What's New This Winter
WINTER 2018 - 2019
Not unlike a snowflake, each winter at Crystal Mountain is a little different. There’s always something new. A year ago the very first drinks were being poured at the Bru Bar. The doors opened to the Mountain Market and guests got their first glances at the snow swept landscape from the balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows of the Inn Residences. This season brings an extra week, gets some added flavor from the Market, sheds new light on the cross-country skiing and figures in a new surface skating in the middle of the village.
A NEW RINK
The winter setting in the midst of Barr Park is among the most magical within the village as skaters take turns gliding across the ice. This winter Crystal Mountain's ice rink will be a little less subject to the meteorological whims of Mother Nature and Old Man Winter. A new skating surface with a chiller is being installed to allow more consistent opportunities for figure-eights, even as the temperature climbs above freezing. Alongside the new rink will be a new bonfire area in which to both get toasty and toast to a beautiful winter’s day on the mountain.
TEST THE MARKET
With the turning lifts, beautiful snow and Crystal Crispies beckoning from the Clipper Café it can be easy to get distracted from a delectable option in the heart of the village. Just a short walk from the slopes is the Mountain Market, located in the Inn lobby. The locally sourced Ebels meats, artisan cheeses, chef-made sandwiches, salad bar and other snacks (sweet, salty and all flavors between) can be a great break for whatever the meal or a stop to load up on food and drink for an apres ski party. Keep an eye on Crystal’s Facebook and Instagram pages for special events and offers throughout the winter.
BE A NASTAR
Few ski areas in the Midwest see more NASTAR racers than Crystal Mountain. The course is on the same slope this season but will have a different name that honors one of its most legendary competitors (more details on page 22). In addition to a new price for juniors (two runs for $3) and free pre-race clinics (Monday and Wednesday-Sunday) come some special events. Olympian Daron Rahlves will be here for NASTAR pacesetting trials on December 19, 2018, the NASTAR Midwest Championships visit February 9-10, 2019 with Medalist Weekend on the schedule March 23-24, 2019.
SOLAR-POWERED SKIING
Night-skiing is a Midwest tradition but not just on the downhill trails. For years, Crystal Mountain has lighted five kilometers of its Otter trail for night skiing. The only change to that tradition this year is how the trail is lit. The new lighting won’t rely on a plug but the sun as solar-powered lights brightly illuminate the path ahead for cross-country skiers - only with more energy efficiency.
AN ATOMIC FLEET
The Nordic Center in Kinlochen is literally going Atomic. A new retail line of skis, poles and boots – classic and skate – will be available in the shop this winter. If you haven’t tried cross-country skiing, Winter Trails Day on January 5, 2019 is a great opportunity for an introduction and a good workout.
LIFT YOUR SPIRITS AT CRYSTAL SPA
New to the menu of services for this winter, Crystal Spa’s Barrel-aged Body Treatment, Winter Wheat Massage and Tawney Port Pedicure will feature special product infused with Iron Fish spirits. Meanwhile, Table Thai and Thai Foot Reflexology will also be added. This is a modern expression of a more than 2,500-year-old tradition of Asian bodywork using the whole body to treat the whole body. Guests are moved into a series of yoga-like stretches to help increase range of motion and muscular strength. More energizing and dynamic than traditional massage, Thai works with the body's movement potential on a comfortable mat on the floor or table aiding in recovery and performance.
AN EXTRA WEEK
The chairlifts will stay open a week longer than usual this season, until April 7, 2019. Of course to ski and snowboard we’ll still need permission from Mother Nature and Old Man Winter. Regardless, the Edge Adventure Course, Vertical Edge Climbing Wall, indoor pool, fat tire bikes and plenty of other Spring Break activities will offer a fun finish to what is sure to be another spectacular season.