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The Hidden Gem: Short Stop Lodge is Your Family’s Next Affordable Getaway
If you’re a parent planning a Northern Michigan vacation, you know the drill. You start with a dream: cozy nights by a fire, days spent exploring the outdoors, and core memories being made. Then, you look at the price tags for lodging at the big-name resorts, and the dream starts to feel a little more like a stress headache.
Enter Short Stop Lodge at Schuss Mountain.
Tucked away in the woods of Bellaire within the Shanty Creek Resort ecosystem, this chalet is the "cheat code" for families who want the full Up North experience without the astronomical price tag. Whether you are chasing fresh powder in the winter or lake days in the summer, here is why Short Stop Lodge should be on your radar.
The Math Just Makes Sense (Affordability)
The biggest barrier to a northern getaway is usually lodging. Hotel rooms are cramped and expensive, and booking multiple rooms for a large family or friend group adds up fast.
Short Stop Lodge is a game-changer because of its capacity. It sleeps up to 13 people comfortably.
When you do the math, splitting the nightly rate of this spacious 4-bedroom chalet between two or three families makes it significantly cheaper than booking equivalent hotel rooms at a main lodge. You get a private house for a fraction of the cost per person. Plus, you aren't paying resort fees for amenities you don't use.
A Kitchen That Saves You a Fortune
Eating out for every meal with a family of four (or more) is a budget-killer. One of the best features of Short Stop Lodge is the fully equipped, open-concept kitchen.
* Breakfast: Pancakes and bacon at the massive dining table instead of a $75 bill at a diner.
* Lunch: Ski-in for a quick grilled cheese sandwich, then head back out.
* Dinner: Crockpot chili that’s ready when you walk in the door.
By cooking just one or two meals a day at the lodge, you save enough money to cover your lift tickets or a boat rental.
The "Ski-In/Ski-Out" Convenience (Without the Premium Price)
Usually, "ski-in/ski-out" is code for "most expensive property on the mountain." Short Stop Lodge disrupts this rule.
Located right on the Queens Corner run near the Pink Lift, you can literally step out the back door and ski. For parents, this is priceless. No hauling gear across icy parking lots. No fighting for locker space. If a kid gets cold or needs a bathroom break, you just ski to your back deck. It turns a chaotic ski day into a relaxing one.
Resort Amenities
Even though you have the privacy of a standalone home, you still get access to Shanty Creek Resort perks. This includes:
* The Pool: Access to the indoor pool at Schuss Village (a lifesaver for tiring out the kids before bed).
* Shuttle Service: Easy transport between the different "villages" of the resort.
* Events: From torchlight parades to holiday crafts, you’re part of the resort community during your stay.
A Vibe for All Seasons
While Schuss Mountain is famous for its winter slopes, Short Stop Lodge is a 4-season winner:
* Winter: Skiing, tubing, and cozy fires in the wood-burning fireplace.
* Summer: You are surrounded by 6 world-class golf courses and minutes from some of Michigan’s most beautiful lakes (Torch Lake and Lake Bellaire).
* Fall: The winery tours and "Tunnel of Trees" color tours in this area are legendary.
The Verdict
Short Stop Lodge offers that rare combination of privacy, space, and access to resort amenities, all at a price point that allows everyday families to actually enjoy their vacation rather than worry about the bill.
If you are looking to book a trip where the kids have a blast and the parents actually get to relax, this is your spot.
Ready to book your stay?
Check out the availability for the upcoming season—dates tend to fill up fast once the snow starts falling!