competition, there is no shortage of ways to get out and enjoy for every age and adventure level this season. Below, we have rounded up 10 family-friendly events—many of them … Read More >>

Film Review: Bruce Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere

5 Stars

By Joseph Beyer | Dec. 20, 2025

Even if you watch Bruce Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere from the comfort of your own home when it hits video-on-demand starting Dec. 23, (the same way an estimated 75 percent of us now consume most movies), I still imagine it can and will capture your heart even on the small screen. That’s because, in the hands of the transformative performers who bring it to life, Deliver Me From Nowhere is that … Read More >>

Winter Break at the Library

Dec. 20, 2025

Trying to keep the kids busy while school is out? Head to the library! Dec. 22, take your 12+ tweens and teens to the Mesick location of the Cadillac Wexford Public Library from 3-5pm for a Book Bedazzle workshop to bling out a book cover or spine. Over at the Marion Area District Library, stop in for Holiday Storytime and crafts on Dec. 23 at 3:30pm or a New Year’s Eve Countdown … Read More >>

Umbo Is Coming...to The Little Fleet

Dec. 20, 2025

Winter isn’t just coming—it’s already here. But if you want a break from the December blues, head to The Little Fleet for a two-night pop-up on Dec. 29 and 30, where Umbo will be slinging dishes from 5-9pm. Umbo is the latest brainchild of foodies Cameron Rolka and Sarah Welch, best known for Detroit restaurants Marrow and Mink. Scheduled for a 2026 opening, Umbo will be an oyster bar in downtown Traverse … Read More >>

GTB Starting the Year with Tradition

Stuff We Love

By Molly Cox | Dec. 20, 2025

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians hosts the Kchi Wiikwedong Anishinaabek Maawnjidowin Round Dance on Jan. 3, 2026, from 2pm-2am at Governors’ Hall at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. This annual event is one of the biggest of its kind in the country, with thousands of attendees participating in a night filled with singing, dancing, and good food. Round Dances are grounded in ceremony, typically held during the evening … Read More >>

A Solo Rattler

By Jamie Kauffold | Dec. 20, 2025

Frontman of folk-rock band Michigan Rattlers Graham Young brings his solo performance to Great Lakes Center for the Arts in Bay Harbor on Saturday, Dec. 27, at 7pm. Beginning in Petoskey, the Michigan Rattlers have performed across North America, including festivals like Bonnaroo and Electric Forest. Graham will entertain with raw, soulful renditions of rootsy rock ‘n roll and Rattlers’ favorites. Tickets start at $32. greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/graham-young  Read More >>