It’s time to suit up and hit the slopes at The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva. Located at GrandGenevaResort & Spa, the Mountain Top is one of Wisconsin’s premier ski and snowboarding destinations, with 18 trails on three hills, 10 kilometers of scenic trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing and a terrain park for snowboarding. In honor of the 2012 ski season, Grand Geneva and its sister property Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark are unveiling new initiatives, promotions and packages to fit all skill levels.

In January, the snow sports team will take part in national “Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month” (LSSM), an initiative that encourages children and adults to take lessons from professional instructors and challenges current skiers and snowboarders to improve their skills with advanced classes.

“Participating in this nationwide program was a natural fit for us,” says Snow Sports Director Hans Hauschild. “The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva has a separate area just for beginners, and we make sure our instructors are in-tune with new skiers’ needs.”

Weekday Ski Specials

Visitors can take advantage of all the Mountain Top has to offer with special weekday promotions, including:

Twenty Dollar Tuesdays: Travelers looking for a mid-week ski break can take advantage of this special that offers each family member a $20 lift ticket, $20 group lesson or $20 ski rental, saving guests $15 on the bundle of all three services over the weekend rate of $75.

Half-Off Wednesdays: Guests receive special half-off pricing on all equipment rentals, from skis to snowboards.

Two-for-One Thursdays: To coincide with LSSM, every Thursday in January, the Mountain Top will offer a special Two for One deal, when visitors can receive two lift tickets and two beginner group lessons for the price of one.

Reservations are required for lesson times at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. For more information or to reserve a spot, please call the Ski School at 262. 245.7516.

After a day of instruction and snow, guests can extend their stay at the resort with the Stay and Ski Free package, featuring:

Two tickets valid for one day of skiing or snowboarding at The Mountain Top

Overnight accommodations in a newly renovated deluxe guest room

The Stay and Ski Free package is valid for Sunday through Thursday night stays, now through March 11, 2012. This package is not available on holidays or during holiday periods. Rates start at $159 per night, exclusive of resort fee and tax. Package is weather permitting.

Hit the Slopes with Family

The Mountain Top also offers a variety of programs for families looking for a structured lesson for their snow bunnies-in-training.

“Parents that visit the resort can relax knowing their kids are with professionals,” says Hauschild. “We have over 70 instructors, with a select group that specializes in children’s programs.” Hauschild and his staff offer two ski school options:

Snow Cubs – A special club offered in January and February, designed to introduce children 4 – 6 years of age to a snow experience. Professionally trained instructors coach children within a group setting.

Mountain Mites – This three-week program was created especially for children 6 – 14 years of age.  Kids learn skills under the supervision of professionally trained instructors, using a specialized teaching system.

The fun continues at Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, where families can experience two vacations in one with the Splash and Ski package, featuring:

Overnight accommodations in a one-bedroom suite

Four passes to Moose Mountain Falls Waterpark

Four  lift tickets for one day of skiing or snowboarding at The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva

50% off ski rentals for children 11 years and younger

Rates for the Splash and Ski package start at $249 per night for a one-bedroom suite, exclusive of resort fee and tax. Rates for a two-bedroom suite start at $349 per night and include six waterpark passes and six lift tickets. Saturday stays require a two-night minimum stay with the package. Package is weather permitting.

“No matter when you visit, our team helps kids learn at their own pace amongst their peers,” Hauschild says. “We’re proud to be able to accommodate the whole family at Grand Geneva.”

To reserve accommodations at Grand Geneva, please call 800.558.3417 or visit www.GrandGeneva.com. For reservations at Timber Ridge Lodge, please call 866.636.4502 or visit www.timberridgeresort.com.

Comments (1) Jan 04 2012

The official countdown to when The Mountain Top will be open for Opening Ski Weekend 2011! More weird things keep happening at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa and Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark. This time, Ski Fever has taken over Bruce the Moose.

Ski Fever! Do you have it?

Print off your free area lift ticket to The Mountain Top for opening weekend, December 3-4, at Grand Geneva Resort and Spa!

Comments (1) Nov 07 2011

This year is extra special for our friend Bruce the Moose. He will be turning 10 years old at the end of October.

Can you believe it?

To celebrate Bruce the Moose’s birthday, we asked him what he’d like to do at Timber Ridge Lodge and waterpark. Let’s follow Bruce around and see what fun we can have to celebrate his special day.

If you’d like to leave Bruce an extra special birthday message, write him a note in the comments sections of the blog!

Comments (1) Oct 19 2011

In November, Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark is excited to welcome back internationally renowned LEGO^® Brick artist Adam Reed Tucker for a weekend filled with fun and creative LEGO Brick building sessions. From November 11-13, Tucker will lead Timber Ridge guests in a variety of interactive seminars focused around LEGO Brick Artitecture™, and provide audience members with a “behind-the-scenes” look at his building process.

One of 12 LEGO Certified Professionals worldwide, Adam left his artistic mark on the lodge earlier this year when he unveiled his life-size LEGO Brick interpretation of Timber Ridge Mascot “Bruce the Moose.” The 7-foot-tall, 100lb. statue, made entirely out of LEGO Bricks, will no doubt serve as a hot topic for attendees.

To celebrate their continued partnership with Tucker, Timber Ridge is offering an exciting and educational two-night Mastering the LEGO Brick package to guests looking to experience all the weekend has to offer. This special package includes:

• Two-night accommodations in a one-bedroom suite
• An “Eat and Meet” session with Adam Reed Tucker, featuring a breakfast buffet for four people each morning
• One “Create and Take” LEGO Brick build session per child, for up-to two children
• Access to LEGO Brick seminars, with topics including “The Life of a LEGO Architect”; Artitecture™; among others
• Autograph sessions with Adam Reed Tucker
• Admission to an Ice Cream Social and Q&A with Adam Reed Tucker about the building process
• Four passes to Moose Mountain Falls Waterpark

The Mastering the LEGO Brick weekend package is valid for stays on November 11-12, 2011 only, with rates for a one-bedroom suite starting at $429. Rates for a two-bedroom suite start at $529 and include six passes to Moose Mountain Falls Waterpark, a breakfast buffet for six people each morning, and up to four “Create and Take” LEGO Brick sets. All rates are exclusive of tax and nightly resort fee. Cancellations must be made 72 hours prior to arrival to avoid penalty equal to a one-night stay plus tax.

For more information, or to reserve accommodations at Timber Ridge Lodge, please visit www.timberridgeresort.com. Become a fan of the lodge on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TimberRidgeWaterpark, or follow daily updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Timber_Ridge.

Comments (0) Oct 10 2011

Your little one will receive his or her very own passport to explore the many activities offered at Kids are Grand at Grand Geneva Resort & spa. They’ll stay busy while you’re away and have a blast when you can join them for an activity or two.

For each escapade that kids/parents participate in they’ll receive a specified number of stamps. If a parent joins them, the child will receive double stamps for each escapade in which they participated! Prizes will be awarded to kids who collect our prize-winning number of stamps!

Call (262) 249-4560 for reservations.

Comments (4) Sep 12 2011

As summer comes to an end, the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa and Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark will celebrate the change in season with events visitors are guaranteed to “fall” for.

In addition to the resort’s year-round amenities, including indulgent spa treatments, energizing fitness activities and award-winning dining, guests can also delight in a new crop of fall festivities, such as corn mazes, pumpkin patches, spooky hayrides and a traditional Oktoberfest.

Starting in September, visitors can make new memories with these special happenings throughout the resort’s picturesque campus.

Comments (2) Sep 01 2011

As summer comes to an end, the AAA Four Diamond Grand Geneva Resort & Spa will celebrate the change in season with events visitors are guaranteed to “fall” for. In addition to the resort’s year-round amenities, including indulgent spa treatments, energizing fitness activities and award-winning dining, guests can also delight in a new crop of fall festivities, such as corn mazes, pumpkin patches, spooky hayrides and a traditional Oktoberfest.

Starting in September, visitors can make new memories with these special happenings throughout the resort’s picturesque campus.

“A-maze-ing” Trails

For the first time ever, Grand Geneva Resort and Dan Patch Stables invite the public to explore the twists and turns of the brand-new corn maze, specially designed in the shape of the Grand Geneva logo.  On September 9, the resort will unveil this agricultural masterpiece, complete with two maze trails offering varying levels of difficulty. The short path is expected to take explorers an estimated 20 minutes to complete while advanced trekkers may traverse the entire 4.2 acres of the maze on a trail that can take up to one hour to complete.

The Grand Geneva corn maze will be open daily between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Friday, September 9 to Monday, October 31. Entrance admission for the corn maze is $10 for children ages 4 and up; and free for kids 3 years old or younger.

For younger adventurers, Dan Patch Stables is offering a cornucopia of attractions, including a corn kernel filled sandbox, pony rides, pumpkin patch, and Rainbow Train Ride around the corn maze.  Additional fees may apply to these activities; for full pricing information, please call (262) 215-5303.

Take a Ride, if you Dare

As night falls on the resort, visitors will be spellbound as they catch a ride on Dan Patch Stables annual fright-filled Haunted Hayrides. Thrill-seeking guests are invited to experience the ride of their life as they take a trip through the property, for a night filled with screams and frights.  Beware; this spooky jaunt is only for the most daring of riders.

In October, Haunted Hay Rides are available every Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to midnight, and every Sunday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Rides are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Admission fees will be $6 for riders under the age of 6 and $12 for guests 6 years or older. For more information, please call (262) 215-5303.

Halloween Happenings

In the month of October, little ghouls and goblins can celebrate the witching hour with a medley of events that celebrate things that go bump in the night. Throughout the month of October, the Timber Ridge Activity Team will host special seasonal happenings for visitors of all ages on Fridays and Saturdays. Activities will include pumpkin painting and decorating, arts and crafts; games; fun food offerings consisting of caramel apple sundaes, hot dogs, popcorn, s’mores and cotton candy; and more.

Grand Oktoberfest

The season would not be complete without a toast at the resort’s Grand Oktoberfest soiree. On select Fridays and Saturdays during the month of October, revelers will be treated to traditional polka music and an extensive German dinner buffet at the Grand Geneva’s ski chalet, which will be transformed into an honorary biergarten.

Attendees will be treated to a traditional feast, including bratwurst, spaetzle, schnitzel, sauerbraten and much more. The sounds of The Mike Schneider Band will fill the air on October 7 and 15, before passing the musical torch to polka star Steve Meisner on October 21 and 29. Food will be served at 6 p.m.; with concerts beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available for $30, which include concert admission and dinner buffet. During the concert, lawn seating will be available. Advanced reservations can be made by calling (262) 249-4788.

Overnight Adventures

Guests that want to experience all the resort has to offer can extend their stay at Timber Ridge and Grand Geneva by taking advantage of the special fall packages. Families looking for a fun holiday getaway can book Timber Ridge’s Fall Festival Package, which includes:

• An overnight stay in a one-bedroom suite
• Four waterpark passes to Moose Mountain Falls
• Four passes to the resort’s first corn maze
• Children’s Halloween Amenity

Available September 9 to October 31, 2011, the Fall Festival package starts at $169 per night for a one-bedroom suite, based on a family of four. Rates for a two-bedroom suite start at $269 per night, based on a family of six, and include six corn maze passes and six passes to Moose Mountain Falls Waterpark. Rates are exclusive of tax and resort fee.
Visitors to the Fall Festival will also have access to Timber Ridge Activity Team events on Fridays and Saturdays in October. Events include pumpkin painting and decorating; fun food with caramel apple sundaes, hot dogs, popcorn, s’mores, and cotton candy; crafts, games and more. Additional fees may apply for these special events.

Guests looking for more grown-up fun can choose from two special Oktoberfest-themed packages. Available October 7 and October 21, the Oktoberfest Friday Package features an overnight stay in a deluxe guestroom, and access to the evening’s festivities, complete with authentic German feast for two and concert admission.

Revelers who want to extend their stay can purchase the Oktoberfest Weekend Package which includes:

• A two-night stay in a deluxe guest room
• Oktoberfest dinner for two
• Concert admission on Saturday night
• $60 dining credit

The Oktoberfest Weekend package is available for Friday and Saturday stays on October 14-15 and October 28-29. Rates for this two-night package start at $478.

For more information about all of the resort’s fall festivities or to make reservations for either of the special packages, please visit www.GrandGeneva.com or www.TimberRidgeResort.com.

Comments (1) Aug 29 2011

Try out our 1st ever Corn Maze at Grand Geneva! The maze covers over 4 acres of fun.

Open daily beginning September 9 – October 31 10am-4pm.

$10.00 for ages 4 and up (3 and younger are free)

Corn Maze tickets can be purchased at Dan Patch Stables

Call (262) 215-2105 for more information.

Comments (0) Aug 26 2011

We gave our friend Jacob a