Crystal Mountain (Michigan) Explained

Crystal Mountain
Location:Thompsonville,
Weldon Township, Michigan
Vertical:375 ft.
Top Elevation:1132feet.
Base Elevation:757feet.
Skiable Area:103acres
Number Trails:58
Nightskiing:27 slopes lighted for night skiing
Longest Run:One half mile
Liftsystem:8 total: 1 detachable high-speed quad chair, 3 fixed-grip quad chairs, 2 triple chairs, and 2 "carpet style" surface lifts
Lift Capacity:12,400 skiers per hour
Terrainparks:3
Snowfall:132" average per year
Snowmaking:98%

Crystal Mountain Resort is a resort and conference center located near the village of Thompsonville in Benzie County, Michigan. The resort's area forms the Crystal Mountain census-designated place. The resort offers recreational activities including downhill and cross country skiing the winter months, and golf, water activities, and an alpine slide in other seasons. The resort was founded in 1956.[1] In March 2015 the resort announced it was planning a $9 million expansion project that will add new ski runs, lifts, lodging, retail and other amenities.[2]

Skiing and snowboarding

The resort's skiing and snowboarding season runs from approximately Thanksgiving weekend to early April, depending on weather conditions. The resort receives an average of 11' of natural snowfall, however artificial snow can be made when natural snowfall is lacking. The resort has 58 downhill slopes, 6 chairlifts and 2 surface lifts, with 27 slopes lighted for night skiing during the peak ski season.

Golf

Crystal Mountain features two 18-hole championship golf courses. The Betsie Valley course, the resort's original golf course, plays at from the blue tees. The Mountain Ridge course, which hosts the Michigan Women's Open each summer, plays from the blue tees.

The resort's golf school offers golf instruction to players of all ages and ability levels.

Recreational facilities

Crystal Mountain maintains Michigan's only Alpine slide. The resort also maintains biking trails available during the Summer.

Lodging

Overnight lodging is available in over 250 hotel rooms, suites, condominiums, townhouses and vacation homes, which are located near the skiing and golf facilities throughout the resort property.

Awards and recognition

Crystal Mountain is one of 60 golf courses in Michigan to be certified by the Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program. Its golf school has been named a Top 25 golf school by Golf Magazine.[3] Crystal Mountain was named among Conde Nast Traveler's Ten Best Family Ski Resorts in the U.S. and Canada in 2017, and also ranked the resort #1 in the United States for Family Reunions in 2015.[4]

Further reading

External links

44.52°N -85.9922°W

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Ski Resorts: Years They Were Founded - International Skiing History Association. 21 June 2016.
  2. Web site: $9M Crystal Mountain expansion will add 'Backyard' ski slopes, lodging, retail. MLive.com. 29 January 2016.
  3. Web site: The List:Top 25 Golf Schools. Golf Magazine. 8 October 2008. 30 August 2014. 3 September 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140903120807/http://www.golf.com/instruction/list-top-25-golf-schools-america?page=2. dead.
  4. Web site: Teacher Of The Year. Professional Golfers Association, Michigan Section. 30 August 2014. 3 September 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140903060746/http://www.michiganpgagolf.com/teacher/. dead.