In 1946, Everett Kircher was selling Studebakers in Detroit, but had a dream of building a ski resort in northern Michigan and convinced a state senator to give him a parcel of land to start make his dream come true.
The senator thinking it was a hair-brained scheme at best, said at the time,
“Anybody fool enough to build a ski hill…..well, I’ll give you the property.”
The first ski hill opened for service in 1947 with a single run, a used chair lift and a warming hut.
Since that time, Mr. Kircher’s idea turned out to benefit not only skiers, and the state of Michigan, but golfers and outdoor lovers from around the world.
It also spawned one of the most successful ski and golf corporations in the world. Boyne properties now operate three successful properties in Michigan, Boyne Mountain, Boyne Highlands and the Inn at Bay Harbor.
Over the years the corporation grew to include, Big Sky Resort in Montana, Brighton Ski Resort, in Utah, The Summit in Washington, Loon Mountain in New Hampshire, Sugarloaf and Sunday River in Maine, Cypress Mountain in British Columbia and Gatlinburg Sky Lift in the Great Smokey Mountains.
Kircher continued to be an innovator. He developed the first three-person, four-person and high-speed chairlifts, as well as, the first commercial snow-making machine.
As his fledgling business continued to grow, he desired to keep his staff gainfully employed in the summer months and struck on the idea of adding a golf course. Using the family tractor, he built the first nine-hole par-3 course, the Hemlock at Boyne Mountain, which became a favorite for Boyne guests.
When Kircher purchased Harbor Highlands, the decision was made to build more golf courses. Robert Trent Jones Sr. was contracted to build the Heather Course. It opened for play in 1966 to rave reviews and was ranked in the Top-100 courses to play by Golf Digest.
With the success of the Heather at Boyne Highlands, the decision was made to add even more courses. The Arthur Hills Course, The Donald Ross Tribute and the Moor compliment the Heather.
In addition, two courses were built at Boyne Mountain, The Alpine opened for play in 1970 and The Monument was added in 1985. The Monument used more of the mountain and features a ride to the top of the mountain. Golfers then play their way back down the mountain to reach the comfort of one of the many dining opportunities available at Boyne.
One of the most aggressive projects for the Boyne Corporation was the Inn at Bay Harbor. For years, people had been visiting Little Traverse Bay for the “million-dollar sunsets.” In 1998, the Kircher family added the crown jewel to their holdings, The Inn at Bay Harbor.
It was designed in homage to the grand hotels of the late 19th century, the Inn now stands as the embodiment of fine living-bringing uncompromising levels of elegance, detail and service together.
The hotel alone is worth the trip and pulls one back to a more gentile era.
A marina, filled with yachts of all sizes and shapes, is constantly a bee-hive of activity. Six various dining options will satisfy any dietary need and there are myriad of other activities to make the Inn at Bay Harbor one of the best places to stay.
Three nine-hole courses, The Premier, The Links and The Quarry, designed by Arthur Hills offer a challenge to any skill-level of golfer, but the views across Little Traverse Bay make it difficult to remain focused on golf.
A second course, Crooked Tree, was built high above the Inn. It offers breath-taking views of the Bay and it is a perfect spot to view a northern Michigan sunset.
With the addition of the 45 holes at the Inn at Bay Harbor, plus Crooked Tree, the three Boyne properties offer a total of ten different golf courses for Golfaholics to enjoy.
The Kircher family always provides the best accommodations, golf and dining for their guests.
If you haven’t checked out Boyne Mountain, Boyne Highlands or the Inn at Bay Harbor, don’t wait any longer. Book your stay today at: http://www.boyne.com/
