Building Bridges and Confidence

Skiers posing on a snowy hill, wearing winter gear and holding ski poles.

Crystal Community Ski Club: Building Bridges and Confidence through Michigan Winters

At Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, Michigan, winter is more than a season to endure - it is a season to celebrate. While Benzie County holds the title of Michigan’s smallest county by land area, it is home to a non-profit organization with a massive reach: the Crystal Community Ski Club (CCSC).

Built by the community, for the community, CCSC was founded in 2018 with a simple but powerful mission to inspire youth ages 7–18 to fall in love with the snow, regardless of their background, skill level, or socioeconomic status.

Children skiing in a snowy landscape, wearing colorful winter gear.

Exponential Growth and Community Impact

What started as a modest initiative has blossomed into a regional powerhouse. In just eight seasons, CCSC has more than quadrupled its reach—growing from 189 students in 2018 to over 1,100 students across 12 programs. While many participants are first-time skiers and riders, CCSC provides a clear path for those who wish to learn a new skill, pursue competitive athletics, or explore career opportunities within the world of snowsports.

"Learn to" Programs

For many participants, the journey begins with entry-level programs designed to create a lifelong passion for winter sports. The Master the Mountain and Friday Night Lights programs serve as the primary gateways for learning to ski or snowboard. Occurring one day a week, these programs organize kids into age- and skill-appropriate groups, making it easy for over 100 participants to progress from beginner to advanced levels while building mountain camaraderie and lasting friendships.

For those interested in cross-country skiing, the Nordic Squirrels program offers a playful introduction for 4th and 5th graders. This one-day-a-week program focuses on the foundations of Classic skiing through games, fun drills, and exploration on the "Rabbit Trails." With equipment provided and individual attention from PSIA-certified coaches, the Nordic Squirrels program ensures that new skiers feel supported as they discover the joy of the trails.

Group of smiling skiers in colorful gear with medals in a wooden lodge setting.

Developing Athletes: Alpine and Nordic Racing

For youngsters looking to sharpen their skills and experience the thrill of competition, CCSC offers robust racing programs in both downhill and cross-country disciplines:

Alpine Race Academy: Designed for ages 7–18, this academy focuses on improving competitive race skills and results. With a variety of program options tailored to different goals, athletes can find the perfect fit to elevate their performance. 

Nordic Ski Team: Open to grades 6–12, the Middle School and High School Ski Team offers beginner to advanced instruction in an exciting environment. Students learn both Classic and Skate techniques while building fitness and friendships on the trails. 

No prior experience is necessary, and participants have the option to join the Nordic or Alpine Race Teams. 

Breaking Down Barriers: Nordic Rocks & Homeschool Programs

The Nordic Rocks program remains the club’s largest initiative. Led by Nordic Director Beth Major and Tim Furbach, this program partners with over 12 schools across five counties to provide lessons, certified instructors, and equipment at no cost to the schools or families. This season, Nordic Rocks will bring over 700 children to the XC trails at Crystal Mountain, providing vital outdoor activity for kids who might otherwise never have the chance to experience winter sports.

Additionally, the club offers a specialized Nordic Homeschool Program for students in 3rd through 12th grade. Program directors use games and trail exploration to share the joy of cross-country skiing. CCSC provides all boots, skis, poles, and trail passes for participants, and the sessions conclude with hot chocolate and snacks at the Nordic Center.

A Mission Fueled by Generosity

The heart of CCSC is the Scholarship Program, which is funded entirely by grants and individual donations. For the 2024-25 season, the club allocated $28,000 in direct scholarship funds to support 101 youth. These scholarships provide more than just equipment; they provide access to the slopes up to four times a week, allowing kids to build lifelong skills and confidence.

Building Bridges: From Flint to Hamtramck

Inclusion is a core value of CCSC, and the organization’s impact now extends far beyond Northwest Michigan. Through partnerships with groups like the Share Winter Foundation, SOS Outreach, and Detroit Outdoors, the club welcomes youth from urban, diverse communities to experience the "Up North" winter lifestyle, specifically at Crystal Mountain.

Flint YMCA: Since 2021, CCSC has hosted a youth ski group from the YMCA of Greater Flint. These students don’t just learn to ski; they partner with the Junior Instructor Program to see what it’s like to lead on the mountain.

Hamtramck High School: This partnership with the metro-Detroit school brings students from across the world to Crystal Mountain. Many students in the "SOS Learn to Ride" program are first-generation immigrants from Yemen, Bangladesh, and Poland.

Whether exploring the slopes or trails on skis, hiking the Michigan Legacy Art Park, or curating a meal together, visits like these inspire a deep, lasting connection among kids from different backgrounds enjoying the same camaraderie on snow. 

Snowboarders posing in front of a lodge on a sunny day.
Large group posing outdoors in ski gear at snowy resort.
Group of people gathered around an SOS Outreach banner indoors.
Group of skiers posing joyfully on a snowy slope, with trees in the background.
Group of people in winter clothing posing on a snowy ski slope under a blue sky.
Group of skiers wearing winter gear, smiling on wooden stairs and outside building.
Group of skiers posing on snowy slope, wearing helmets and winter gear.
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Four people in winter gear smiling and rolling a red snow fence on a snowy day.

Preparing Future Leaders: Junior Instructor and Junior Patrol Programs

Beyond athletics, CCSC is committed to the long-term sustainability of the snowsports industry by introducing youth to professional career paths. 

The Junior Ski Patrol program allows participants ages 12–15 to learn basic first aid, mountain safety, and technical skiing skills under the guidance of the National Ski Patrol. These students eventually serve alongside professionals, assisting with hill closures and accident scenes to earn a Junior Patrol certificate. 

The Junior Instructor program offers youth ages 13–18 the chance to earn national recognition as they learn the art of snowsports instruction. Through professional training and shadowing experienced mentors, these young leaders develop the communication and leadership skills necessary to inspire the next generation of skiers and riders.

Support the Mission

CCSC is primarily fueled by donations. The only full-time employee is the Executive Director, and the rest of the team, including program directors and administrators, generally serve as coaches in addition to their other responsibilities.

Those interested in keeping Michigan kids active and outdoors every winter can learn more about donating or volunteering at ccskiclub.org

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