Winter weather is back, and there are lots of ways to enjoy the season this weekend!

Boyne Mountain is showing locals some love this Thursday night…then on Friday, enjoy a lantern-lit ski or snowshoe excursion in Bellaire! Mackinaw City is celebrating all things winter on Saturday, and you can warm up with hot cocoa in Elk Rapids, or even hotter chilis at Grand Traverse Commons!
 
Boyne Mountain’s Love Locals Night, Thursday, January 19^th, 5-9pm
Boyne Mountain is showing some local love to residents of Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, and Otsego counties with an evening of discounted fun. Ski, get rentals, splash around at Avalanche Bay or get a Spa day pass for $20, hit up the Sky Bridge for $10, or tube for $15. There are also food and beverage discounts, bonfires and s’mores. Get tickets and more details at boynemountain.com
 
Lantern Lit Ski and Snowshoe, Friday, Jan 20, 6:30-8:30pm, Grass River Natural Area in Bellaire
Enjoy a self-guided evening ski on GRNA’s groomed ski trails, or snowshoe the boardwalk to the river. Then warm up at the campfire at the Center pavilion. Come any time during the 2-hour “open-house”. Bring a flashlight or headlamp. Admission is $5 per person. Ski and snowshoe rentals are available.
 
Mackinaw City’s 30^th Annual Winterfest, Saturday, January 21^st
Featuring the Kids Big Freeze Obstacle Course, Chili Cook Off Competition, Outhouse Races and an Afterglow party with live music –get the complete schedule of events at mackinawcity.com
 
2^nd Annual Elk Rapids Cocoa Crawl, Saturday, January 21^st, Noon-2pm
Taste cocoa at 12 participating locations & vote for your favorite. Tickets can be purchased at Happy Camper Coffee Co., the DAM Shop, & Nifty Things! in Elk Rapids. Look for the Orange cones for Cocoa Locations.
 
Snow Jam and Chili Challenge, Saturday, January 21^st, 2pm-6pm, Grand Traverse Commons, TC
Northern Michigan businesses will prepare their best chili for a chance at Best Overall Chili & People’s Choice. Mario Batali will announce the winner! There will also be live music, bonfires, frozen yard games, & more. Tickets and more info at thevillagetc.com