Stokely Creek Lodge wins honour from USA Today; will open to skiers, snowshoers this season

After COVID-19 restrictions forced Stokely Creek Lodge owners to suspend operations in the winter of 2020-21, the popular resort’s trail groomers are working to open for cross country skiers, snowshoers and lodge and restaurant guests for 2021-22.

But first, more snow is needed at the resort’s trails, which cover approximately 100 kilometres.

“It’s a little bit of a snow science here,” said Kimberly Kienhofer, Stokely Creek Lodge operations manager.

There is approximately eight inches of snow surrounding the lodge itself, but as little as four inches of the white stuff in some areas of the resort’s trail system and its varied terrain, Kienhofer said.

“To get prepared we do need a little bit more snow to get to parts of the outer edges of the trail system,” Kienhofer said.

“We (look forward to) welcoming all kinds of adventurous people this winter.”

Stokely Creek Lodge, located 34 kilometres north of Sault Ste. Marie, includes a main lodge, restaurant, guest cabins and more than 100 km of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. It is also open for biking, hiking and cross-country running in the spring, summer and fall months.

The lodge is is owned by Susan Byker, husband Gaylen, daughter Tanya Byker Phair and son-in-law Ian Phair.

The Byker family is based near Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Stokely Creek Lodge has been named one of the top North American cross-country ski resorts in the USA Today Readers’ Choice Travel Awards for 2021.

That’s no small achievement.

Stokely Creek placed high on the list among larger resorts across the continent, including some in Alberta, British Columbia, California, Colorado and New Hampshire.

“It’s amazing. We’re really honoured,” said owner Susan Byker, speaking to SooToday Thursday.

The secret to that honour, Byker said, is the ownership group’s own attachment to the lodge, along with good management and loyal guests.

“We’re very involved. We care. We’ve been going there since its opening (by Chuck Peterson in the 1970s).”

The Bykers purchased Stokely in 2007. 

“Our guests are so faithful. They keep coming back year after year, some for 20 or 25 years,” Byker said.

While closing was hard last year, moving forward, Byker said things are open and very booked.

"American guests are coming across the border and they do need to get vaccinated and get a COVID test, but they are coming. We’re hoping with those safety measures the border stays open and we have a good season,” she said.

While the majority of Stokely’s guests have been American, Byker said that’s changing.

“Tourism officials in the Sault are really noticing Stokely and helping us spread the word. We’re getting people from Toronto and all over Canada and we’re excited about that.”

Regarding COVID-19 restrictions on indoor and outdoor gatherings, recently brought in by Algoma Public Health (APH) amid surging case numbers, Byker said Stokely will abide by those rules.

“We have a large dining room, a large rec room, and a large room for guests to gather. So we figure we have four areas, at least, where we can spread guests out (for social distancing). We’ve got good plans for that....when there are no restrictions, our dining room seats 100, but with COVID that number will definitely be spread out over four areas.”

“Getting vaccinated is not easy for everybody, but we plan to follow the guidelines and so far people have been booking to stay here and our season passes are great. We think we’re going to have a good season. And, the healthiest place to be is outside on the trails.”

While the Stokely team waits for more snow, Byker said the lodge itself officially opens Dec. 26. 

“People are eager to come back. We’re very pleased.”