Snowshoes Meet Microbrews at 7th Annual Suds & Snow

Michigan has a growing interest in two major areas – snowshoeing and craft beer. These two worlds collide, in the best possible way, during the 7th Annual Suds & Snow planned for Saturday, March 2 (1:30-6:30pm) at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort in Traverse City.

The cost to participate in Suds & Snow is $20 per person in advance ($30 the day of) – with $5 from every ticket being donated to Child & Family Services of Northwestern Michigan.

“In the past six years, we have donated more than $30,000 to help local organizations – including several adoption and foster care groups, TART Trails, and the Father Fred Foundation,” says Kristin Levesque.

Admission includes a commemorative pint glass for the first 500 ticket purchasers, 1 drink ticket for a 16 ounce pour, trail pass, and live music. Additional drink and food tickets are available for $4 each. Admission tickets can be purchased online here. The nonrefundable ticket (event proceeds rain, shine, or blizzard).

Those needing to rent snowshoes can do so by contacting Brick Wheels (231-947-4247) or Timber Ridge (213-947-2770). Snowshoes are available on a first come, first served basis, for $10 per pair.

In past years, as many as 800 people gather each year to trek along some 5km of trails that link to the note Vasa Pathway, followed by the chance to sample handcrafted beers from some of Michigan’s most noted breweries – including Bell’s, Greenbush, Right Brain, Saugatuck, Schmohz, and Short’s. Participating restaurants offer small plates.

Live entertainment will be provided by the band Jason and Nick, as well as Levi Britton, & Chris Sterr, with special guest Jonny Tornga.

New for 2013 is the addition of Disc Golf – creating something fun for participants to do between the trail station and the main event hall. Whether new to the sport or an experienced player, this added recreational feature is sure to entertain. Give it a try – with our without your snowshoes! Bring your own disc or rent one at the resort.

Celtic Transportation, ever mindful of the need for transportation at an event of this nature, will be offering rides to and from downtown Traverse City and several hotels for Suds & Snow participants. There is no charge for this service, so guests are asked to please take advantage of this much needed safe shuttle.

For those traveling to Traverse City from afar, local hotels are offering special savings on lodging packages for the event.  Check out Traverse Bay Inn (800-968-2646); Grand Beach Resort (800-968-1992); Sugar Beach Resort (800-509-1995); Grand Traverse Resort and Spa (800-236-1577); and Cherry Tree Inn and Suites (800-439-3093).

Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort, located at 4050 Hammond Rd. East in Traverse City, is an all-season recreation resort featuring seasonal RV camping and cottage rentals; family oriented activities; banquet facilities and various-sized reception tents for weddings, events, reunions, family gatherings, and meetings; access to the popular VASA hiking, biking, and xc ski trail system; direct access to miles of powersports trails; park model sales; and renowned events like the North American VASA, Iceman Cometh Challenge mountain bike race, Bigfoot Snowshoe Race and Timber Ridge’s own Suds & Snow.

Visit www.TimberRidgeResort.net or call (231) 947-2770 for more information.