Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this festival happening?
The festival is a means of celebrating all that winter has to offer while, at the same time, providing a way to generate donations for Special Olympics Michigan.

When does the festival begin?
The festival officially opens to the public Friday, February 13, at 4:00pm at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. Activities available here at the Resort include cross-country skiing, skating, snowshoeing, horse sleigh rides, and snowmobile rides. They run until 8:00 p.m. Friday night.

There are also opening activities at the City Opera House in Downtown Traverse City Friday night beginning at 7:30 p.m. See Festival Schedule for more details.

Is there cost for admission to the festival?
There are some activities that require the purchase of a festival button to gain admission. Most of these are concentrated at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. The cost of the button is $10 each. The good news for families is that there is no charge (no button needed) for kids 10 years of age and under!

Where do people buy buttons?
Buttons will be available for sale beginning late-December and during normal business hours at the following locations:

• Grand Traverse Resort & Spa: Concierge Desk; Health Club (100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme; 231-534-6000)

• Record-Eagle Office (120 West Front St, Downtown Traverse City; 231-946-2000)

• Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau (101 West Grandview Parkway, Downtown Traverse City; 231-947-1120)

• Mt. Holiday (3100 Holiday Road, Traverse City, 231-938-2500)

• Downtown Traverse City Association Office (103 E. State Street, Downtown Traverse City; 231-922-2050)

How much do buttons cost?
Buttons are $10 each and are required to admission to all festival activities. *Kids 10 years old and younger are free and don’t receive a button.

Why do people need to purchase a button?
This festival is a fund-raising event to help support Special Olympics Michigan. Therefore, we’re asking the public to purchase a $10 button per adult to gain admittance to certain festival activities. A portion of all button sales are donated to Special Olympics Michigan following the festival.

What do the buttons provide access to?
Buttons allow a person to gain admission to various festival activities. Some festival activities require an additional fee.

Where do people sign up for the Frosty 5K Run/Walk – Sponsored by Running Fit?
Registration forms are available online or at the Health Club Desk at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. Interested runners may contact J.C. Bediker at the Resort for more information. Please note, there is a $10 fee to register for the race.

Where do people meet the morning of the Frosty 5K Run/Walk?
Public registration begins Sunday, February 15 at 8:00am at the Clubhouse (inside the main lobby).

Will skates, skis and snowshoes be available for rent at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa?
At the Resort, xc skis, snowshoes, and ice skates will be available for rent at Adventure North Outfitters in the Resort’s Gallery of Shops. Call 231-534-6719 for rental prices and availability. For the Kid’s Snowshoe Races at the Resort, snowshoes will be provided. If you have your own equipment, you may bring it.

Is there sledding at the festival?
Sorry, there is no sledding.

Will there be food & beverages available at the festival?
Yes. At the Resort, the Clubhouse Grille will be open Friday 4-8 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and will sell festival-type foods such as hot dogs, hamburgers, and beverages. Food & beverage outlets inside the Resort will also be open, and there may be other foods & beverages available for sale. Mt. Holiday has food & beverages for sale, and in Downtown Traverse City, there will be a Saturday Soup ‘r Bowl competition and downtown restaurants will be open.

Where do people meet for the Sunday night fireworks show?
The public can gather outside near the Clubhouse at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa in preparation for the fireworks show, which will begin approximately 8:30pm Sunday, February 15.

Are pets allowed at the festival?
Dogs are welcome outdoors at the Resort as long as they are social/friendly, are kept on a leash, and stay with their owner at all times. The dog’s waste should be picked up immediately by the dog’s owner.

Do I need to register for sleigh rides, snowmobile rides or other activities at the Resort?
There is no registration for sleigh rides and snowmobiles rides. Just get in line wearing your festival button, and you’re all set! Registration for competitive activities such as the Kid’s Snowshoe Race, Frozen Fish Toss, and Dog Snow-Ball will be handled at the activity location immediately before the activity.