Traverse City’s 2021 North American Vas ski race has been canceled. Organizers were concerned the international event could be problematic during this pandemic.
The race brings in thousands of competitors from across the state region and world, and it’s a big boost for tourism in the quiet month of February.
Usually, local businesses like restaurants and hotels get a pick me up during the Vasa weekend with all the skiers eating, drinking, and dining in the region.
Now, the winter outlook for these businesses is a little more bleak. One local hotel operations manager says he was holding out hope the Vasa wouldn’t be axed after a year of so many other canceled events and opportunities for travelers to visit TC.
“,With it being an outdoor activity, you would think, ‘okay, here’s something that’s safe to do.’ You can social distance and you’re outdoors, and most of the people wear a mask anyway because of the weather. So, it just seemed like a good fit and a good pick me up for everybody after everything that we’ve been through in 2020,” said Cambria Suites operations manager Ron Robinson.
Robinson says the extension of the indoor dining ban makes him very worried for the business and its employees this winter season.
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