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Wedding at Ski & Golf Resort Lifts Guests To A Higher Level!Devil's Head Ski / Snowboard / Golf Resort & Convention Center, Merrimac, Wis.by Naomi K. Shapiro
A trip to the top of Devil's Head's slopes in any season rewards visitors with scenic views for miles over the Wisconsin River Valley and Lake Wisconsin.
"Whether people want a ceremony on the ski hill or the golf course, we do it right," says Devil's Head's general manager, Joe Vittengl. "We know that a wedding is a pinnacle event in people's lives." "Lots of our newly marrieds stay on with us for their honeymoons," Vittengl continues, "along with their parents and a host of friends," he adds with a smile.
Known for "The Best Mountain Golf in the Midwest" as well as "#1 Ski/Snowboard Destination in the Midwest," Devil's Head is located less than an hour north of the highly-popular Capital City of Madison, Wisconsin, and very close to other attractions, such as the renowned Wisconsin Dells, Ho-Chunk Casino, and Devil's Lake State Park. The Baraboo Hills were carved by glacial action some 15,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. What remains is the legacy of nature's fury and resulting bounty: Rolling hills, stony outcrops, forest, glens, flowers, flowing streams, birds, and wildlife.
Golf writers say, "Golfers up for the challenge will face rugged terrain with drastic elevation changes, carefully-placed sand bunkers, ponds, streams; abundant wildlife, and breathtaking views." An on-site, 49k trail wends its way through the forest, hills and bluffs surrounding the property, beckoning hikers, bikers, and nature lovers. Winter, of course, brings people to Devil's Head for extensive skiing, snowboarding, and outdoor and indoor fun and recreation, amidst all the other amenities offered by this outstanding destination resort. In a recent Chicago Tribune article, travel writer Jim Neff said of Devil's Head skiing: "Perched on the Baraboo Bluffs, with its rock formation perfectly preserved from the Ice Age, Devil's Head boasts a 500-foot vertical drop and 29 trails, many of which wind through thick forests or tumble out of rocky chutes."
Neff also notes "the spectacular view of Lake Wisconsin in the distance"..."heart-clutching thrills for experts"... and "the variety of restaurants overlooking the slopes," including Smokie's rotisserie-grill. Snowboarders also love Devil's Head for its 3200-foot, top-to-bottom advanced terrain park, which includes an 800-foot long half-pipe (one of the longest in the Midwest), as well as table-tops, hips, kickers, 1/4 pipes, and music, and a "Starter Park" with smaller terrain features and pipe on which to learn. In addition to skiing and golfing in appropriate seasons, vacationers bike, hike, play tennis, cross-country ski, and explore the area. And, after any season's activities, guests unwind in Devil's Head's outdoor hot tubs, indoor swimming pool, sauna, and Jacuzzis. "We're located within a few hours of metropolitan centers like Chicago Milwaukee, Madison and the Twin Cities," Vittengl continues, adding, "people don't have to drive far to enjoy the type of surroundings, service and activities that we offer right in their back yard."
And, when you're ready to explore the area, there's plenty to do. On County Road DL, just down the road from Devil's Head, Parfrey's Glen Nature Preserve, a narrow gorge with stream, wildflowers and birds, offers delicate nature experiences. Apple orchards and wineries dot the area; and lots of eagles are often seen along the nearby Wisconsin River. Wisconsin's popular Devil's Lake State Park, a few miles west of Devil's Head, has a marvelous road ringing its own, imposing glacial terrain. In the park, rock climbers scale bluffs, while scuba and skin divers ply the deep, clear lake. For a special kick, cross the Wisconsin River at Merrimac on the free Merrimac Ferry, part of Wisconsin's highway system. There's space for 12 cars on each crossing, and it's worth the short wait in line for the 10-minute ride across the Wisconsin River. (The Merrimac ferry operates until ice-up and opens each spring at ice-out). Devil's Head Ski & Snowboard Resort & Convention Center is located 45 minutes north of Madison; 1 1/2 hours NW of Milwaukee and 3 hours N of Chicago— off of I-90/94, via Highway 78 West and County Road DL—between Portage and the Wisconsin Dells. Devil's Head's Winter Dining Facilities: FOR MORE INFORMATION Devil's Head Ski/Snowboard/Golf Resort & Convention Center Images courtesy of Devil's Head Resort & Convention Center |
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Having a wedding at a ski resort can be an uplifting experience! And nestled amidst the Baraboo Bluffs at Merrimac, Wisconsin, Devil's Head Ski, Snowboard, Golf, & Convention Center adds a real lift to the occasion—a ski lift—taking things to a higher level, so to speak!
Devil's Head boasts outstanding four-season recreation, accommodations, food and beverage services, a caring staff, and opportunities to rest and recuperate from everyday hassles, so celebrating a wedding or a honeymoon at Devil's Head is just par for the course!
Devil's Head blends well into its surroundings. The Resort's expansive, tree-lined grounds and slopes, dotted with wildflowers, are a perfect setting for weddings in warm weather, and so are Devil's Head's indoor venues, with full windows overlooking the slopes.
This past summer, Devil's Head unveiled nine incredible new holes on top of the bluffs (called "The Glacier), to add to its already famous 18-hole championship golf course carved into the Baraboo Hills.
"There's enough variety to please the whole family," Neff continues, "not to mention 250 slopeside rooms, 6 restaurants, day-care center, hot tubs, indoor pool, game room, and DJs and live bands on weekends, so everything you need is right there."
Devil's Head has complete planning services, as well as beverage, restaurant and entertainment facilities, with equipment rentals and professional instruction available in all areas. The Resort offers all kinds of special packages and events for singles, families, couples, and seniors, and is also a premier convention center, whose professional staff will help plan, set up, and hold conferences, meetings, reunions, weddings, and special events.