November 2023

Treetops Above The Trees November

In This Issue:

Fall Colors in Michigan

Ski and Season Passes

Terrain Based Learning and Cool School

Gaylord MI

It’s official, winter is around the corner.

The arrival of winter is upon us, bringing with it the close of an incredible 2023 golf season. We're thrilled to report that we've set records this year, with an abundance of golf enthusiasts experiencing our magnificent courses and the full range of offerings at our resort. As we make preparations for the upcoming ski season (early, if the experts are to be believed), there's a plethora of activities to relish in the Treetops area. Whether you're seeking a tranquil, rejuvenating nature walk or wish to bask in the splendors of our spa, you'll find something to delight you. We wholeheartedly extend an invitation for you to visit us and witness the breathtaking beauty of Northern Michigan during the autumn season. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the charm of fall in our region. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the charm of fall in our region.

Book Your Holiday Party at Treetops

Come Enjoy Your Family and Friends, We’ll Do All the Work!

Work with our expert staff, and spacious accommodations to ensure a seamless and memorable experience. Choose Treetops Resort for an extraordinary holiday celebration that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Book your event today and let the magic unfold.

Book Holiday Party
November Escape Packages

November Escape Packages

Deals available all November long!

Don't miss your chance for a great stay at Treetops. Deals are available right now. Whether you want to spend a couple of days away from it all, enjoy a treatment at our spa, or a great meal in any of our restaurants and bars, Treetops is where you should go in November.
We are ready for your visit!

These opportunities are incredible!

Season Passes Are Available

Do you have your 2023-24 season pass? If not, there is no better time than the present. We have spectacular season pass deals available right now, choose the pass that fits you! We are offering Unlimited, Midweek and Nordic passes. Season ski passes are definitely the way to go if you’re planning to ski your heart out. Check it out online! or Call us today!

season ski passes
Cool School

Are You Ready For Cool School?

Not only Cool School is back this winter, but we've given it a brand-new look! We are excited for you to join us. Cool School is the perfect winter escape designed to cater to families, beginners, and intrepid adventurers alike. Packages start at $155 per person, per night. It is an all-encompassing winter wonderland, offering boundless opportunities for fun, cozy lodging, and delightful dining experiences.

October 2023

Treetops Newsletter Oct 23

In This Issue:

Fall Colors in Michigan

Ski and Season Passes

Terrain Based Learning and Cool School

Gaylord MI

WE ARE BULLISH ON FALL!

Fall at Treetops Resort in Michigan is a symphony of natural beauty that captivates the senses. As the lush greens of summer give way to a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows, the landscape transforms into a breathtaking mosaic of autumnal hues. The crisp, cool air carries the earthy aroma of fallen leaves, and the gentle rustling of foliage underfoot creates a soothing melody. Whether hiking through the trails, golfing amidst the stunning backdrop, or simply savoring a warm beverage by a crackling fire, Treetops in the fall offers a serene escape into the heart of nature's masterpiece, a visual and sensory feast for all who visit. Come enjoy Fall with us!

Peak Fall Colors 23 1

WHAT BETTER TIME TO VISIT TREETOPS THAN DURING FALL?

Stay with us and enjoy nature's glorious changing colors! As the crisp weather is starting to come our way, traveling to Michigan is never more beautiful, as vibrant colors are all around us! Fall, and particularly October, is the perfect time to come stay at Treetops and enjoy a restful time with us. Check it out online!

Ski Season Passes Michigan

TIME TO GET YOUR SKI SEASON PASSES!

Get ready for Ski Season 2023-24 with these spectacular season pass deals!
Choose the pass that fits you! We are offering Unlimited, Midweek and Nordic passes. Season ski passes are definitely the way to go if you’re planning to ski your heart out. Check it out online! or Call us today!

Terrain Based Learning Winter Program At Treetops

TERRAIN BASED LEARNING™ | BRAND NEW WINTER PROGRAM AT TREETOPS

Treetops has embraced a terrain-based learning methodology and is introducing it to ski lessons this year to make education on the slopes more fun, more engaging, and more successful than ever before. The concept involves putting the student first and working with them and their individualized learning styles, with a focus on creating fun at all stages of the learning curve. Book ski lessons and experience this new approach for yourself. More to come soon...

Cool School 1

ARE YOU READY FOR COOL SCHOOL?

Not only Cool School is back this winter, but we've given it a brand-new look! We are excited for you to join us. Cool School is the perfect winter escape designed to cater to families, beginners, and intrepid adventurers alike. Our exclusive package is an all-encompassing winter wonderland, offering boundless opportunities for fun, cozy lodging, and delightful dining experiences.

September 2023

Above The Trees September 2023

In This Issue:

Progressive Dinner

Ski and Season Passes

Become a Sponsor

Terrain Based Learning and Cool School

Visit Gaylord Michigan

WINTER? ALREADY?? STAY CALM, WE GOT YOU!

Last month, we discussed the idea that fall was coming—the changing colors, the arrival of crisp temperatures, when, all of a sudden, a heatwave hit us, getting us back to bathing suit weather. This last taste of summer notwithstanding, we must prepare for a new season that is fast approaching. As we prepare for the end of the golfing season in Michigan, a new and exciting time is upon us: winter and all that Treetops offers. This includes skiing at the best little hill in all of Michigan and the most fun activities, including sleigh rides, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing; Treetops has it all. This month, we are introducing a new program to our winter offering, Terrain-Based Learning, aka TBL, explicitly designed to offer beginners, skiers, and snowboarders a fun and safe way to learn. Become snow lovers for a lifetime at Treetops Resort!

Ski Season Passes

TIME TO GET YOUR SKI SEASON PASSES!

Get ready for Ski Season 2023-24 with these spectacular season pass deals!
Choose the pass that fits you! We are offering Unlimited, Midweek and Nordic passes. Season ski passes are definitely the way to go if you’re planning to ski your heart out. Check it out online! or Call us today!

TOUGHMAN/PRINCESS SCRAMBLE

October 14 - 15th, 2023

The last tournament of the season is a two-day event on the tough Jones Masterpiece course and the easier Smith Tradition course. This is a three-person scratch cash scramble that is unhandicapped. Enjoy 36 holes of golf over two days with Saturday lunch and Sunday dinner and awards included. Deadline for entry is October 1st, 2023, or as soon as the event sells out.

Fall Color Tour And Progressive Dinner 2
Terrain Based Learning Winter Program At Treetops

TERRAIN BASED LEARNING™ | BRAND NEW WINTER PROGRAM AT TREETOPS

Treetops has embraced a terrain-based learning methodology and is introducing it to ski lessons this year to make education on the slopes more fun, more engaging, and more successful than ever before. The concept involves putting the student first and working with them and their individualized learning styles, with a focus on creating fun at all stages of the learning curve. Book ski lessons and experience this new approach for yourself. More to come soon...

Cool School 1

ARE YOU READY FOR COOL SCHOOL?

Not only Cool School is back this winter, but we've given it a brand-new look! We are excited for you to join us. Cool School is the perfect winter escape designed to cater to families, beginners, and intrepid adventurers alike. Our exclusive package is an all-encompassing winter wonderland, offering boundless opportunities for fun, cozy lodging, and delightful dining experiences. More to come soon...

Pepsi 2023 Charity Invitational 1

LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD...SPONSORS

This is your opportunity to sponsor a great tournament for a fantastic cause. Our Pepsi Charity Invitational is a few short weeks away, and we are almost at capacity! This is an invite for those of you who would like to sponsor at various levels, from a single hole to an entire dinner.

August 2023

Treetops Newsletter Aug 23

In This Issue:

Fall is Coming

Toughman Tourney

Christmas in August

How to Get to Treetops

Don't look now, but fall is coming.

Not long from now, the cooler temperatures of the changing season will be upon us as we trade short sleeves for sweaters and welcome autumn 2023. Treetops is the perfect base from which to say farewell to summer, with spectacular yellow, orange and red vistas across the entire resort. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing fall stay, or an exciting autumnal getaway that will check the boxes for even the most adventurous of our guests, Treetops has something to offer to everyone. Make some unforgettable memories this fall by exploring everything that Treetops Resort—and our hometown of Gaylord—has to offer. Welcome!

toughman scramble

Toughman/Princess Scramble

October 14 - 15th, 2023

The last tournament of the season is a two-day event on the tough Jones Masterpiece course and the easier Smith Tradition course. This is a three-person scratch cash scramble that is unhandicapped. Enjoy 36 holes of golf over two days with Saturday lunch and Sunday dinner and awards included. Deadline for entry is October 1st, 2023, or as soon as the event sells out. Find Out More Information

Treetops Ski Christmas in August

It's Christmas in August... too!

Get ready for Ski Season 2023-24 with these spectacular season pass deals! Choose the pass that fits you! We are offering Unlimited, Midweek and Nordic pass. Get your 2023/24 Unlimited Season Pass at the season's lowest rates and use it for the remaining 2022/23 Ski Season starting March 1, 2023!

Season ski passes are definitely the way to go if you’re planning to ski your heart out.

Fly To Treetops 1

Getting to Treetops is easy!

With affordable flights from somewhere near you, Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City is less than 67 minutes from the resort. This beautiful slice of Northern Michigan seems so remote when you’re here, but when you get back in the car to go home, the drive to the airport is pleasantly short. Check out flights into TVC and plan your stay from there.

Treetops has 3 different properties, separated by gorgeous Michigan farmland and private homes. If you are running late for a tee time, a little planning now could really help you find your way later!

Get Directions

May 2023

In This Issue:

Bar 81 is Open

Grill on the Hill

Bar 81 is open.

Bar 81, located in the lobby of the main Treetops lodge, features playful twists on classic cocktails created from a distinctly Michigan Whiskey Bar, Including a full line of products from our partners at Iron Fish Distillery in Thompsonville, MI.

There are upscale appetizers, small entrees, breakfast and lunch items served in a chef driven form. Each breakfast features signature coffee drinks, croissant sandwiches, oatmeal, and French toast.

Breakfast 7am-11am

Lunch 11am-4pm

Dinner 4pm-10pm

Fly To Treetops 1

Grill on the hill; an amazing success!

Our Fifth Annual Grill on The Hill took place earlier this month, and the contest brought together avid grillers and barbecuers who showcased their skills for turning out the tastiest barbecue. The teams stayed up all night barbecuing and keeping a watchful eye on big hunks of meat and slabs of ribs, all for cash prizes, awards and grilling glory. More than 500 hundred people attended our event, and all shared in the deliciousness. Our friends at Big Dog BBQ won the overall best prize, but it is safe to assume that everyone won as sounds of laughter and full bellies permeated the area.

This year, Treetops partnered with Ebels General Store and Little Town Jerky to provide all the meats for each team. Ebels, well known for its meats and jerky, originated in Falmouth and has been around since 1920. It is now operated by fifth-generation family members. They expanded and opened a Reed City store in 2021.

October 2022

In This Issue:

Midweek skiing open

New this year

Now open for midweek skiing, boarding, tubing, and trailside fun EVERY DAY, ALL DAY!

Treetops Resort is ushering in a new season of winter FUN with skiing, boarding, tubing and trailside fun ALL WEEK LONG. New to the winter schedule Treetops Resort is now open midweek beyond just holiday weeks. Mountain lift hours include Thursday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
while most Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (holiday hours are extended).

Treetops Resort last year TRIPLED their snowmaking capacity – covering more ski, snowboard and tubing terrain earlier in the season to come. And the not to be missed Extreme Tubing park was also expanded to be TWICE the size making for TWICE the fun for everyone. There’s a conveyor lift and the Sidewinder run with banked turns, too. Adding to the fun – there’s plenty of ski and snowboard rental gear. The Treetops winter fun team recently increased their rental equipment fleet by 30% with state-of-the-art gear including new boots, bindings, skis, and snowboards, offering gear for all abilities and ages.

New this year

An ALL INCLUSIVE, inflation buster COOL SCHOOL Winter Getaway Package. Priced as low as $155 per person, based on double occupancy midweek, the package includes UNLIMITED outdoor recreation with downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing, XC skiing, snowshoeing, evening snowshoe hikes, and even ice skating. The winter playground package – COOL SCHOOL includes lessons and rental equipment for downhill and snowboard first timers and those enthusiasts wanting to hone their skills and enjoy winter savings. The inflation busting Cool School package also includes two meals – breakfast and dinner with each night’s stay. Let the kids study slope slide this season.

The Treetops Resort winter recreation team prides themselves in creating a fun- filled environment where families of all ages and interests can make wintertime memories together.

March 2022

In This Issue:

Tradition Golf Course

A taste of Scottish links comes to Treetops Resort renovations to the Tradition golf course brings links play to the Gaylord Golf Mecca

There’s something new for golf enthusiasts to enjoy at Michigan’s Most Spectacular Resort – Treetops Resort. Scottish style links play is becoming a ‘must play’ round at Treetops this season.

The Tradition was originally designed by Rick Smith to be a walkable golf course on a piece of rolling terrain that was much less severe than the four courses previously designed at Treetops. Golf course designer and world-renowned golf instructor Smith spent time in Ireland and Scotland to gain inspiration for this build as well as his first design, the award-winning Signature course – one of Treetops most popular golf courses. Rick’s goal with the Tradition was to take us back through the roots of golf, with the characteristics of a Links course but on an inland setting. The Tradition will celebrate its 25 the season of play this year. Many of the trees and vegetation have grown to a point in which the course was beginning to lose the characteristics from that original vision of designer Rick Smith. Thus, this golf season, the Treetops team is thrilled to unveil the new and improved Tradition as select trees and vegetation have been removed beginning the process of restoring this course back to a modern links course as originally intended. Removing these select trees is the first step in the process of creating an experience that will allow the course to come to life with subtly rolling fairways and native grasses now allowed to whisp in the prevalent wind no longer deterred by large trees. “We are excited to welcome golfers to this ‘must play’ golf course in the golf mecca of gaylord, now steeped in golf’s history from shores abroad,” said Barry Owens, GM of Treetops Resort .

December 2021

In This Issue:

Winter 2021

Winter is upon us and we could not be more thrilled. Treetops has made significant investments over the summer and fall to prepare for what we hope will be the most EPIC winter yet at Treetops.
SNOWMAKING
We have invested over $1.3 Million to upgrade the snowmaking system. This includes tapping into the irrigation ponds on the Jones Masterpiece Golf Course. We've totally rebuilt the pump house to pump water to the bottom of Loafer where we've added a booster pump to pump water to the top of the slopes and a valve house at the top to direct the water wherever we want it to go. This means that when Mother Nature is cooperative (which she has been a little bit more as of late), we can pump 3 times the amount of snow through our system and onto the slopes giving us the opportunity to open more runs earlier and keep more runs going later into our season. As mentioned, we just need Mother Nature to give us the temps to make it happen. The added benefit of this investment is the building on top of the slopes adjacent to our giant fire pit that will be used for entertaining and our Can't Top That Parties this winter.
TUBING
Anyone that's been to Treetops in the winter knows about our Extreme Tubing. Some in the past knew about it but couldn't participate because of the immense popularity and our inability to accommodate everyone who wanted to give it a try. Well, now we've doubled the tubing capacity by clearing the trees on the west side of the lift line and now have 2 distinct Extreme Tubing options. Thunderstruck which is the fun and exciting run that has put smiles on peoples faces for years and the all new Sidewinder which is our new run that we'll unveil this December complete with banked turns. In addition, the old paddle tow lift is gone and we've enhanced this activity with a brand new conveyor lift safely bringing tubers back to the top for more fun. Although we've doubled the capacity, we strongly suggest you do not wait to book your session as many already are beginning to sell out.
CROSS COUNTRY
We've added a new trail system to our beautiful Cross Country Trails as Pine Needle, Transition and Natural Springs adds about 2.2 KM to the mix. We'll also be grooming about 1.5 KM of dedicated Fat Tire Bike Trails this year. In addition, we've added an activity that will take flight most Saturday Evenings called the Guided Headlamp Snowshoe Hike and we've enhanced the Sleigh Ride route as well. This along with our other spectacular activities such as Skiable Feast and Spudtacular Snowshoe Lunch will make this winter a great one.
RENTAL
Nope, not done yet. We've also invested over $40,000 in new rental skis, snowboards, helmets and boots. This will allow us to outfit more people as well as give those renting skis a much better experience on the snow. Don't wait until you arrive to rent skis, buy lift tickets or book your activities as we expect to be at capacity much of the winter.

What a great winter it will be. You Can't Top That!

June 2021

In This Issue:

Par 3 Shootout

The date was July 30, 2001.  It was a Monday and George W. Bush was our President.  Americans were listening to Bootylicious by Destiny’s Child and American Pie 2 was being watched by millions in theaters across the country.

In Gaylord Michigan, Golf Legends Paul Azinger, Raymond Floyd, Phil Mickelson and Lee Trevino descended upon Treetops Resort to take part in the 3rd Annual Par 3 Shootout Event which aired in primetime on ESPN.  Threetops, a 9 hole par 3 course, was in its 10th year in operation and as per the usual was in tip top condition.  Thousands of golfers from all around the world came to play this gem (consistently ranked the #1 Par 3 Course in America), but on this day, play was limited to these 4 greats of the game who have combined to win an impressive 17 major championships.

The competition was a friendly skins game with some twists which was to be played over the course of 2 days.  Not only was each hole worth $20,000 for the skin (as long as the player winning the skin tied or won the next hole) but also $10,000 for the golfer who was closest to the pin.  All told a purse of $540,000 was up for grabs….but wait there’s more.  In addition, each and every hole was insured for $1,000,000 if any of these talented players knocked one in for an ace.  In the first two years of the event, there were some close calls but nobody had made a hole in one.

That would change on this day.  The event got off to a quick start with Mickelson, Floyd and Azinger cashing in on proxies on holes 1, 2 and 4 respectively with Floyd knocking it stiff to 3 feet on hole 2.   Lee Trevino, affectionately known as the “Merry Mex”, got heated up on hole #5 knocking it to 7 feet and making the birdie for the win, then following it up with another CTP on hole 6 to just over 10 feet.  However, that was nothing compared to what would follow on the appropriately named 7th hole…”High Five”.

Trevino was 3rd to hit as Azinger and Floyd had both just birdied the 6th.  He stepped up to the shot in front of the respectfully hushed crowd surveying his 138 yard shot with a 90 foot tee to green descent.  Immediately after striking the shot, he exclaimed, “it’s gotta get down” and he was right.  The ball pitched about 3 yards over the green and into the rough but the well struck shot was spinning.  After a bounce backwards the ball hit another time in the rough but quickly got back onto the putting surface at which point Lee did a little whistling like you might do when you want your puppy to come back to you.  The ball listened to Lee and rolled some 30 feet right back into the hole with a pretty good head of steam left on it.  The first and only ace in the history of the Par 3 Shootout at Treetops was just accomplished by one of the greatest ball strikers to ever play the game.  For this feat, he earned $10,000 for the obvious closest to the pin, another $80,000 for the skin (he actually followed this shot with a birdie and shot a cool 4 under par 23 on the day) and capped that off with the $1,000,000 for the ace.  Showing his true character as a human being, it didn’t take him long to make the call to donate half of those winnings to St. Judes Children’s Hospital.

Fast forward to 20 years later in 2021.  Treetops is thrilled to celebrate this amazing accomplishment by celebrating Mr. Trevino and our beautiful golf course, which is still ranked #1 in North America by several publications.  On July 29th, 2021, Mr. Trevino will be back to celebrate the 20th Anniversary almost to the exact day of the shot heard round the world. Our boutique event will allow 80 lucky golfers to spend the day with Lee Trevino with the schedule consisting of the following:

  • 11am – Sponsor’s Lunch
  • 12pm – Golf Clinic conducted by Lee Trevino and fellow World Golf Hall of Famer, Dennis Walters
  • 1pm – Shotgun start for 9 holes on Threetops. Trevino will be stationed on the 7th hole hitting a shot with each group that comes through
  • 4pm – Fireside Chat with Lee Trevino moderated by the voice of the Spartans and the Pistons, George Blaha

Playing spots have been sold out for quite some time.  Currently, there is limited availability for sponsorships which would allow the final 4 to 8 players into the field.  In addition, Treetops recently added the opportunity to be a spectator on hole #7 during the golf event.  However, this is limited to the first 150 people to sign-up and spots are going fast.  Can he do it again?  With over 20 shots to this green and the same exact pin location as it was when he knocked it in 20 years ago, it is likely that he might.  Go to Treetops.com right away so you don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity or better yet, book your tee time to play the #1 Par 3 Course in North America and walk in the steps of these legends of the game.

May 2021

In This Issue:

Par 3 Shootout

Reinvestment continues at Treetops with over a half million dollars in upgrades to be completed in 2021.

As the PACE project at Treetops roars on, additional reinvestment is taking place around the property to improve the look, feel and efficiency of the resort and improve our overall guest experience.

Projects already completed or in the works include a new stand up freezer for the Tavern on the Hill at Treetops North, additional ice machines in both hotels doubling the amount that are currently there and a fresh coat of paint for the Jones Clubhouse and Top of the Hill restaurants.  In the very near future, we will repave the entrance road and complete work from the past 2 summers to create a smooth surface from the front entrance to the back entrance of the main resort.  We will also repair the sidewalks outside of the Inn.

Later this summer, Treetops plans to install all new directional signage resort wide to create a uniform look throughout the resort but more importantly help guests find their way.  Treetops will also continue to upgrade its vehicle fleet throughout the year.  We also have big plans for an Extreme Tubing Expansion this summer and will expound on those details in a later entry.

Additional Capital is expected to be available in late summer/early fall and we’re excited to inform our guests about more spectacular upgrades as we move through what will prove to be one of the most active years in Treetops history.

LED Lighting CC
Bulldoser
Lodge Deck and Chairs

Treetops investing millions to help you enjoy your stay at Michigan’s Most Spectacular Resort.

Treetops has broken ground on several projects that will result in a noticeable difference to guests visiting the resort this year.  By securing a PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) Loan Treetops has embarked on several projects that will improve energy efficiency, disaster resilience and/or water conservation.

Treetops plans to complete the entire $2.7 Million process over the course of 2021 allowing current and not so distant future guests to experience the upgrades right away.  Current and completed projects include a comprehensive upgrade of all lighting to LED, upgrading nearly all HVAC systems to 90+ efficiencies, installing room controls to regulate heating and cooling when not in use, an insulation renovation of our 3 most frequently used buildings and replacement of many entrance doors around the property.  Many of these upgrades are not flashy to the eye but Treetops guests will feel the difference while allowing our resort to be environmentally conscious.

PACE work is being carefully managed by Director of Maintenance, Doug Hoeh to stay on schedule and make an impact quickly while being meticulous to not adversely affect or displace the thousands of guests that will be visiting in the next few months.  Projects on the horizon include a new roof on the Convention Center, HVAC units in the restaurants and meeting rooms and a lighting upgrade complete with easy dimming switches in meeting rooms as well.  Just in time to welcome meeting groups back to Treetops as COVID restrictions continue to ease as we beat this pandemic.

We’re thrilled to welcome our guests to Treetops in 2021 to show them how their business has allowed us to reinvest millions back into our property.