Return of the Winter WonderFest February 12–15

Here on the Barefoot side of life, we don’t wait out winter—we embrace it. Hurling fish (not real fish - plush toys), mushing huskies, skiing, sledding, sipping beers and generally going full-tilt boogie when it comes making the most of our glorious snowscape. Grand Traverse Resort and Spa will be ground-zero for the coolest celebration of the season, Winter Wonderfest 2010. You’ll find the full list of festivities scheduled here, but these are our don’t-miss highlights:

For the winter sports nut:

Check out the downhill dash at Hall’s Hollow in the nearby Mt. Holiday ski area; it’s top-to-bottom race on
The North American VASA race happens Saturday, Feb. 13—good way to ski off some of the carbs from Friday’s brewfest, perhaps?
Bobsledding is a sport, even with cardboard-box sleds and maniacs at the helms. The Bobsled-o-rama happens Saturday at 3 p.m. at Mt. Holiday
Sunday’s Frosty 5k run/walk at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa lets racers burn off a little energy, and win killer getaway at the resort

For the foodie:

Don’t miss the Microbrew and Music Festival, Friday, Feb. 12 at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa; sample the region’s best craft beer and take in the tunes of Euforquestra, an “Afro-Caribbean-Barnyard-Funk” dance band
Post-brewfest, Aerie Lounge will host a killer after-party from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Beer=good, but save yourself for Sunday’s Traverse City Wine Festival, which includes wine and dessert tastings, art and firework displays.
The resort’s GRAND Chili Cook-off starts at noon on Saturday. Sample and vote for only $10!

For the artsy crowd:

The Outdoor Snow Film Festival kicks off at 12 p.m. Saturday at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
While others carve turns, artists carve snow and ice into breathtaking sculpture; demos at 3 p.m. on Saturday

For the kiddos:

Biathlon for the short set? You bet. Kids ski loops and shoot paintball guns at targets.
Daily pony rides from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m.
Because one would not be enough, there are several frozen-fish toss events and snowshoe races, just for little people; see schedule.

For the animal lover:

Watch the fun or register your dog to compete in the Monster Dog Pull, Saturday Feb. 13 at 10:30 a.m., downtown Traverse City
Grab a horse-drawn sleigh ride from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m., Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, or a horse-drawn carriage ride in downtown Traverse City, 12 to 2 p.m.
Catch a dog sled demonstration at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with dog sled rides offered from 1 to 5 p.m. both days, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
Stop by the petting zoo, Grand Traverse Resort a& Spa

For those who need a little break: