Hot Story Ideas

Writing a story about Crystal Mountain? Here are some ideas to get you started:

• A day in the life of an instructor

  It’s not as easy as it looks. Find out what it takes to become a certified ski or snowboard instructor (nearly 100% of Crystal’s instructors are certified; many of whom have advanced level certification), and what are some of the comical perils that occur (kids don’t always give advance notice when they have to use the facilities).

   
  To arrange an interview or learn more, contact Tom Kramer at (800) 968-7686, ext. 2506, or via email at tomkramer@crystalmountain.com.

• Autumn Fishing

  Not far from Crystal Mountain is the Betsie River, which come fall, becomes active with salmon and steelhead making their way upstream and fishermen trying to catch them. Beginning roughly around Labor Day, the fishing action starts around the mouths of area rivers as the fish begin to make their voyage upriver to spawn. The best river fishing starts about mid-September and lasts until early to mid-October. Fly-fishing is a popular sport year ‘round in Benzie County – and autumn is a fabulous time to get in on the action. Crystal Mountain can “hook” guests up with area river guides for a memorable weekend and plenty of fish tales.
   
  To arrange an interview or learn more, contact Tom Kramer at (800) 968-7686, ext. 2506, or via email at tomkramer@crystalmountain.com.

• Certified Water Park Lifeguards

  Ensuring the safety of guests at Crystal’s Park at Water’s Edge outdoor pool and water playground is a group of lifeguards. But they’re not just any lifeguards. Rather, they’ve undergone extensive water park-specific training each year, as well as in-service training throughout the summer.

  To arrange an interview or learn more, call Tom Kramer at (800) 968-7686, ext. 2506, or via email at tomkramer@crystalmountain.com.

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• Color Tours by Boat

  There’ll be no car traffic on this fall color tour. Rent a kayak or canoe and tour the Betsie, Manistee or Platte River, all within a stone’s throw from Crystal Mountain. Most canoe outfitters are open through mid-October.

• Fall Hikes through the Art Park

  The Michigan Legacy Art Park, with its artwork dotted along the wooded trail, is a fall hike like no other. Each piece of work is representative of Michigan’s history, as told through the eyes of the artist. Currently, over 35 works of art, some larger than life, grace the hardwood forest of the Michigan Legacy Art Park.

• Junior Elite Golf Program

  Crystal’s "Junior Elite Program" is the first junior golf development program of its kind in the Midwest. This new program is not just about teaching junior golfers technique and swing. Rather, it’s a comprehensive approach focused on training young golfers as well-rounded athletes. In addition to technique, instructors also concentrate on the aspects of the game such as golf-specific weight and exercise training, mental game training, course management, practice efficiency, pre-shot routine, thought and emotion control, biomechanical analysis and injury prevention. This kind of program has been developing college and tour players in other parts of the country; now it’s available right here in the Midwest!

• Olympic Dreams

  What does it take to make the Olympics in Alpine Skiing? It all starts on a little hill with big dreams – and it’s a lengthy road from there. Michigan has had its share of Olympic skiers, and there are a few up-and-comers in the pipeline. I’d be happy connect you with local ski coaches and even the parent of a Michigan skier whose daughter is now on the U.S. Women’s Ski Team.

• Sleeping Bear Dunes/Pierce Stocking Fall Color Drive

  The drive up M-22 is worth the trip alone, but that’d be only half the story of this wonderful, not to mention colorful, day trip from Crystal. The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, which is part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, provides plenty of eye candy all along its 7.4 mile route. In addition to the dunes, camera bugs will find plenty to photograph, like a covered bridge, the beech-maple forest, the Manitou islands, Glen Lake and of course, the sweeping views of Lake Michigan. The Lake Michigan and the Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlooks are, no question, a must get-out-of-the-car-and-see.
  

• Telemark Skiing

  Telemark Skiing 
  Developed some 250+ years ago in Norway as a mode of transportation, telemark skiing has since transformed into one of today’s hottest recreational activities. Crystal Mountain offers telemark skiing instruction, racing and even has a few Ski Patrol members who patrol the slopes on telemark skis.

• Terrain Park Terminology

  Most likely not in any dictionary, the terminology used in terrain parks to describe jumps, hits and maneuvers is far from decipherable. You’ll be the hippest journalist out there if you can crack the code – and I’m here to help.

• Whiz kids

  Whiz kids 
  If there’s one thing that limits an adult’s ability to hit the slopes as often as he or she would like, it’s having small children. But some children have started skiing as early as age two. Crystal’s Snow Sports Instructors can provide you with advice for parents who want to introduce their favorite winter sports to their wee ones.