Your Ultimate Guide to Spring at Crystal Mountain

White house with blooming trees under a blue sky.

There is a specific kind of magic that happens in Northern Michigan when the first buds appear. It’s a "season of transition"—that sweet spot where you can catch the final runs of the ski season in the morning and start dreaming about your first tee time by the afternoon.

Spring is often called our "hidden gem" season. It’s quieter, more reflective, and the perfect time to explore the resort at a slower pace. Whether you’re looking to find your zen or find a podium finish, here is everything happening this spring at Crystal Mountain.

Family in matching ski suits smiling on a snowy slope with a chalet in the background.

The Winter Finale

March at the Mountain

We aren't letting the snow go without a party. Spring Break on the Slopes (March 21 – April 5) is the perfect excuse for a getaway, especially with 25% off lodging starting March 22 through the end of the season.

If you love a good costume, the final Saturdays in March are for you. Dress up to match the theme and score $10 off your open-to-close lift ticket:

  • March 21 | Celts & Kayaks: Keep the St. Paddy’s spirit alive with kayak races on the slopes, skiing leprechauns, and a slopeside BBQ.
  • March 28 | Retro Day: Dig out the neon windbreakers, baggy jeans, and vintage knits. It’s the final "March at the Mountain" Saturday, and we expect plenty of mullets and old-school cool.

Easter Weekend (April 3–5) serves as the official wrap-up for skiing and riding. Between the "egg plunge" in the indoor pool and the legendary Easter buffet, it’s a weekend filled with family traditions.

Save 25% on Lodging

Child snow tubing down a snowy hill wearing a helmet and winter coat.

April Adventures

Tubing, Hiking, and Award-Winning Greens

Once the lifts stop spinning, the mountain doesn't stop moving. On April 11, the April Avalanche Hike & Tube returns. Our grooming team builds four massive tubing lanes on the Loki slope, plus a Tykes Tubing area. New this year: a Hike Park and Rail Jam featuring technical terrain like the "boxzilla" for those who want one last jib session.

And for the golfers? The wait is almost over. Mountain Ridge, recently named the Michigan Course of the Year, and Betsie Valley are taking tee time reservations for as early as April 10 (weather permitting). 

Swing Away

May is a Month for Wellness

May is all about rejuvenation. Crystal Spa Days (May 1 – June 14) returns just in time for Mother’s Day. With select services starting at $125, you can choose from hydrating facials, tranquil massages, or restorative body treatments.

Select 50-minute services available:

  • Tranquil Massage
  • Crystal Sole Massage
  • Mother-To-Be Massage
  • Crystal Glow Organic Facial
  • Honey Harvest Glow Body Treatment

Pro Tip: Elevate your experience by arriving 30 minutes early and staying 60 minutes late to enjoy the eucalyptus steam room, infrared sauna, relaxation lounge, and the outdoor mosaic hot tub garden.

Relax & Rejuvenate

For the adrenaline seekers, May 9 marks the inaugural Crystal Rush Mountain Bike Race. This isn't your average trail ride; it’s authentic XCO-style action with a technical 3.1-mile lap and $2,500 in cash prizes on the line.

At Crystal Rush, every lap is a "choose your own adventure" experience. Riders can choose their own adventure each lap: send it on the more technical A-line, or take the slightly longer, more traditional B-line down the mountain.

This course wasn't just pulled out of thin air. It’s the result of an elite collaboration between:

  • Kyan Olshove: The visionary behind the features.
  • Rob Martin: Pro insight from Bike Life with Rob.
  • Earl Whitney: Crystal Mountain’s resident trail expert.

Fast-Paced Action

Michigan Beer & Brat Festival at Crystal Mountain featuring Michigan breweries.

The Summer Kickoff

Memorial Day Weekend

The season reaches its crescendo Memorial Day Weekend (May 22–24). For nearly two decades, Crystal has celebrated the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend with the Michigan Beer and Brat Festival, which is the ultimate celebration of Michigan-made goodness:

  • The Sips: Nearly two dozen well-known and brand new vendors come out to pour beer, cider, mead, wine, and spirits. Pro Tip: VIP Admission receives a special Reserve Beer.
  • The Eats: Specialty brats from northwest Michigan meat markets featuring flavors like salsa, mac n' cheese, and cherry, plus local asparagus and homemade chips. Pro Tip: Take advantage of the half-brat option for fewer tickets so you can try more flavors!
  • The Tunes: Live sets from Jedi Mind Trip followed by the high-energy anthems of The RockShow Band.

The holiday weekend also marks the season debut of popular summer activities, including the outdoor pool, water playground, adventure course, and Michigan’s only dual alpine slide. Shoppers can also take advantage of a massive Ski and Boot Blowout Sale in Barr Park, alongside sidewalk sales near the Mountain Market, Kinlochen Shop, and Peak Boutique.

Memorial Day Weekend

Man in ski gear smiling at a snowy ski resort with a lift in the background.

Join the Team

A great place to work and play

Love it here so much, you want to stay? We are hosting Job Fairs on April 16, April 29, and May 16. We have full-time and part-time, seasonal and year-round spots open. In addition to competitive wages, all Crystal Mountain employees enjoy many other benefits:

  • Free skiing, snowboarding, and golfing
  • Free professional group ski and snowboard lessons
  • Free use of the Peak Indoor Pool & Fitness Center, Park at Water's Edge, Alpine Slide, and more
  • Exclusive discounts on meals, retail, lodging, and spa services

Crystal Careers

Ready to start your spring adventure? Whether you're looking for a solo retreat to the spa or a family weekend of laser tag and archery, we’ll see you at the mountain.

Plan Your Getaway