FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Use: Photos & Video
THOMPSONVILLE, Mich. (December 4, 2025) – After more than 65 hours of snowmaking and more than a foot of natural snowfall, Crystal Mountain is thrilled to open the slopes Friday morning, December 5, for the 2025-2026 winter season. The lifts start spinning at 9 a.m., with the coveted first chair celebration taking place on the Loki Quad.
This weekend’s opening is a testament to the resort’s talented snowmaking team and robust snowmaking system of 179 snow guns, plus a little help from Mother Nature. In addition to downhill skiing and riding, the trails have been groomed for cross-country skiing and fat tire biking.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome our guests back to the slopes, trails, and rink,” said Karyn Thorr, Chief Operating Officer. “The opening is the perfect outcome of a huge snowmaking effort, especially this past week, giving us a base of up to 32” in some spots. We are confident this is just the beginning of what we expect to be a long, snowy season ahead for Northern Michigan.”
What to expect on the slopes:
- 3 lifts: Loki Quad, Buck Quad, Loki Quad, and one Crystal Carpet in the learning area.
- At least 7 open runs: Cheers to Lou, Giggles, Tuck’s, Jester’s Alley, Emmy, Interlochen Arts Ave, Huggy Bear Hollow, and the Mountain Adventure Zone learning area.
- Lift hours: Friday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
The slopes will close for more snowmaking opportunities Monday, December 8, through Thursday, December 11, and will reopen on Friday, December 12, at 9:00 a.m. Night skiing is slated to begin on December 19.
Skiers and riders should purchase lift tickets and downhill equipment rentals online in advance for the best deals. The same RFID Crystal Card can be reloaded for future visits to the slopes.
Opening Day Weekend
The excitement continues throughout the opening weekend with community-focused events designed to celebrate the season and give back to local families:
- Saturday, December 6: Winter Sounds at Michigan Legacy Art Park
Celebrate the season with a magical winter hike through the woods, a warm bonfire, and hot cider. The evening culminates in an inspiring outdoor performance from the Traverse City West Middle School Madrigal Singers. This event is a family-friendly celebration of art and nature.
- Sunday, December 7: Ski & Ride for BACN
The resort offers open-to-close lift tickets for just $40 (Adult), $35 (Senior), and $30 (Junior). For every ticket sold, $5 will be donated to Benzie Area Christian Neighbors (BACN), helping local families in need throughout the Benzie County area.
Beyond the Slopes: More Winter Activities Available
In addition to skiing and riding, a full complement of winter activities and amenities will be available:
- Ice Skating
- Fat Tire Biking
- Indoor Golf Simulators
- Cross-country Skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Michigan Legacy Art Park
- Outdoor hot tub
Looking Ahead to the Holidays at Crystal
The fun continues right through the end of the year, with a robust lineup of holiday activities, including horse-drawn surrey rides, winter archery, and outdoor laser tag. Daily activities run from December 19 through January 3.
Plus, guests can look forward to special holiday fun like skiing with Santa on December 24th and an extraordinary prix fixe holiday meal at the Wild Tomato on Christmas Day. New Year’s Eve will offer a variety of events, including a Family Party at the Crystal Center, a buffet dinner at the Wild Tomato, and the spectacular Family Glow Light and Torchlight Parade, immediately followed by a fireworks display over the mountain.
All events can be found on the Crystal Mountain event calendar on the website. The latest trail conditions, slope updates, and winter activities can be found in the daily online Crystal Mountain Snow Report. Real-time snowmaking updates and slope conditions can be seen via the live Crystal Mountain webcams.
# # #
About Crystal Mountain:
Established in 1956, Crystal Mountain is a family-owned, four-season resort located 28 miles southwest of Traverse City and a short drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The 1,500-acre resort features lodging, dining, downhill and cross-country skiing, two championship golf courses, shopping, award-winning Crystal Spa, Michigan’s only alpine slide, Peak Fitness, the Park at Water’s Edge, Michigan Legacy Art Park, weddings, a conference center, and real estate options. Learn more about becoming a Four Seasons Club member.
Media Contact:
Brittney Primeau
Director of Communications
D: 231.378.2091
BrittneyPrimeau@CrystalMountain.com
