Press Releases

Defending champion and LPGA Epson Tour player Jessica Welch of Thomasville, Ga., had the lead for the second consecutive day, but a bevy of talented amateur golfers are chasing her.

The defending champion and LPGA Epson Tour player from Thomasville, Ga., shot a 3-under 69 on the Mountain Ridge Course at Crystal Mountain to lead through the first round of the 32nd Michigan PGA Women’s Open Championship presented by Coca-Cola.

The 32nd Michigan PGA Women’s Open Championship presented by Coca-Cola, June 23-25, is the centerpiece of the celebration, but a special reception for tournament players on June 23 will feature LPGA Hall of Fame golfers Meg Mallon and Beth Daniel as speakers.

Mark Fenech has been named Director of Golf, and Doug Hand has taken over as Golf Operations Manager.

Ashley Curd and Skye Lemmen have joined Crystal Mountain as Group Sales Managers, bringing a wealth of experience and a shared passion for the region to their new roles. “Their impressive backgrounds, combined with their deep understanding of the meetings and events landscape and genuine passion for northern Michigan, make them invaluable additions," says Julie Oatman, Director of Sales.

After a successful ski and snowboard season, Crystal Mountain is extending the magic of winter with a hike and tube experience. "April Avalanche" is a unique two-day event that will offer snowy adventures, including snow tubing, as well as springtime activities, including golf. “Our talented grooming team will create an avalanche allowing us to build multiple snow tubing lanes," said Karyn Thorr, COO. "We are also planning some fun at the base of the slopes including a slopeside DJ, cookout and other mountain activities.”

Michigan Legacy Art Park invites art enthusiasts and community supporters to the annual Legacy Gala on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The fundraising event is a celebration of creativity and partnership and will be held inside the Crystal Center at Crystal Mountain. A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Michigan Legacy Art Park's distinguished Legacy Award to Chris and Jim MacInnes, the visionary stewards of Crystal Mountain, along with the Petritz family.

The Crystal Scholarship Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 scholarships, awarding a total of $23,000 to six exceptional individuals. The Crystal Scholarship Foundation was established to support the academic goals of Crystal Mountain employees and their dependents. Since February 2021, the foundation has awarded more than $100,000 to students.

A collaborative effort between Crystal Community Ski Club (CCSC), Detroit Outdoors, SOS Outreach, and Bus for Outdoor Access and Teaching (BOAT), is set to bring a group of students from Hamtramck High School to Crystal Mountain for an unforgettable winter adventure. The initiative is to break down socio-economic barriers and provide access to snowsports for students who might otherwise miss out on the joys of winter in Michigan.

Julie Oatman has been named the new Director of Sales at Crystal Mountain. Oatman comes to Crystal after working in sales for more than 25 years at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mount Pleasant, Mich. She began as Corporate and Incentive Sales Manager in 1998 and was promoted to Director of Sales and Catering in 2017. Oatman will develop sales strategies, generate new business, conduct market research, lead and develop the sales team, and manage customer relationships as DOC at Crystal Mountain.