Glen Arbor, a year-round recreational destination
From staff reports
The Glen Arbor Sun spoke to Crystal River Outfitters co-owner Katy Wiesen about the impact this early, snowy winter has had on their business.
Glen Arbor Sun: How many employees do you keep on staff through this winter season at the Cyclery/M-22 store?
Katy Wiesen: We are able to keep three of our five managers staffed year-round. They spend a large majority of their wintertime planning for the summer, but are now also able to assist “off-season” customers with rental needs, shopping and wine tasting. It has been very rewarding to provide visitors with year-round recreational opportunities and show that Northern Michigan is not just a summer destination.
Sun: What winter sport products/accessories do you want to highlight that Crystal River Outfitters/the Cyclery carries?
Wiesen: We offer snowshoe, cross-country ski, and ice skate rentals. We also offer sales of this same equipment, outdoor apparel & accessories, plus waxing services for nordic skis. We carry brands such as Smartwool, Dakine, Swix, Tubbs & Fischer.
Sun: Do you recommend that customers use them in particular spots/trails? Where are those?
Wiesen: For skiing, we highly recommend the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes do a GREAT job of grooming and maintaining this trail. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is also another fun option for skiing. For snowshoeing, we recommend most trails within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Our favorite spots include: the Treat Farm, Empire Bluffs, Pyramid Point and Alligator Hill.
Sun: How much of a boon has the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail been to your business?
Wiesen: The Heritage Trail has provided the first groomed surface in this area, which allows all ability levels to recreate. The Heritage Trail is a great steppingstone for people to feel comfortable with their winter equipment and gain the confidence to explore other areas within the park during the winter months.
Sun: Has this snowy winter increased sales/increased winter sports participation?
Wiesen: The key to surviving a Northern Michigan winter is getting out and embracing it. This year’s early winter definitely started winter business off much sooner than expected! Our first cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals went out Thanksgiving weekend. The snowy conditions give visitors even more of a reason to come up north knowing that there are more recreational opportunities.
Sun: What can you say, in general, about Glen Arbor’s recreational opportunities outside of the summer and fall seasons?
Wiesen: The winter offers a much more intimate experience when there are not as many visitors. The conditions change so drastically throughout the seasons that each time of year offers a unique experience.
Sun: Glen Arbor has great hiking, skiing and ice-skating. What ought to be next frontier for local winter sports opportunities?
Wiesen: There IS a lot going on! The same reasons that people are attracted to Northern Michigan in the summer is the same reason people come here in the winter. The natural beauty of this area and outdoor recreational opportunities are what keep people coming back. The easiest way for Glen Arbor to enhance visitor experience during the winter months would be for more shops to stay open so people do get the vibe that Glen Arbor is a year-round destination!
