COPPER HARBOR - What do roaring fireplaces, warm drinks and miles of newly constructed cross country ski trails have in common?
The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge in Copper Harbor.
"This is going to be our first year being open during the winter," announced General Manager Cormac Ronan. "Come and enjoy our winter lodge and explore the new ski trails."
Ronan said the lodge will officially open for winter Saturday, the same day they are hosting an open house to celebrate the new cross country ski trails. The open house will be held from noon until 4 p.m. with complimentary hot chocolate and munchies to be served in the lodge.
At 4:30 p.m., guests are invited to gather at the start of the ski trails, located on the east side of the lodge, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Ronan said State Rep. Mike Lahti, D-Hancock, will be in attendance for the celebration.
"This has been a big community effort putting these ski trails together," he said, adding the 9 kilometers of cross country ski trails were designed by Steve Rowe and constructed by the Copper Harbor Trails Club. "With the rolling terrain and the trails that go along the golf course, it's really nice."
Additionally, Ronan said they recently purchased state-of-the-art ski trail grooming equipment to maintain the routes throughout the winter. The trails will be open daily.
Winter business hours for the lodge, however, are 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
"The lodge will feature a full bar, which will be serving up new hot drinks," Ronan said. "Our winter menu will also have a lot of nice options for the cross country skiers and snowshoers."
Adding to the warm and cozy atmosphere in the lodge are two roaring fireplaces situated at each end of the dining area.
Outside on the fairway, near the first hole overlooking Brockway Mountain Drive, Ronan said they are going to be building a sledding hill for kids and families to play on.
"Bring your sleds and your skis," he encouraged.
Saturday evening will conclude with Babettes Feast, featuring renowned Chef Malcolm Hudson.
Ronan said the dinner is a fundraiser for the Copper Harbor Trails Club.
"It's a fundraiser for phase two of the cross country ski trails," he said. "It's for the acquisition of land for more cross country ski trails."
The cost of the dinner, he said, is $100 per person.
"A lot of volunteers came together to organize this fundraiser dinner," he said. "We want to say great work to all the volunteers."
Adding to the festivities in the Keweenaw Saturday is Copper Harbor's annual Christmas Bazaar, followed by the lighting of the park.
The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge is located at 14252 U.S. 41 in Copper Harbor. Business hours are 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
For more information, call (906)289-4403 or visit atthelodge.com.
Editor's note: This feature is part of a paid advertising package purchased by the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge of Copper Harbor. Businesses interested in being featured on the Business page may call Yvonne Robillard at 483-2220.