Walk, run or ruck your way through the fall colors

THOMPSONVILLE, Mich. (September 23, 2025) – It’s officially fall, and Crystal Mountain has a full slate of activities, amenities, and events lined up for the season, including a new rucking event. While there are plenty of winter enthusiasts looking forward to skiing and snowboarding this time of year, this colorful stretch before the snow flies is the perfect opportunity to witness the beauty of the changing seasons in northern Michigan.

One of the most popular ways to view the fall foliage is via a chairlift. The quiet ride to the top is relaxing, and the view overlooking four counties of vibrant fall foliage is unimaginable. A fall Scenic Chairlift Ride is an experience any adventurer, photographer, or nature lover will not soon forget. 

For those who prefer to be on the ground, miles of bike trails and a serene hike through the Michigan Legacy Art Park offer an immersive experience among the towering, colorful trees. Golfers can enjoy the crisp autumn air while playing on one of the resort’s two championship golf courses, the Betsie Valley and the Mountain Ridge, both set against a tapestry of treelined fairways. For even more thrill, Michigan’s only Alpine Slide offers a unique and exhilarating way to take in the scenery. All of these activities, plus a scarecrow walk, pumpkin carving, and more, are available during Fall Fun Weekends (Oct. 11-12, 18-19, 25-26) at Crystal Mountain.

Day visitors are more than welcome to purchase passes and tickets for each of the activities. Those staying the night at Crystal will receive complimentary access to the Scenic Chairlift Rides, Michigan Legacy Art Park, and the Indoor Pool & Peak Fitness Center. Hot Lodging Dates are available nearly every day in October, offering up to 25% off select lodging accommodations.

This fall also marks the debut of the Aevitas Medical Longevity Challenge on October 25. While it is considered a ruck-style event, participants are not required to wear a weighted vest. Both the 6-mile route and the more beginner-friendly route will feature interactive stations with members of the Aevitas team to test stamina, mental toughness, and inspire healthy living.

"The varied elevation—from gentle trails to more challenging summit climbs—allows us to create a comprehensive course that tests and builds the functional fitness patterns most predictive of healthy aging," said Spencer Couturier, Aevitas Medical Advisor. “Participants can experience everything from steady-state cardio on flatter sections to power and strength challenges on the inclines, while the natural terrain engages stabilizing muscles and proprioception in ways that gym-based fitness simply cannot replicate."

Registration for the Longevity Challenge is open now through October 24. Participants staying at Crystal Mountain are eligible for a 15% lodging discount.

Other fall events at Crystal Mountain and nearby:

Other local events for fall enthusiasts include the Benzie County Fall Festival (Oct. 4), the Frankfort Film Festival (Oct. 15-19), and the Frankfort Fall Festival Craft Fair (Oct. 11). Nearby attractions to consider to enhance an autumn adventure day include Point Betsie Lighthouse, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and Arcadia Overlook. 

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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

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