Crystal Mountain (Michigan)

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]

This article is about the ski area in Michigan. For other uses, see Crystal Mountain (disambiguation).
Crystal Mountain
LocationThompsonville,
Weldon Township, Michigan
Vertical375 ft.
Top elevation1,132 ft (345 m).
Base elevation757 ft (231 m).
Skiable area103 acres (420,000 m2)
Runs58
Longest runOne half mile
Lift system9 total: 1 detachable high-speed quad chair, 3 fixed-grip quad chairs, 2 triple chairs, 1 double chair, and 2 "carpet style" surface lifts
Lift capacity12,400 skiers per hour
Terrain parks4
Snowfall132" average per year
Snowmaking98%
Night skiing27 slopes lighted for night skiing, five nights a week (early and late season varies)
Websitewww.crystalmountain.com
    View of the "Cheers" chair lift and resort from near one of the peaks. Thompsonville air strip (7Y2) visible in the background

    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 6,567 yards (6,005 m) from the blue tees. The Mountain Ridge course, which hosts the Michigan Women's Open each summer, plays 7,077 yards (6,471 m) 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 mountain 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]

    References
    1. "Ski Resorts: Years They Were Founded - International Skiing History Association". Retrieved 21 June 2016.
    2. "$9M Crystal Mountain expansion will add 'Backyard' ski slopes, lodging, retail". MLive.com. Retrieved 29 January 2016.
    3. "The List:Top 25 Golf Schools". Golf Magazine. 8 October 2008. Retrieved 30 August 2014.
    4. "Teacher Of The Year". Professional Golfers Association, Michigan Section. Retrieved 30 August 2014.

    Further reading

    44°31′12″N 85°59′32″W

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