2030 Journey
A transformational journey is underway at The Highlands, building on The Highlands’ time-honored charm to incorporate more modern-day luxuries into every guest touch point. Including a major Main Lodge renovation. Innovative upgrades across our lifts and trails. Centralized guest and owner services. New wellness offerings. Reimagined fairways and amenities, and an elevated culinary experience, everywhere across The Highlands.
FIRST STEPS
Upon arrival in 2021 guests of The Highlands experienced completion of the first phase of upgrades. The future began with the renovation of the Main Lodge guest rooms, followed by many other steps in innovation.
Trackman Range
RFID Technology
Direct-to-lift access for ticket and season passholder, and provides a streamlined purchasing process online, and reload a media card with additional ticket or pass purchases season-after-season.
Continued Snowmaking Investment & Modernization
Five new HKD Impulse tower guns add to our snowmaking fleet. These ultra-efficient snow guns enable snowmaking in marginal temperatures.
Donald Ross Memorial Golf Course Hole 1
Hole 1 is a recreation of Seminole Golf Club 6 and re-opened for play in the spring of 2022. The hole was updated to depict Donald Ross’ original design of Seminole 6.
Donald Ross Memorial Golf Course Hole 15
Donald Ross Memorial hole 15 at The Highlands is a recreation of Aronimink Golf Club hole 11. We have received the original design and are restoring our Donald Ross Memorial hole 15 to its original layout.
SHORT-TERM
Our journey continues and the projects over the next few years will expand guest room availability, begin to refine the culinary path, and build on our four-season vision.
Completion of 33 Main Lodge Guest Rooms
Continued renovation of the Main Lodge guest rooms and bathrooms will finalize the lodging project. However, it will not end there, the reimagining of the Main Lodge will continue, and we will have more news to share soon!
Slope 63
Your après venue reimagined, same comfort, different style. Listen to the buzz of the interior as the social center comes alive with great music, food, and people.
Expansion of trail system for hiking and biking
In keeping with our commitment to providing an active, outdoor-oriented four-season vacation destination, we are expanding on our beautiful network of hiking trails, tracing through miles of Highlands forests and fields.
Experiential Spa and Pool Complex
When the Center Wing construction begins, the spa and pool complex will be one of the first exterior areas of the resort guests will immediately notice. When complete the complex will include over 30,000 sq. ft of space.
MID-TERM
The Main Lodge is the center of the guest experience. A place where guests come together after they’ve been exploring and enjoy conversation over a cocktail. The space will be completely rebuilt from culinary to entertainment– this is just the beginning of what will come.
Lobby & Reception
From the moment you arrive, to the moment you depart – the lobby, reception, and bar will be designed to embrace the rich architecture to make you feel right at home. A place to mingle and relax.
Game Room
The newly imagined Game Room will be designed for all ages – including a golf simulator, bowling alley, and arcade games.
Speakeasy
Unlike anything you fill find in northern Michigan, this establishment will speak to its name. Will you be able to find it?
Signature Restaurant
The Highlands fine dining farm to table experience. A place where the local region will be embraced through culinary traditions created seasonally by our chef.
Short Course behind Main Lodge
A major enhancement to the existing Cuff Links Executive Par 3, the new Short Course will have 9 holes with two options for tee locations at different skill levels. This course will be designed for all ages and is easily walkable.
Lift and Snowmaking Technology
Building on the legacy of innovations, major lift upgrades and continued snowmaking enhancements will be pivotal. The first lift priority will be a substantial upgrade to the southern end of the slopes and the day skier portal experience.
LONG-TERM
We’re taking everything we’ve built, everything we’ve learned, and everything we’ve dreamed of to transform this place into a true masterpiece. Once complete, we will have defined the pillars of our journey – Distinction in Hospitality, Environment of Wellbeing, Four-Season Innovation, Community Partnership, and Sustainability Focus.
More to Come:
- Day Lodge
- Conference Center
- Retail expansion
- Equestrian facility
- Continued lift upgrades on property
- Arrival experience and road system upgrades