Ski Crystal Mountain in Northwest Lower Michigan

In 2005, Crystal Mountain was named the #1 Resort in the Midwest by Ski Magazine. Crystal also received #1 in Midwest Dining and #2 in Midwest Family Programs from the SKI Magazine Resort Guide.

What an achievement, given its humble beginnings when in 1955 a man named Ward Creech went out to search for the best location for a ski area in Benzie County, Michigan! He selected the Buck Hills Range, and the first skiers hit the slopes in December of 1956. Back then, Buck Hills offered two tow ropes and a small warming hut constructed by volunteers.

Now Crystal Mountain features 45 ski runs, terrain parks, a half-pipe, and 40 kilometers of cross-country ski trails. Snowboarding is allowed on all runs. These are served by nine lifts including the Crystal Clipper high-speed quad. This is the fastest lift in Northern Michigan, now powered by renewable wind energy. About half of the slopes are of medium difficulty with 25% easy, and 25% most difficult. At the challenging end of the spectrum are Buck, the Gorge Trail, and Back Bowl to the southwest. Super Park and High Pipe are found in the middle of the range, and to the northeast are Glacier Valley Glade, and Loki, Thor and Wipeout! 27 of the 45 trails are lighted for night skiing. The greatest vertical drop is 375 feet.

Guided snowshoe hikes are scheduled; horse-drawn surrey rides, bonfires, ice skating, golf, and other family-friendly activities fill the year-round schedule. The complete indoor resort experience is also provided with lodging, a pool, hot tubs, massage, yoga and various programs.

A variety of season pass rates are available from full access $499 ($369 till December 1), to 20-punch tickets which may be shared or owned by a group for $649. A Super Sunday pass goes for only $139. Cross-country only passes are also available.

Unique to the resort is the Crystal Carpet- a conveyor belt built into the snow. Beginners stand on the Carpet and are gently transported uphill. Beginners can spend more time learning how to get down the hill than mastering tricky lifts and ropes. There are two Crystal Carpets in the Learning Area.