Embracing the Season

Guest Opinion

By Kate Lewis | Dec. 14, 2024

How lucky are we to be greeted by this early winter wonderland in northern Michigan! The short shoulder season has made way for full-blown winter, unveiling all its gleaming glory.

Now we are in the season of shovels, skis, and snowshoes. Just when the gray days seemed to limit outdoor options, the snow has transformed the landscape into a playground of opportunity—a reminder that a new season can spark new adventures.

I’ll admit, it took me some time to embrace northern Michigan winters. But it’s remarkable what a little cabin fever and a few key pieces of gear can do. Over the years, I’ve learned to lean into the season rather than retreat from it. Winter offers a unique invitation to explore, to learn, and to reconnect with the outdoors in fresh, exhilarating ways.

For over a decade, local partners including TART Trails, the Vasa Ski Club, Brick Wheels, Suttons Bay Bikes, Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association, and Timber Ridge have made it easier than ever to say yes to winter adventures. Together, they host Winter Trails Day, a free community event where people of all ages can try activities like fat-tire biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. It’s the perfect chance to step into something new without the pressure of commitment—and you never know where that first step might lead you.

Just ask Frances Alfs. Her story is a shining example of how one snowy morning can spark a lifelong passion.

As a mentor in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, Fran is always looking for healthy, engaging activities to share with her “little,” Alice. A few years ago, they attended Winter Trails Day at Timber Ridge. That morning, Alice sampled fat-tire biking and snowshoeing, enjoying each activity. However, cross-country skiing captured her heart.

With help from volunteers, Alice was outfitted with proper boots and skis—no poles, as recommended for beginners. From the moment she set out, something clicked. Fran watched in awe as Alice glided across the trails, arms swinging, her laughter echoing through the trees. They ventured beyond the Timber Ridge loops and onto the Vasa Pathway, tackling hills and exploring together.

Alice’s natural ability didn’t go unnoticed. Volunteers and seasoned skiers marveled at her enthusiasm and skill, urging Fran to enroll her in the Vasa Ski Club’s SkiSparks after school program for young cross-country skiers. By the end of that day, what began as a simple outing had blossomed into something much greater.

With the support of friends and ski club members, Fran connected with the program, and Alice began weekly ski sessions at Hickory Hills. That one single snowy morning opened up an entirely new world for Alice—one filled with joy, resilience, and the promise of many snowy adventures ahead.

This winter, Fran and Alice continue to ski together, forging a bond and a shared love for the season. Fran says it’s not just about the activity; it’s about discovering new possibilities and the sense of connection that winter can bring.

Stories like Alice’s remind us that winter isn’t something to endure—it’s something to embrace.

Whether you’re gliding along a snowy trail, crunching through the woods in snowshoes, or trying a fat-tire bike for the first time, each experience offers a chance to see the world—and yourself—in a new light.

This year, I’ll be taking my own children, ages three and five, to Winter Trails Day to introduce them to cross-country skiing. I can’t wait to see the look on their faces as they take those first, wobbly strides through the snow.

What will you try this winter? Maybe it’s strapping on a pair of skis, borrowing a pair of snowshoes, or simply bundling up and taking a walk under the stars.

Whatever it is, let the season inspire you. There’s a magic to winter that’s waiting to be discovered—and it might just lead you somewhere unexpected. You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to start.

Because that’s the thing about winter: when you embrace it, it embraces you right back.

Kate Lewis resides in Leelanau County and serves as the director of communications for Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART) Trails. You can typically find her biking on a trail, paddling on the water, hiking in the woods, exploring northern Michigan with her kids, or dancing at a Phish show.