The Homestead resort upgrades skiing, food
From staff reports
The Homestead resort, located just east of Glen Arbor, recently completed a three-vear plan to upgrade its on and off-mountain ski offerings. The Homestead ski hill opens at 9 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 26. All chairlifts are open and ready to go.
“We wanted to make sure our facilities provided the experience, comfort and level of service our guests have learned to expect from their travels around the world,” said Homestead president Bob Kuras. The challenge, he continued, was maintaining the up-north, family friendly atmosphere that has made the resort a popular destination for skiers for more than 40 years.
“Our guests want, and deserve, the best of everything,” Kuras said. “But they also want the undisturbed natural beauty and relaxed, yet sophisticated, lifestyle the resort has long offered.
As a result, Kuras spearheaded a series of improvements designed to improve snowmaking, grooming, lighting and lifts while maintaining a proven commitment to stewardship. The first priority was to install new equipment without increasing environmental impacts or decreasing the beauty of the area. The work involved more snowmaking guns, new drives, controls and safety systems on lifts, rebuilt seats and backs on the chairs and new lights. It also included back-of-the-house upgrades to improve working conditions and make workers safer. The upgraded facilities are not only safer for guests and team members, they’re also more reliable and more enjoyable for skiers and riders.
“Admittedly, we had some hiccups getting some of this work done on time,” Kuras said. “But the results should be worth it.”
The Homestead also invested substantial resources in renovating their already popular après-ski facilities. Cavanaugh’s, which long served as a deli for hungry skiers, is now the area’s first full-fledged grocerant, and features a wide array of ready-to-eat and ready-to- heat foods as well as groceries, beer, wine and liquor. Guests, especially children, can also admire photos of competitive skiers while enjoying a hot meal from COs, the resort’s cafeteria. Perhaps the most notable update, however, has been to Whisker’s, a popular bar and grill.
“We wanted to create a space that would be fun for the whole family,” Kuras said. The outdoor venue was already hugely popular during the pandemic. Live music, a variety of social games, and a menu focused on modern updates to classic American pub food brought crowds looking to socialize safely.
Even without pandemic restrictions, though, Kuras is confident that Whisker’s has broad appeal. “I see young couples in love, grandchildren playing with their grandparents, and old friends relaxing together every time I go there,” Kuras said. “Those are the timeless experiences The Homestead has always promoted.”
Visitors Bureau, Homestead offer ski passes, rentals to area teens
From staff reports
As part of their efforts to support the community, the Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitors Bureau in partnership with The Homestead resort have provided 10 season passes and rentals for members of the LIFT Teen Center based in Suttons Bay. LIFT is a nonprofit designed to serve the needs of Leelanau County’s youth through intentional and engaging programs. Incorporated in 2017, LIFT has reached more than 100 teenagers at Suttons Bay Schools and has expanded its after-school program to include a service-learning component and separate sessions for both middle schoolers and high schoolers.
“By providing these passes, we are giving these youth the opportunity to experience the wonderful place we call home in a new light,” said Elise Schultz, the Visitors Bureau’s marketing and event manager. “The Homestead offers wonderful beginner hills, and we are certain this contribution will offer a fun and unique after-school activity they can enjoy with their peers.”
Schultz joined the Visitors Bureau earlier this year. Her position has allowed for numerous growth opportunities, as the bureau strives to educate and encourage people to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the area spanning from Frankfort to Leland.
This story was sponsored by Leelanau Computer Repair.
