Why This Ski Trip Meant More Than Any Gift Under the Tree

Group of people sitting in a festive, red-roofed wagon, smiling warmly.

Guest writer, Kortney Wilson shares her thoughts on why her recent trip to Crystal Mountain meant more this year.

Some trips are fun. Some trips are memorable. And then there are the trips that quietly remind you what really matters. That’s what this holiday ski trip to Crystal Mountain in Michigan became for our family.

We came together to spend time with my daughter’s biological siblings and their family. Since finding each other, it has always been important to stay connected and remain in each other’s lives. We all come from different backgrounds and different stories, but the amount of love that exists between all of us is undeniable. 

Group of seven friends smiling on a snowy ski slope.

And yes, when all fourteen of us are walking around together, people definitely stare. White parents. Black children. Teenagers. College kids. Littles. Adults. People try to figure us out, and honestly, we just laugh. Because what matters isn’t how we look together. It’s how we are together. And the love is loud.

One of the biggest reasons we chose Crystal Mountain is because it’s just easy. We’ve skied bigger mountains before, and while they’re impressive, they can also be overwhelming. With a group this size, if someone hops on the wrong lift, it could be hours before you see them again. That’s not relaxing, especially when you’re traveling with kids of all ages, from a little independent to a lot independent.

Aerial view of snow-covered ski slopes and resort buildings on a clear day.

Crystal Mountain hits the sweet spot. The mountain is big enough to challenge every skill level, but not so big that you feel disconnected. Cell service actually works. We could always find each other. And when we couldn’t find the kids on the slopes, we always knew exactly where they’d be. 

Clipper Cafe. Without fail.

The kids absolutely adored Clipper Cafe. Burgers, fries, and a place to regroup. Newsflash, they even have veggie burgers, which earned major points in our book. If the kids disappeared, you could guarantee they were there ordering food and laughing together.

A group of six people smiling on a couch in a cozy room.

Getting to Crystal Mountain was also surprisingly simple. We flew into Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City (about 30 miles northeast of Crystal Mountain), rented a car, and about an hour later, we were pulling into the resort. It was cost-effective, stress- free, and easy, even with a large group.

We stayed in a three-bedroom, two-bath cottage directly across from the Mountain Market, which is right in the heart of the village. Walkability mattered so much to us, and this location was perfect. Grocery store, ski rentals, Bru Bar coffee bar. Everything was right there.

People in winter gear gather around a small fire pit in a snowy outdoor setting.

The nights were my favorite part.

We played cards until all hours of the morning. Ridiculous board games. Endless laughter. Watching middle school kids hang out with our college-aged kids like it was the most normal thing in the world. And honestly, it was. They all truly consider each other siblings on both ends of this family, and seeing that bond form so naturally was something I’ll never forget.

Snowy ski resort lit up at twilight with hills and buildings.

The staff at Crystal Mountain deserves a moment of appreciation, too. Every single person we interacted with was kind, welcoming, and genuinely helpful. Since we were traveling during the holidays, that mattered even more. The entire resort was decorated beautifully. Lights, trees, and that cozy holiday magic you hope for when you travel in December. It really felt special.

Our ski days followed a rhythm that worked for everyone. Early mornings on the slopes. Meeting for lunch at the bottom of the hill. Afternoons where people peeled off to do their own thing. Spa time, hot tubs, naps, or cards. Then we regrouped again.

Night skiing ended up being the highlight of the trip. Some of us were under the lights on the slopes, while others relaxed nearby at the Vista Lounge for drinks, snacks, and warm refreshments. The perfect place overlooking the slopes to watch, laugh, and
cheer everyone on.

Family sitting at a round table in a restaurant.

One night, we all dressed up and headed to The Thistle for more of a traditional dining experience. The Scottish-themed restaurant is located in the Kinlochen building, where the other side of our family was staying, which made it even more meaningful.

There were still so many things we didn’t even get to. Near the Cross-Country Center is Michigan Legacy Art Park, a year-round wooded preserve home to dozens of sculptures big and small. You can rent snowshoes and set up a guided tour, but we simply just ran out of time. They also have an outdoor igloo dining experience that we had planned to try, but the night we were scheduled, it was just a little too cold for our crew. Next time, for sure.

We ended the trip with a horse-drawn surrey ride, complete with unlimited hot chocolate and nonstop laughter. And yes, The Waffle Cabin is every bit as good as people say. Do not skip it.

Three friends in retro ski outfits posing joyfully on a snowy slope.

At this stage of life, I’m realizing more than ever that it’s not about the presents under the tree. After Christmas, I asked the kids what their favorite part of the holiday was. Every single one of them said the ski trip.

That says everything.

It’s our job to teach our kids that experiences matter. That connection matters. That showing up for the people you love matters more than anything you can buy. 

Two people in knit hats smiling in a hot tub.

So, thank you to Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, Michigan, for existing and for creating a place where families like ours can gather, relax, laugh, and feel the magic. Not just of the holidays, but of being together.

We already can’t wait to go back and explore what else the Traverse City region has to offer. Truly.