Shanty Creek Resort Giveaway: A Northern Michigan Classic for Winter Adventure
If you’re looking for a quintessential Northern Michigan ski getaway, let me introduce you to Shanty Creek Resort, home to Schuss Mountain—one of the region’s most beloved winter destinations. Tucked into the rolling hills near Bellaire, Michigan, this resort delivers an unforgettable mix of skiing, snowboarding, and family-friendly winter fun.
I’ve always loved Shanty Creek for its laid-back vibe, affordability, and fantastic slopes. Whether you're carving down expert runs at Schuss Mountain or tubing with the kids at The Lakeview Hotel at Summit Village, there’s something for everyone. With on-site lodging, dining, and vibrant après-ski options, it’s the perfect destination for a weekend ski escape or an extended winter retreat.
A Resort with a Legacy of Winter Fun
One of the most intriguing aspects of Shanty Creek Resort is understanding the scale of this property and the fascinating characters and history that shaped the relationships between Shanty Creek Resort, Schuss Mountain, and Summit Village (formerly Summit Mountain). Nestled in the heart of Northern Michigan, this resort spans a massive 5,500 acres (8.6 square miles) of some of the most beautiful terrain in the state. To truly appreciate the resort, one must take a history lesson filled with colorful personalities and bold visions.
Summit Mountain and Shanty Creek
Summit Mountain and Shanty Creek were the brainchild of Roy Deskin, the son of a coal miner who worked his way through Detroit’s steel factories to become a magnate in the industry. After retiring in 1944, he purchased a home on Torch Lake and, in the early 1960s, developed Summit Mountain as a place to gather and entertain friends. The resort opened for skiing, golfing, and lodging in the early 1960s.
Schuss Mountain
Schuss Mountain, on the other hand, was developed a few years later by Daniel Lannotti, a former stockbroker from Chicago who pursued his dream of building a Bavarian-style ski and golf resort in Northern Michigan. Lannotti envisioned his resort as more than just a destination—he called it "The Kingdom of Schuss", complete with its own currency (the Squaller), its own language (Schwiss), and even its own time zone (CFT – Central Fun Time). Lannotti crowned himself King, while his wife, Dorothy, was declared Queen.
These two resorts operated in close proximity, but independently for nearly 20 years before merging in the 1980s to form Shanty Creek Resort. Over the years, new properties, amenities, and golf courses were built or acquired, shaping the resort into the year-round destination it is today.
Present-day Shanty Creek Resort is home to four distinct villages, offering 275 unique lodging options, five championship golf courses (90 holes total, making it the 14th largest golf resort in the world!), 42 ski runs at Schuss Mountain, 28 km of Nordic trails, and incredible recreation and dining options.
Winter Activities at Shanty Creek
Shanty Creek offers an unparalleled array of winter activities for guests to enjoy:
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
42 runs with terrain suitable for all skill levels.
450 feet of vertical drop at Schuss Mountain.
8 chairlifts, including 2 high-speed quad options.
3 terrain parks with jumps, rails, and features for all skill levels.
NASTAR weekend racing options.
Snowmaking systems cover 90% of trails.
Over 160” of snowfall annually with 155” already this season!
Lessons and Programs
Shanty Creek boasts a PSIA-certified ski school, making it an ideal choice for beginners and those looking to refine their technique. Offering both private and group lessons for adults and kids, the resort's expert instructors coach hundreds of skiers and snowboarders each year, helping them build confidence and improve their skills on the slopes.
Cross-Country Skiing
18 kilometers of groomed track-set cross country ski trails.
Snow making specific for cross-country skiing ensure trail conditions.
Additional Activities
Fat Tire Biking – Explore the resort’s groomed winter biking trails for an exciting off-road adventure.
Snow Glider Rides – Take a scenic one-hour ride through snow-covered woods on an Alpine Dual Track Sled.
Heated Outdoor Pool & Hot Tub – Relax at The Lodge at Cedar River after a day on the slopes.
Indoor Pool & Hot Tub – Unwind at The Lakeview Hotel at Summit Village with year-round amenities.
Multi-Lane Alpine Tubing – Enjoy thrilling tubing runs with a magic carpet lift at The Lakeview Hotel.
Snowshoeing – Trek through picturesque winter landscapes on designated snowshoe trails.
Complimentary Shuttle – Convenient transportation between villages and to downtown Bellaire.
Bonfires & Après-Ski Fun – Gather around multiple bonfire spots and enjoy a vibrant après-ski scene.
Dining and Après-Ski Options
The River Bistro – A casual dining spot in Cedar River Village, perfect for après-ski drinks and food. Enjoy 40 international and regional beers, big-screen TVs, and the TopGolf Swing Suite for interactive golf entertainment.
Ivan’s Café – A classic ski lodge eatery at the base of Schuss Mountain, offering fresh salads, sandwiches, soups, wraps, chicken fingers, pizza, and fries—a favorite après-ski gathering spot.
Lakeview Restaurant & Lounge – Located in Summit Village, this freshly renovated restaurant serves regional fare with incredible sunset views over Lake Bellaire, making it the perfect spot for a memorable meal.
CoffeeBAR – Conveniently located in The Lakeview Hotel lobby, this café serves a full menu of Starbucks hot and cold beverages, along with fresh pastries and sandwiches for a quick bite.
Lodging Options to Suit Every Guest
Shanty Creek Resort accommodations cater to groups of all sizes and budgets and is exceptional at catering to reunions, weddings, group golf, corporate events, and even dog lovers. Lodging options include:
The Lodge at Cedar River Village
The Lodge at Cedar River Village offers a ski-in/ski-out experience with upscale accommodations and year-round activities. Guests enjoy spacious suites with fireplaces and full kitchens, direct access to Schuss Mountain slopes, and golf at the Tom Weiskopf-designed Cedar River Golf Course. Amenities include a four season outdoor pool, hot tub, on-site dining at The River Bistro, and a complimentary shuttle to other Shanty Creek properties and downtown Bellaire.
Schuss Village
Schuss Village is a classic alpine-style village known for its affordable ski-in/ski-out access to Schuss Mountain. It features lodging options ranging from hotel rooms to condos, making it a great choice for families and groups. The village includes Ivan’s Café, a lively après-ski spot, and easy access to terrain parks, Nordic trails, and downhill skiing. In warmer months, it’s close to golf courses, hiking, and biking trails.
Lakeview Hotel and Conference Center
The Lakeview Hotel & Conference Center offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Bellaire and a full-service resort experience. Featuring contemporary rooms, an indoor and outdoor pool with hot tub (outdoor pool is seasonal), and fitness center, it’s perfect for both leisure and business travelers. Guests have easy access to golf, alpine tubing, and on-site dining at The Lakeview Restaurant & Lounge. With a large conference center, event spaces, and a complimentary resort shuttle, it’s ideal for weddings, corporate retreats, and group getaways. Located near Torch Lake and local breweries, it combines convenience, comfort, and spectacular scenery.
Hot Lodging Deals and Family Perks
Shanty Creek is known for its affordable pricing and family-friendly discounts, making it one of the best ski values in Michigan.
For budget-conscious travelers, Shanty Creek Resorts offers Ski + Stay Packages that include the following perks:
Kids 8 & under ski free with a paying adult.
KHQ Ski Nights – $19 lift tickets and $29 rentals on Wednesday nights from 5 PM to 9 PM (Jan 8 – Mar 12).
Ski Free with Santa – Enjoy free skiing on Christmas Day with Santa!
Super Sundays – Includes an afternoon lift ticket, rental equipment, and how-to learning stations for just $50.
Thankful Thursdays – Discounts for military, educators, emergency personnel, and service industry employees.
Discover Michigan Skiing Program – For just $60, beginners ages 7+ (skiing) and 10+ (snowboarding) receive a rental, beginner lesson, and lift ticket. Space is limited and subject to availability.
College Discounts – Sunday lift ticket and rental for just $50 with a valid student ID.
Free Beginner Magic Carpet Lift Tickets – Ideal for new skiers learning the basics.
Giveaway Alert: Win a Shanty Creek Ski Getaway!
Great Lakes Travel Deals is partnering with Shanty Creek Resort for an exciting winter giveaway! One lucky winner will receive two single-day lift tickets and two nights of lodging at The Lakeview Hotel and Conference Center. This package has a couple blackout dates (i.e. Christmas, New Years, MLK) and is subject to availability. It must be used by 1/24/26. To enter:
susie_884@hotmail.com
Tiffanyn04@gmail.com