Perched on the beautiful shores of East and West Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City, Michigan is a major hub of activity for Northern Lower Michigan. When the area was settled in the early 1800’s, it was primarily a mill town and a center for trade. Since then the city has grown into a top destination for vacation goers and business people alike. The city has a population of over 14,000 full time residents and that number nearly doubles on a daily basis because the city is a center for business and commerce in the region. With a landscape that was carved out by ancient glaciers, the natural surroundings are breathtaking and it's no mystery why so many flock here for outdoor activities.
During the winter, Traverse City doesn't slow down. You’ll find an abundance of fun things to do indoors and outdoors. Outdoor enthusiasts will love opportunities for downhill and cross-country skiing, wildlife viewing, snowshoeing, snowmobile riding, and much more. In fact, you’ll find three major ski resorts within 40 miles of downtown Traverse City. When you’re ready to warm up, the city features a diverse selection of fun activities. Try visiting the local wineries, distilleries, and microbreweries that are flourishing in the region. In addition, you’ll love the fine selection of museums, restaurants, shopping centers, and other attractions that have made this a top vacation destination. Each winter, Traverse City features a series of events and festivals, like the North American VASA Festival of Races, that sets the city apart from other cold weather locations.
Entering its 40th year, VASA Festival of Races is a major ski event put on by the North American VASA organization. There will be a series of nordic ski races, Fat Bike races, and a Skifatalon that combines both race types into one event. Race lengths include 12 km, 27 km and 50 km, in freestyle and classic disciplines. Also, the Fat Bike races measure 11 km and 35 km in length. They even have a shorter course set up so kids can compete as well. Not only is this a great event to participate in, but spectators will love it as well, so bring the family and bundle up for a unique winter experience. ResortsandLodges.com got the chance to interview Pete LaPlaca, President Emertius for North American VASA, to talk about the event.
RAL: Give me a little background about North American VASA and the Festival of Races.
PL: The North American VASA is an organization that stages the Festival of Races in February each year. In addition, we also groom special ski trails during the winter ski season, as well as build and maintain trails throughout the year. We co-host the family ski training program known as We-Ski, and we are a sponsor of the very popular She-Ski program specifically for women. In addition, we provide management services for two major local sporting events, the Bayshore Marathon and the Iceman Cometh mountain bike race (largest in North America).
We will be celebrating our 40th anniversary on Feb. 13-14, 2016. Participant numbers have varied from 400-1200 over the years. Our kids race covers children from age 3-15. We have high school races, and continue for adults up to age 90. Average documented household income approx. $125,000 for competitors. We have had participants from all over the United States, Canada, England, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and Russia.
RAL: What makes the event unique?
PL: Our event is known as a “Traverse City Tradition”. Skiers come because of our challenging race courses, great grooming, strong organization, professional timing, and the huge appeal of our area.
RAL: Take me through what attendees will find during a typical day?
PL: On Friday we have open skiing, onsite registration, and packet pickup. In the evening, we hold a pasta feed at our beautiful host lodge, Timber Ridge Resort. We have had special sprints on Friday evening as well. The entire resort is decked out with many banners, music, and loud speakers, updating the spectators on race developments, history, local sponsors, etc. On Saturday, races start at 8:00 am with distances including 6 kilometers, 12km, 27km, and 50km. Both classic and freestyle races are offered at each distance. A huge awards tent is used for awards, food, beer, and more throughout the day. On Sunday morning, we host two classic-only races of 6km and 16km, with many of the top racers in the state vying for Michigan Cup points.
For guest appearances, we have hosted the National Masters for skiers over the age of 30 with some of the top ski dignitaries in the United States. We typically feature our race founders as dignitaries along with the top people in the state ski organizations.
RAL: What is the local lodging situation like?
PL: We have over 10,000 rooms within 30 minutes of the race venue. Grand Traverse Resort is our host hotel, and is 10 minutes from the race. Some of the skiers will stay in cabins at the race site, Timber Ridge Resort. Room rates are affordable during the slow winter season. There are many homes for rent during the week as well and cabins all over the area that rent by the day or week. We are in a very large tourist area and there are many rooms to choose from nearby.
There are special room discounts at: Timber Ridge Resort, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa and the Bayshore Hotel. The Grand Traverse Resort has been a lodging mainstay and sponsor for many years. They have many amenities that appeal to families including a huge water complex.
RAL: What does this event mean to the community?
PL: Our event is a celebration of winter and has been heavily supported by our local community. Millions of dollars in revenue have come into the community during a very slow time of year which is always important.
Our post race surveys show that visitors love our local restaurants and lodging options. They also visit sports/ski shops. This is such an attractive area that a good percentage of visitors will look at real estate while they are here. Many will come back during the summer months with their families to enjoy seasonal amenities like cycling, swimming, golfing, boating, hiking, horseback riding, and more.
We take pride in supporting the community. The Women's Cancer Fund has been our major beneficiary over the years as well as many family and youth ski programs.
RAL: Why should people come?
PL: Our event is a great way for individuals or families to break away from our long, gray winters for a fun week of events for all ages. We have four skiers who have done all 39 racers so we get a very large return rate.
For more information about the Festival of Races and North American VASA, please visit their website.