AWards and articles
What other people are saying...
In The News
Here are some of the news stories, feature articles and blogs highlighting Crystal Mountain.
May 2025
- The Four: How to maximize your experience at the Michigan Beer and Brat Festival
- MI Golf Journal: Fairways and fun: Crystal Mountain's a great golf getaway for all
- MLive: Michigan's Beer & Brat Festival Returns to Crystal Mountain to kick off summer fun
April 2025
- Live in the D: Northern Michigan is America's Summer Golf Capital
- Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association: Crystal Mountain's Director of Membership and Resort Activities awarded MRLA Manager Star of the Year
March 2025
February 2025
January 2025
- West Michigan Weekend on iHeart Radio: The dynamic impact of winter tourism in Northern Michigan
December 2024
- Great Lakes Travel Deals: A Michigan Landmark for Family Fun and Adventure
- Chicago Parent: Elevate Your Family Getaway at Crystal Mountain
- 9&10 News: Crystal Mountain winter sports season has officially begun
- UpNorthLive News: Ski resorts optimistic as early snowfall hints at better conditions this season
- 9&10 News: Winter adventures set the stage for memorable experiences at Crystal Mountain
November 2024
- Under The Radar Michigan: Traverse City episode featuring Crystal Mountain and Michigan Legacy Art Park
- Storm Skiing Journal: Podcast #188: Crystal Mountain, Michigan CEO John Melcher
- Manistee News Advocate: Ski resort recorded 119 days last season, ready for 2024-25 season
September 2024
- Meetings + Events: Crystal Mountain - Where meetings are so much more
- Hour Detroit: Traverse City's Must-Do Autumn Adventures
August 2024
- Good Info News Wire: Five reasons to ride Michigan's first-ever alpine slide
- UpNorthLive News: Experience summer thrills with Crystal Mountain's attractions
- 9&10 News: Check out Michigan's only alpine slide at Crystal Mountain
July 2024
- MLive: Double-track coaster, new alpine slide opens at Crystal Mountain
- 9&10 News: A Crystal Mountain perspective through the lens of a Four Seasons Club Member
- Little Guide Detroit: Crystal Mountain is the perfect place to stay for the whole family
- Michigan Golf Live: Crystal Mountain - A Northern Michigan Beauty
- 9&10 News: Crystal Mountain becomes first autism certified four-season resort in Michigan
- eightWest: Golf this summer at Crystal Mountain
June 2024
- Golf Digest: The 50 best golf trip destinations for women
- Traverse City Business News: The power of community and why it matters
- Family Destinations Guide: The Enchanting Art Park in Michigan
- Manistee News Advocate: Michigan PGA Women's Open returns to Crystal June 24-26
- Traverse City Business News: Foreign workers provide huge boost to local employers
May 2024
- NSAA: NSAA Honors best in ski industry and annual awards ceremony
- GOLF.com: Four family-friendly Michigan golf resorts to visit this summer
- MLive: Crystal Mountain to open new double-track Alpine Slide for summer
- HipLATINA: Why Michigan is Amazing for Latina Outdoor and Self-Care Enthusiasts
- MI Golf Journal: Crystal Mountain is a Great Escape
April 2024
- GolfTrips.com: Golf Course Overview - Crystal Mountain
- FOX 2 Detroit: The best way to enjoy golf in Michigan
- LIVE in the D: Make the drive up north for America's Summer Golf Capital
March 2024
- Good Day Northern Michigan: Crystal Mountain Spring Happenings
- 9&10 News: March at the Mountain
February 2024
- TC Record Eagle: On The Trails: Fat tire biking pumps up winter fun, even without snow
- MLive: Crystal Mountain celebrates all month long with March at the Mountain
- The Ticker: The House Always Wins: Four companies betting big on employee housing initiatives
- 9&10 News: 'Town Village' design adds charm to family friendly resort
January 2024
- GolfGuide.com: One of Michigan's Best Year-Round Resorts
- Live Greatly: A wintertime family-friendly adventure and wellness getaway
- 9&10 News: Snowfall and winter sports help boost local economy
- Northern Express: Opening the slopes for all
- 9&10 News: Promoting safety with fun activities, deals for National Ski Area Safety Month
December 2023
- Daytime Chicago: Ski Resort Destinations for the Whole Family
- Travel & Leisure: 8 Best Ski Resorts in Michigan, According to Local Experts
- Traverse City Tourism: Winter Fun in Benzie
- UpNorthLive News: Crystal Mountain sustains snowy slopes for skiers despite warm weather
- FOX 17: Discover winter fun and recreation in northern Michigan with "My Winter Trails"
November 2023
- Pride Journeys: Spend This Winter Exploring
- From Michigan With Love: The Best Fall Getaway to Crystal Mountain
- MLive: Crystal Mountain's First Light, Holiday Trail Celebration kicks off a festive season
- Traverse City Business News: How the Outdoor Recreation Industry is Good for All Michigan
October 2023
- The Ski Journal: Immense, Wild Joy - A Michigan Ski Reunion by Colin Clancy
- GR Kids: Ultimate Friends & Couples Guide - Hot Tubs & Hiking Trails Included!
- LIVE in the D: This spot is the perfect weekend getaway
September 2023
August 2023
July 2023
- LIVE in the D: Have you tried these up north adventures?
- Northern Express: The J-1 Experience
- Traverse City Business News: The Grand Bargain: A Compromise that's returned $1.3 Billion to Michigan's people
May 2023
- 9&10 News: Crystal Mountain, Ferris State University enter 'first-of-its-kind' partnership agreement
March 2023
- Good Day Northern Michigan: Whatever your interests, Crystal Mountain has you covered
- 9&10 News: CCSC welcomes metro-Detroit students to Crystal Mountain
- 9&10 News: Skiers and riders embrace the spring snowstorm at Crystal Mountain
February 2023
January 2023
- Hometown Living WSBT: Head to Crystal Mountain for a fun weekend getaway!
- 9&10 News: Retired, Not Tired ski group showing age is just a number on the slopes
December 2022
- 9&10 News: Skiers and snowboarders travel to Crystal Mountain to enjoy the snow
- Betsie Valley Trail: Winter Fun at Crystal Mountain
November 2022
- eightWest: Outdoor sculpture trail connects art and nature
- GCSAA: Michigan Golf Course Association 2022 Award Winners
- Only In Your State: The Michigan Christmas Celebration Where You Can Ski With Santa
October 2022
- Traverse City Business News: Billions pouring into outdoor recreation, mobility and technology in Michigan
- SAM Magazine: 2000 SAMMY Award winner named Crystal Mountain COO
- Northern Express: In Season at the Spa
- Organic Spa: Where to go next? Crystal Mountain in northern Michigan
- Travel Weekly: Tourism's Housing Crunch
- 9&10 News: Fall colors bring locals and tourists out to see beauty
- Northern Express: Leaf Peeping in the Park
- U.S. News & World Report: 22 Best Ski Resorts in the U.S.
September 2022
- Metro Parent: Crystal Mountain has the Best Traverse City Mountain Bike Trails
- Traverse City Record Eagle: Destination... Benzie County
August 2022
- Traverse City Business News: Workforce Housing: The Big Short in Northwest Michigan
July 2022
- Behind the Mitten: Escape to northern Michigan for a perfect summer getaway
- Michigan Golf Live: Traverse City - Golf, Life, and Fun
- Traverse City Business News: Green Scene: Companies look for savings with environmental sustainability
June 2022
- Rivers and Coffee: Exploring art, nature and fun at Michigan Legacy Art Park
- Traverse City Record Eagle: Althea Petritz 'left a lasting impression'
- MLive: Overnight deals, water playground, chairlift rides for summer fun
- Healthy Living and Travel: Finding the Perfect Facial
May 2022
- Spa and Beauty Today Spa Diary: Crystal Spa
- Chicago Parent: Exhilarating Midwest Outdoor Adventures to Try This Summer
- Golf Digest Editors' Choice: Best Golf Schools & Academies
- WDIV All 4 Moms: Crystal Mountain on Live In The D
April 2022
- Birmingham City Lifestyle: Road Trip! Year-round jewels waiting to be uncovered (pg. 23)
- 3BL Media Ceres: Major Businesses in Michigan Laud Climate Action to Support Transition to Carbon-Neutral Economy
- Traverse City Record Eagle: Watering the Seeds of Outdoor Recreation
- Bridge Michigan: Up North businesses are buying housing just to lure summer staff
March 2022
- Midwest Living: The Best Midwest Spa and Wellness Getaways to Melt Your Stress Away
- By Design Magazine: A formula for success
February 2022:
- Advance Local and MLive.com: Ski program aids Indigenous and underserved youth
- Traverse City Tourism: Three Women Shaping Northern Michigan
- Traverse City Business News: Resilience is the Quality that will Attract Talent to Michigan
January 2022:
- Ski Area Management: I AM a Snowmaker 2022
- Manistee News Advocate: 78 Manistee fifth graders take part in cross country ski program
- NASTAR Alpine Racing: Club Highlight - Crystal Mountain
- Pumper Magazine: Boost Your Brand with Local Sponsorship Deals
- Mitten Money Podcast: Building on a legacy with John Melcher, the New CEO of Crystal Mountain
December 2021:
- Club + Resort Business: Tree Management Allows Betsie Valley to Come into View
- Golf Course Architecture: Forestry management lays foundation for Crystal Mountain renovation
- Golf Digest: The 33 most female-friendly golf trip destinations
- Chicago Magazine: Winter Escapes 2021
November 2021
- Michigan Meetings and Events: Meet Me On The Slopes
- Traverse City Business News: How Playing Outside Improves Mental Health And Builds Bridges
August 2021
- Traverse City Business News: 300,000 Safely Visited Crystal Mountain During COVID
July 2021
- Christian Science Monitor: Breaking Barriers that Hinder Access to Nature
March 2021
January 2021
December 2020
- NBC Sports: The 25 Best U.S. Golf and Ski Resorts
- Travel + Leisure: These Are the Top 25 Family-friendly Ski Resorts in North America, According to Yelp
- NorWi Ski: 10 Best Cross-Country Ski Trails in Michigan
October 2020
- RFID Journal: RFID Brings Near-Touchless Ticket, Gate Access to Skiers
September 2020
- Detroit Business Journal: Northern Michigan ski resort adding RFID to chairlift gates for safety
- Northern Express: Crystal Mountain CEO is a clean-energy leader, but you won’t find solar at his resort
- Grand Rapids Kids: Seven surprising ways to turn Traverse City in your kid’s classroom
August 2020
May 2020
- My North: Crystal Mountain launches Crystal Clean commitment
- Up North Live: Crystal Mountain launches 'Crystal Clean' task force to help protect guests, staff
Awards & Accolades
In every season and everything we do, our success is reflected in the experience provided to each guest. This is why the many reviews that have earned us a place in the Hall of Fame for both TripAdvisor and The Knot mean so much as do the awards and endorsements from highly respected organizations such as: The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, Outside Magazine, Michigan Meetings + Events, Frommer’s, Fodor’s Travel, GOLF Magazine, Spas of America, and Midwest Living.
2024
- The Knot: Best of Weddings 2024
- NSAA Safety Award: Best 'Your Responsibility Code' Program
2023
- Spas of America: Top 100 Spas of 2023 - Crystal Spa #3 in the Midwest
- MRLA Stars of the Industry Award: Resort Star of the Year
- The Knot Best of Weddings
- Wedding Wire Couples Choice Award
2022
- Spas of America: Top 100 Spas of 2022
- Conde' Nast Traveler: The Best Family Ski Resorts in the U.S. and Canada
- Golf Digest 2022 Editors' Choice Awards: Best Golf Schools and Academies
2021
- Spas of America Top 100 Spas of 2021: Crystal Spa (#10)
- Golf Digest: Best Golf Destinations for Women 2021-2022
- 2021 American Society of Golf Course Architects Environmental Excellence Award
- USA Today 10Best Sculpture Parks: Michigan Legacy Art Park (#3)
- The Knot Best of Weddings
- West Michigan's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For®
- Taste of Home: MSN names Crystal Mountain as Best Family Reunion Spot in Michigan
2020
- Spas of America Top 100 Spas of 2020: Crystal Spa (#7)
- Traverse Magazine Red Hot Best Award (Manistee & Benzie Counties): Best Hotel, Inn or Resort; Best Wedding Venue (Top 3: Best Summer Festival or Event, Best Mountain Biking Trail, Best Outdoor Running Trail)
- Traverse City Record Eagle: Simply the Best Winner, Best Place to Ski/Snowboard
- Hotels.com: Loved By Guests Winner, Favorite Place to Ski
- The Knot Best of Weddings
- Wedding Wire Couples Choice Award
2019
- Top 5 Resorts in the Midwest: Readers' Choice Award 2019, Condé Nast Traveler
- Michigan Meetings + Events Best Ski Resort (Top 3: Service, Hotel, Golf Venue)
- Spas of America Top 100 List (#15)
- Traverse Magazine Red Hot Best Award: Best Place to Play 9 Holes of Golf, Best Pet-Friendly Lodging, Best Black Diamond Ski Hill, Best Ski Resort Property Restaurant (Top 3: Best Beer Event, Best Sleigh Ride, Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rink, Best Cross-Country Trail)
- TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
- TripAdvisor Hall of Fame
- Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference Culinary Star of the Year, Chef Jeremy Ursum
- The Knot Best of Weddings
- Wedding Wire Couples Choice Award
2018
- Spas of America’s Top 100 List (#22)
- Outside Magazine: America’s Ten Best Eco Friendly Ski Resorts
- Forbes: Great Ski Areas for Family Fun on the Slopes
- US News & World Report: 17 Family Ski Vacations to Take This Winter
- Michigan PGA Professional of the Year, Greg Babinec
- Michigan Meetings + Events Best Service and Best Ski Resort
- Traverse Magazine Red Hot Best Awards
- NSAA/SKI Magazine Golden Eagle Award for Climate Change Impact
- The Knot Best of Weddings
- TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
- Wedding Wire Couples Choice Award
2017
- New York Times: Searching for a Secret Ski Destination? Try Michigan.
- Condé Nast Traveler: 10 Best Family Ski Resorts in North America
- Michigan Meetings + Events Best of Awards: Service, Ski Resort
- Traverse Magazine Red Hot Best Awards
- Spas of America’s Top 100 List (#23)
- TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
- Wedding Wire Couples Choice Award
2016
- Liftopia Best in Snow Awards: #2 Ski Resort in US and Canada
- Spas of America’s Top 100 List (#27)
- TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
- The Knot Best of Weddings
2015
- Condé Nast Traveler: #1 US Resort for Family Reunions
- Parents Magazine: Ten Best Snow Resorts for Families
- Midwest Living: 12 Best Ways to Own Winter
- Fodor’s Travel: 15 Best Resorts for Fall Getaways
- Michigan Meetings + Events: Best Service
- Governor’s Award for Healthy Workplaces
- Spas of America’s Top 100 List (#9)
- Michigan Governor's Energy Excellence Awards, Innovator of the Year
- TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
- The Knot Best of Weddings
- The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame
More awards and accolades…
- No. 41 on Spa of America’s Top 100 List (2014)
- Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference Hotelier of the Year, Jim & Chris MacInnes (2014)
- TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence (2014)
- The Knot Best of Weddings (2014)
- OnTheSnow.com: Best Terrain in the Midwest (2013)
- Spafinder Readers' Choice Awards: Best Spa for Families (2013)
- Spafinder Readers' Choice Awards: Best Spa for Ski & Snow (2013)
- TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence (2013)
- The Knot Best of Weddings (2013)
- Family Circle: Best Ski Towns for Summer Vacations (2012)
- Midwest Living: Midwest Ski Resorts We Love (2012)
- OnTheSnow.com: Top Family Resorts for Christmas (2012)
- Michigan PGA President’s Plaque: Ina Davis (2012)
- Sustainable Resort Spa of the Year, Green Spa Network (2012)
- Top 10 Green Spas in North America, Organic Spa Magazine (2012)
- TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence (2012)
- The Knot Best of Weddings (2012)
- Conde Nast Traveler: 50 Best Places to Ski & Stay in North America (2011)
- Silver Sage Award, Best Hotel/Resort Spa: Midwest, Spa Magazine (2011)
- 10 Most Slimming Vacations Honorable Mention, HEALTH Magazine (2011)
- Milliken Award - Jim MacInnes, Michigan Land Use Institute (2011)
- TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence (2011)
- BING Travel: 12 Resorts Where Kids Rule (2011)
- GOLF Magazine: Top 25 Golf School in America (2010)
- Parents Magazine: Ten Best Winter Resorts for Families (2009)
- Michigan Golf Course Owner’s Association, Course of the Year (2009)
- Governor’s Award for Innovative Tourism Collaboration (2009)
- SpaFinder Top 10 Resorts for Winter Sports (2009)
- Sierra Club White Pine Award (2007)
- SKI Magazine: #1 Resort in the Midwest (2005)
- GOLF Magazine: Top 25 Golf Schools in America (2002)