Our Story

Four people on a ski lift, holding ski poles, smiling. Black and white photo.

Who we are & where we're going

We're here to welcome you at Crystal Mountain. With decades of experience sharing the beauty of Northern Michigan with our guests, we're happy to be recognized as one of North America’s premier family destinations by renowned travel publications like Condé Nast Traveler and Fodor’s Travel. 

What began with a simple dream shared by a group of local neighbors in Benzie County has evolved into a arms-wide-open community that knows how to deliver an unforgettable experience, and we couldn't be more proud. It is this spirit of community that has nurtured Crystal Mountain for nearly 70 years and will continue to guide its future.

Our Mission

Be the stage for the exceptional experiences that connect people with self, others, nature and ideas.

Our Vision

Become nationally-recognized as a year-round community that celebrates healthy lifestyles, is guided by enduring design principles, and is committed to responsible stewardship of our natural, human and economic resources.

Our Values

  • People and the environment: Our greatest assets that we pledge to respect, serve and sustain.
  • Quality: Part of our DNA that permeates every decision we make.
  • Safety: Job One -- Being vigilant to make this a safe place to live, work, learn and play.
  • Collaboration and partnerships: This is how we do things because it creates the highest value over time.
  • Profit: Earn through sustainable and responsible use of our resources.
  • Fun: It's the magic in our business.

We are dedicated to the guests we serve, the employees we trust, the community we support, and the shareholders and property owners we value.

Man adjusting a "Buck Hills" sign in a forest clearing.

Crystal's history

Crystal Mountain started as a school project in 1956, when a group of students led by their teacher, Ward Creech, identified the Buck Hills Range as the perfect location for a ski area. With community support, the Buck Hills Ski Club was formed. Over the decades, the resort has experienced significant growth and development, with over $200 million invested in various projects since 1989.

The history of Crystal Mountain

Rural landscape at sunset with hills, trees, and buildings.

Development timeline, 1956 - 2024

Crystal Mountain has transformed into a thriving year-round destination. Today, it offers a wide range of activities, from skiing and snowboarding to golfing and more. The pedestrian-friendly village, with its shops, restaurants, and accommodations, creates a welcoming atmosphere for both guests and residents. While the facilities have evolved from rope tows and a warming hut to modern amenities, the spirit of welcome, inclusion, and community in this pristine natural environment remains unchanged.

See our milestones

Silver LEED plaque on building, dated 2009.

Environmental commitment

Respect, serve and sustain our people and the environment. This is the first among Crystal Mountain’s core values. The two are inextricably connected; one’s prosperity dependent on the other. It is an idea that permeates every decision we make at the resort. As residents and business leaders of this beautiful region, we believe in taking the long term view by being mindful of balancing economic and ecological impact. This philosophy is reflected in developing a walkable village and investing in clean energy technology to reduce our carbon footprint and increase the resiliency of our mountain community.

See our Green Initiatives