Shanty Creek Resorts say business is good and that means area shops are reaping the benefits.
BELLAIRE -- It's that time of year when ski lifts are in full swing, just like ski business at Shanty Creek Resorts in Antrim County.
"They're coming out real strong right now...it will really start ramping up and reservations at the hotels and our lodging has really started to pick up and it looks like it's going to be a real nice Christmas week," says director of snow sports for Shanty Creek, Steve Kershner.
Kershner says it's not just local customers hitting up the ski slopes, but people from around the state and country. This rush of business out on the slopes ultimately creates an economic boost for places in downtown Bellaire, like Moka, a coffee, pastries and wine shop.
"I think it's big benefit absolutely. We've been very lucky. We've had very local customers but also having a ski resort nearby certainly helps, makes all the difference in the world actually," says owner of Moka, Cathy Peterson.
Cathy and Bill Peterson say although ski season is just starting, they've already seen trickle down effects.
"We see a lot of our summer regulars starting to come up, grab a couple of pizzas," says owner of Moka, Bill Peterson.
The Lunch Box just across the street says if Shanty Creek is having a good season they can normally predict they will too.
"It's always important for us to have skiers here. we depend on the skiers in the winter, golfers in the summer," says owner, Julie Budas.
Shorts Brewing Company, says it's a win-win situation for the entire business community.
"It's especially important during these economic times....but also, so many people are doing the "stay-cations" where they're traveling more inside the state so it's nice for them to have some place to ski but also some place for them to come check out," says manager, Jenna Taylor.
