Winter fun is underway at Crystal Mountain, where the northern Michigan resort opened for the season Dec. 5 and expects to have about 70% of its skiable terrain available this weekend.
Brittney Primeau, the resort’s director of communications, highlighted the early momentum during an appearance on “Live in the D,” noting fresh snow and round-the-clock snowmaking are helping expand terrain quickly.
“With a little help from Mother Nature, we should have around 40 slopes open, which is about 70% of our skiable terrain,” Primeau said.
Crystal Mountain, about 30 miles southwest of Traverse City in Thompsonville, offers 59 downhill slopes, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating and an opening-weekend terrain park. Primeau urged newcomers and returning skiers alike to book instruction.
“Go with the pro - is what we say — friends don’t teach friends how to ski or snowboard,” she said.
Beyond the slopes, the resort is billing itself as a base camp for winter getaways with lodging that ranges from hotel rooms to cottages and condos, multiple dining options and retail. The adults-only Crystal Spa features facials, massages, body treatments, a Vichy shower and couples services. New this winter: indoor golf simulators for a “ski and tee” day under one roof.
Holiday programming includes “Ski with Santa” at 10 a.m. on Dec. 24, a Christmas Eve buffet and a prix fixe Christmas Day dinner at the Thistle. Primeau said winter break fills fast, but there are still openings around the holidays.
To watch the segment, click on the video above.
You’ll find more information at crystalmountain.com.