Hot Chili, Cool Winter Sports, and a night out with the Girls!

Start your weekend with a magical night on the trails at the Grass River Natural Area, then on Saturday, try your hand at cross-country skiing for free! You can warm up with some hot chili for a great cause in East Jordan, or catch a cool movie premiere at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts. Then on Sunday, grab your girlfriends and shop ’til you drop in Elk Rapids!
 
Lantern Light Ski & Snowshoe at the Grass River Natural Area, Friday, January 6^th, 6:30-8:30pm
Enjoy a self-guided evening ski on groomed trails, or snowshoe the boardwalk to the river. Then warm up at a campfire at the Center pavilion. Bring a flashlight or headlamp. $5 per person. Ski and snowshoe rentals are available. More info at grna.com
 
Winter Trails Day at Crystal Mountain, Saturday, January 7^th, 1-2pm
This event offers children & adults new to snow sports the chance to try cross country skiing for FREE, & to discover the great fitness & social benefits with this easy-to-learn winter sport. This free 1-hour clinic includes a lesson & rental equipment. Click here for more info.
 
East Jordan Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser, Saturday, January 7, 5-7pm, East Jordan EMS Fire Station
Sample over a dozen chilis, bid on the silent auction and bring the kids to see the fire trucks. This is a benefit of an East Jordan EMT that was injured in an accident and is facing many medical expenses.
 
Lake Effect… a ski film premiere, Saturday Jan 7^th 6pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts
If you love outdoor winter adventures, you’ll love this film. Celebrate winter with local professional skier Mike King and watch his Michigan ski film Lake Effect-a two-year ski film highlighting the joys of backyard adventure. Get tickets at lakeeffectskifilm.com
 
Ladies Night in Elk Rapids, Sunday, January 8^th, 5-8pm
Wrap up the weekend with a Girls Night Out! Shop local businesses in Downtown Elk Rapids & along Ames Street. There will be food, drink & fun.