Mark Fenech has been named Director of Golf, and Doug Hand has taken over as Golf Operations Manager.

Ashley Curd and Skye Lemmen have joined Crystal Mountain as Group Sales Managers, bringing a wealth of experience and a shared passion for the region to their new roles. “Their impressive backgrounds, combined with their deep understanding of the meetings and events landscape and genuine passion for northern Michigan, make them invaluable additions," says Julie Oatman, Director of Sales.

After a successful ski and snowboard season, Crystal Mountain is extending the magic of winter with a hike and tube experience. "April Avalanche" is a unique two-day event that will offer snowy adventures, including snow tubing, as well as springtime activities, including golf. “Our talented grooming team will create an avalanche allowing us to build multiple snow tubing lanes," said Karyn Thorr, COO. "We are also planning some fun at the base of the slopes including a slopeside DJ, cookout and other mountain activities.”

Michigan Legacy Art Park invites art enthusiasts and community supporters to the annual Legacy Gala on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The fundraising event is a celebration of creativity and partnership and will be held inside the Crystal Center at Crystal Mountain. A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Michigan Legacy Art Park's distinguished Legacy Award to Chris and Jim MacInnes, the visionary stewards of Crystal Mountain, along with the Petritz family.

The Crystal Scholarship Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 scholarships, awarding a total of $23,000 to six exceptional individuals. The Crystal Scholarship Foundation was established to support the academic goals of Crystal Mountain employees and their dependents. Since February 2021, the foundation has awarded more than $100,000 to students.

A collaborative effort between Crystal Community Ski Club (CCSC), Detroit Outdoors, SOS Outreach, and Bus for Outdoor Access and Teaching (BOAT), is set to bring a group of students from Hamtramck High School to Crystal Mountain for an unforgettable winter adventure. The initiative is to break down socio-economic barriers and provide access to snowsports for students who might otherwise miss out on the joys of winter in Michigan.

Julie Oatman has been named the new Director of Sales at Crystal Mountain. Oatman comes to Crystal after working in sales for more than 25 years at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mount Pleasant, Mich. She began as Corporate and Incentive Sales Manager in 1998 and was promoted to Director of Sales and Catering in 2017. Oatman will develop sales strategies, generate new business, conduct market research, lead and develop the sales team, and manage customer relationships as DOC at Crystal Mountain.

After nearly two feet of natural snowfall and more than 75 hours of snowmaking, Crystal Mountain is more than ready to welcome skiers and snowboarders to the slopes. The 2024-25 season kicks off Friday, Dec. 6. First chair celebration will be at noon sharp on the Crystal Clipper High-Speed Quad chairlift.

As the calendar flips to October it means snowmaking season is just about a month away. Learn what's new around the resort for winter 2024 - 25.

Before Crystal Mountain dons its white winter coat of snow, it’s wrapped in a vibrant tapestry of fall colors. Here are a few things to consider when planning your leaf-peeping trips to northern Michigan to see the fiery reds, deep oranges, and golden yellows that surround this four-season resort.

The NEW dual Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide will have you riding the Loki Quad chairlift to the top of the mountain, hopping on a specially designed sled, and cruising down two 1,600-foot-long curved tracks. You control the speed in this action-packed thrill ride with new tunnels, dips, high bank turns, and spectacular views.

Crystal Mountain has become the first four-season resort destination in Michigan to achieve Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) status. This certification is part of a broader initiative by Traverse City Tourism to turn the Traverse City region into a Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD).

Jessica Welch of Thomasville, Ga., saw an eight-shot lead dwindle to just one before making a seven-foot birdie putt on the final hole to win the 31st Michigan PGA Women’s Open Championship presented by Coca-Cola by two shots.

Jessica Welch has held the lead heading into the final round before, but never by as many as six shots. Welch, who has finished second in each of the last two years at Crystal Mountain, will attempt to hold off the field in the $40,000 championship for her first pro win since winning a mini-tour event last December in Florida. The first-place check will be $7,500.

Jessica Welch’s favorite week of the year is here, and she celebrated with a 9-under 63 to launch into the lead through one round of the 31st Michigan PGA Women’s Open Championship presented by Coca-Cola Monday on the Mountain Ridge Course at Crystal Mountain.

Crystal Mountain will host the 31st Michigan PGA Women’s Open Championship presented by Coca-Cola next Monday through Wednesday, June 24-26.

Crystal Spa is pleased to announce Andrea Argy as the new Spa Director. A seasoned spa industry leader with more than 20 years of experience, Andrea brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for wellness to her new role.

After a opportunities for people to ski and golf in the same day, the skis and snowboards are put away and the 2024 golf season is officially set to begin April 12. Besides a new fleet of GPS golf carts, here's what's being done to enhance the golf experience to come at Crystal Mountain.

The Crystal Scholarship Foundation is delighted to announce the distinguished recipients of the 2024 scholarships, marking a significant milestone in the foundation’s commitment to supporting local students in furthering their education.

Winter isn’t over yet; in fact, spring doesn’t officially arrive until March 19. Despite the unseasonably warmer days in northern Michigan this winter, there is still plenty of snow on the slopes for skiing and riding through the end of the season. Celebrate sun and snow with fun-filled March at the Mountain events. Plus, it's Season passholder Appreciation Month! Oh, and a March Premier Pass will let you ski and ride every day until the end of the season for just $169 or less.

Although Michigan is currently experiencing unseasonable temperatures, the slopes are open at Crystal Mountain for skiing and snowboarding. In fact, for those who don’t love brutally cold temperatures, these springlike skiing and riding conditions are perfect.

Grab your gear, it’s time to slide into the 2023-24 ski and snowboard season at Crystal Mountain. Lifts start spinning Friday, Dec. 1 from noon-4:30pm, and than Saturday and Sunday 9am-4:30pm. Three cross-country trails and the ice skating rink are also ready to go!

More snow cannons, new rental equipment and a unique igloo dining experience are just some of the new things to look forward to this winter at Crystal Mountain.

Before Crystal Mountain transforms into a winter wonderland covered in white, Mother Nature paints a kaleidoscope of colors across the four-season resort. Here's why you need to add Crystal Mountain to your fall adventure bucket list.

Crystal Mountain is pleased to introduce Jamie Davison as director of golf. Davison comes to Crystal with a wealth of experience in golf operations and leadership at various country clubs across the nation.

After nearly 30 years at Crystal Mountain, Arah Johnson has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Valentina Haupt’s first professional win happened at the same place she made her debut as a professional in 2019.

The resort is hosting the Women’s Open for the 21st time on its signature course, Mountain Ridge, and recognizing the tournament’s 30th anniversary with a party on Monday night.

Crystal Mountain leadership is pleased to announce the promotion of Brittney Primeau (Buti) to the Director of Communications. This comes after serving nearly two years as the manager of public relations.

Whether you’re looking for exciting events or relaxation this summer, Crystal Mountain is the place to be. This summer’s event calendar is packed with fun activities, festivals, outdoor recreation and opportunities to make memories that will last a lifetime.

In what is being called a “Comprehensive Partnership,” Ferris State University and Crystal Mountain signed a first-of-its-kind agreement that provides a broad range of career exploration, employment and internship options for students, and training opportunities for employees.

Crystal Mountain is thrilled to announce Daisy Fleisher as Director of Sales. Fleisher, 42, comes to Crystal Mountain after ten years of working at hotels and resorts in Las Vegas.

The Crystal Scholarship Foundation (CSF) will award more than $23,000 to deserving local students. Four new recipients were selected to receive up to $5,000 this year, plus the two recipients from 2022 will receive a Second Year Award. All CSF recipients are Crystal Mountain employees or dependents of Crystal employees.

National and local nonprofit organizations demonstrate the power of collaboration by bringing metro-Detroit students back to Crystal Mountain for the second year in a row.

Matthew Clayson has been elected as the next President of the CCSC Board of Directors, effective November 16, 2022. Crystal Community Ski Club (CCSC) was established to develop and lead programming that removes barriers in getting kids involved in winter sports. “I am excited that Matt is at the helm of our Board as CCSC plans the next steps of its future,” says Hunter Steinkamp, CCSC Operations Manager. “Matt's experience in the nonprofit, legal, and business sectors as well as his passion for snowsports will certainly be of benefit to CCSC and the youth we serve."

Make some turns and make a difference this weekend at Crystal Mountain. On Saturday, December 10, anyone ages 7+ who brings at least three nonperishable food items or personal hygiene items will receive a $20 lift ticket to ski and ride from 9:30am-4:30pm. All donations will benefit Benzie Area Christian Neighbors (BACN).

The first day of winter is more than a month away (Dec. 21) but the slopes are already covered in the first layer of white! As skiers, snowboarders and snow-lovers alike patiently away opening day, there are a few other things guests can look forward to this winter: more snowmaking, new rental equipment, on-mountain food and drinks, and more!

More than a dozen people are celebrating over a decade of working at Crystal Mountain. Many of them started at entry level positions and are now senior managers or part of the executive team. Those interested in starting their Crystal career are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming job fairs. Full-time, part-time, on-call and seasonal opportunities are now open.

Crystal Mountain has named Karyn Thorr chief operating officer. Thorr has been an employee for 29 years and has since managed many different departments at Crystal, but it was her passion for snowsports that landed her at the family-owned resort in 1993.

The time for a chairlift ride, bike ride or keeping warm by a campfire is now. Fall Fun Saturdays kick off at Crystal Mountain Oct. 1. Immerse yourself in the colorful trees with a bike ride or hike on miles of wooded trails, or gaze on from above via Scenic Chairlift Ride. There is plenty of fall family fun and relaxation to be had this season.

What started as a work trip in 1972 has turned into quite the golf tradition. Thanks to a brochure near the Detroit area, Don Clark visited Crystal Mountain with a group of friends in 1972 and has been back with more and more people every year since. This year they celebrated 50 years with a champagne toast.

When Fisher passed away from cancer on July 22, just a few weeks shy of his tenth birthday (Aug. 12), his loss was felt near and far. Those who knew him, and those who never met him but followed him on social media, remember him by sharing their favorite photos and memories. Now, Fisher Fans are honoring and continuing his legacy of making a difference through the Fisher Fund.

More than a dozen international workers at Crystal Mountain are learning what it’s like to not only work, but play, in northern Michigan. Crystal’s Human Resources team has planned several cultural activities for the group outside of work including a Traverse City Pit Spitters baseball game, a day trip to Traverse City for the National Cherry Festival, authentic potluck dinners, swimming in Crystal Lake and tubing on Platte River.

Sarah White of Caledonia shot a 9-under 63 Wednesday to rally from five shots behind and win the 29th Michigan PGA Women’s Open Championship on the Mountain Ridge course at Crystal Mountain.

Chelsea Dantonio, a second-year professional from East Aurora, N.Y., shot a 5-under in round two of the Michigan PGA Women's Open. After two rounds on Mountain Ridge, the 24-year-old is sitting at two under par heading into the last 18 of 54 holes for the final round.

Sandra Angulo Minarro, a 33-year-old professional from Port St. Lucie, Fla., shot a bogey-free 5-under 67 to lead after the first round of the 29th Michigan PGA Women’s Open at Crystal Mountain Monday. Olivia Stoll of Haslett, Mich., the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Freshman Golfer of the Year for Grand Valley State University, shot 70 to stand alone in second. Jocelyn Bruch, an amateur from Carmel, Ind., had the shot of the day with a hole-in-one on the par 3 No. 12 hole, which was playing into the wind at 170 yards for the first round. She shot 74.

“Whether they’re a pro or amateur, the players in the Michigan PGA Women’s Open are unique and fun to watch,” said Greg Babinec, PGA Head Professional at Crystal. “The ladies swing with grace, you can learn something from them, and overall the event is a fun social setting to catch up with local players and meet new talent from around the world.”

Crystal Mountain has been named one of “West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” for the second year in a row, further distinguishing the four-season resort as a phenomenal place for a career.

The largest 3D archery event in the nation is happening this weekend at Crystal Mountain. Thousands of archers from all across the country are gathered in Thompsonville for the Total Archery Challenge. This is the only event of its kind in Michigan this year.

Saturday, May 21, our new and improved Bike Park opens for the 2022 season. It's designed for bikers of all skill levels and features technical berms, rock gardens, flowy rollers, and five new downhill trails. Also new for 2022, bike carriers have been added to the Crystal Clipper high-speed chairlift, so trips to the top of the mountain for another lap down will be quicker than ever. To celebrate it all, there is a long list of new and returning bike events on the calendar this season. Check it out!

Crystal Mountain is one of five Michigan businesses to be recognized by Good For Michigan as a 2022 Good For Michigan Award winner.

The Michigan Beer and Brat Festival returns to Crystal mountain after a wo-year hiatus! More than 1,300 pounds of brats and 140,000 ounces of beers, wine, hard cider and spirits has been ordered for the event on may 28. But your ticket before May 21 for a chance to win a $500 gift card to Crystal Mountain!

A shared love of golf is a pretty strong bond. But the love shared by a mother and daughter who golf together at Crystal Mountain is magical. Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll, head coach of women’s golf at Michigan State University, was 8 months pregnant when she played in the Michigan Women's Open Pro-Am at Crystal Mountain in 2003. Now, her daughter is a collegiate golfer competing in the same tournament 20 years later.

The Crystal Scholarship Foundation (CSF) is continuing to help deserving, local students further their education beyond high school. Now in its second year of awarding scholarships, two students have been chosen to receive up to $5,000: Megan Gydesen and Craig Seger. The scholarship is open to Crystal Mountain employees and their dependents.

After a successful winter sliding on snow, Crystal Mountain is getting ready for another busy season - summer! And the resort wants you to be a part of its award-winning team. Check out more than 50 open positions across several different departments by attending one of three upcoming job fairs.

Melt the stress away this spring with Crystal Spa Days at Crystal Mountain. April 8-May 15 enjoy $40 off Monday-Thursday and $20 off Friday-Sunday. While you're there, be sure to say hello to the new Crystal Spa Manager, Laurie Peet!

Rest easy when you hop on over to Crystal Mountain for Easter weekend! There are plenty of spring activities lined up for Saturday including painting crafts and pictures with the Easter Bunny. Enjoy Easter brunch either in person or order brunch to-go. Lodging discounts, Crystal Spa Days and Golf are all happening, too!

Crystal Mountain is championing that “Meetings Matter” on Global Meetings Industry Day, an international day of advocacy held on March 30 to showcase the essential nature and incredible value created by business meetings, trade shows, conferences and conventions.

The Michigan Beer and Brat Festival is returning to Crystal Mountain after a two-year hiatus – cheers to that! The popular Memorial Day weekend event features Michigan-made craft brews, meads, hard ciders, wines, liquors and, of course, locally sourced brats. Buy your ticket in advance and save!

A northern Michigan ski coach with a well-known family history in area ski racing, and longtime ties with Crystal Mountain, has been inducted into the Michigan High School Ski Coaches Association (MHSSCA) Hall of Fame. Shaun Johnson, 67, is the first ski coach from Benzie Central to be inducted since MHSSCA was founded in 1988.

According to a 2021 participation survey from the Outdoor Industry Association, outdoor recreation across the country lacks diversity. Crystal Mountain and Crystal Community Ski Club (CCSC) are working together to build partnerships and engage groups to help change that – all while helping reduce barriers to participating in outdoor activities.

The 2022-23 Premier Season Pass Sale is the best deal of the year for adults, juniors, seniors, college students, military heroes, healthcare workers and children. The prices will never be lower to ensure unlimited skiing and riding all season long, plus Passholder Perks!

Michigan skier Kyle Kelly and snowboarder friend Brad Dykstra will stop at Crystal Mountain in their attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most ski areas skied in a 24-hour period. Kelly and Dykstra have 22 ski areas on their list. The previous record of 17 was set in Japan in 2017.

Several Crystal Community Ski Club racers qualified for Michigan High School Athletic Association 2022 Skiing Championships in alpine ski divisions.

Celebrate the start of spring with fun activities on the mountain every weekend in March. The Teddy Knape Fest returns February 19 and March at the Mountain kicks off March 5th with Mardi Gras!

Crystal Community Ski Club has six athletes from its Crystal Nordic team headed to the Michigan High School Nordic State Championship in Ishpeming this weekend. Around 100 high school skiers from clubs and high schools across the state are expected to compete. The state championship is just one of several race events Crystal Nordic has successfully competed in this year.

After its debut last year as the first ski and snowboard pump track in Michigan, The Pumping Service Pump Track has returned to Crystal Mountain. “Our new branding has been in front of thousands of skiers and riders on the hill," Nate Geeting, co-owner of The Pumping Service, said. "We have had several local residents tell us they’ve seen our signs.”

Since 2009, Crystal Spa has made the Spas of America Top 100 list. The 2021 list includes 83 spas from the U.S. with Crystal Spa as the top-ranked spa in Michigan and No. 10 in North America. “It’s such an honor to be ranked number one among all of the incredible spas in our state,” Vice President of Retail and Wellness Stephanie Scott said. “Our talented team works so hard, so it’s very exciting to share the news with them and let them know their passion and hard work does not go unnoticed.”

“Major influence,” “living legend,” and “a force of nature” – these are just some of the words used to describe Keith Van Duzen, Crystal Mountain’s first mountain manager. He passed away January 13 at the age of 92. One of the original founders of Buck Hills, Keith was an integral part of our history and helped make Crystal Mountain what it is today. This morning we honored him by laying a wreath at Eden Hill run, named after the road the Van Duzen family lived on. His legacy and impact will be remembered for generations to come.

If opening day is the most exciting day of the season, the second most exciting day of the season is here: All 58 slopes across 103 skiable acres are 100% open as of Jan. 15 – three weeks earlier than last season. With Mother Nature dumping more than a foot of snow this month and snowmakers running the snow guns for more than 450 hours so far this season, skiers and riders have a base of up to 54 inches at Crystal Mountain.

If you’re looking to try something new in 2022, all while embracing northern Michigan’s winter wonderland, Crystal Mountain has you covered. From beginner lessons to advanced races, the Crystal calendar is full of activities sure to get you through to spring. Check it out!

Crystal Mountain's snowmakers are in the running as the best snowmaking team in North America! It's the first time a Michigan ski resort has been chosen as a finalist in the I Am a Snowmaker contest presented by Ski Area Management. Cast your vote today to show your support! The winner is expected to be announced Jan. 24.

“The Holiday Open House is an event spa staff looks forward to all year, as well as the announcement of the Year of Spa winner,” Crystal Spa Supervisor Koreen MacNeil said. “It really makes us all feel special when we can be a part of offering up such a wonderful gift to a wonderful guest such as Shelly.”

To stress the importance of employee safety, Crystal Mountain brought in a physical therapist and certified athletic trainer from Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital for hands-on lift operations training.

There’s snow better way to ring in 2022 than on the slopes! Those with a Dec. 31 lift ticket or season pass can sign up to be a part of the NYE Family Glow Light and Torchlight Parades. Choose one of the delicious Holiday Dinners from the Thistle Pub and Grille or the Wild Tomato before dancing the night away at the Vista Lounge.

“It is an honor to lead Crystal Mountain and continue building upon our legacy of reimagining the mountain and resort experience for our team, our guests and our property owners,” Melcher said. “I’m excited about the incredible growth opportunities ahead for Crystal Mountain because we are all committed to making this family-owned, family-centric resort the best in the Midwest.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer to our Crystal Mountain family,” John Melcher, COO of Crystal Mountain, said. “Her extensive experience in human resources, hospitality and business makes her a great addition to our executive team."

Two years and more than 200 pages later, Thompsonville in Time is complete. Newspaper articles, photographs, and stories dating back to the late 1890s to today document the area’s history every step of the way. From one of the first northern Michigan towns to generate electricity to dam failures and depleted forests. And of course, the story of how Buck Hills evolved from a class assignment to a community ski hill, and now, Crystal Mountain.

“It’s pretty amazing. I don’t even know where to begin when it comes to how much Crystal Mountain has changed,” Cutler said. “I feel like my career is a testament to what Crystal focuses on, which is investing in community, families, and quality infrastructure.”

Whether you prefer pedaling on the pavement, gearing up on gravel or racing to a new record, the 13th annual Up North Bike Fest has the ride for you! This year’s Bike Benzie event features six different routes to fit a wide range of abilities.

“I was pleased to be nominated again, after being the runner-up the last two years,” said Brandon Dean, assistant golf professional at Crystal Mountain. “It’s very flattering to win this award; to show I am improving my knowledge of the game of golf and the PGA.”

On a sunny Sunday morning in early March, eleven youth boarded a bus at the YMCA of Greater Flint and took off on an adventure, headed to Crystal Mountain.

More snow guns, water pipe heading to the resort for next winter.

Reagan Thorr is the first recipient of the Crystal Scholarship Foundation scholarship. She will receive $5,000 toward her college education.

In a first for Michigan, Crystal Mountain has partnered with The Pumping Service LLC to develop the state’s only ski and snowboard pump track. “The Pumping Service Pump Track at Crystal Mountain” opened Friday, February 19.

Skiers and snowboarders rejoice! More snow is headed to Crystal Mountain, thanks to continued investments at the resort.

In a first for Michigan ski resorts, Crystal Mountain is installing RFID (radio frequency identification device) ticketing and gate systems for chairlift access, moving from metal wickets and sticky paper to the newest technology. The improvements will be in place for the 2020-2021 winter season, getting skiers and snowboarders on the slopes safer and faster.

Crystal Mountain introduces Crystal Clean, a commitment to an enhanced standard of health and safety protocols designed to prepare the resort to safely welcome back employees and guests as the Michigan economy reopens. The resort plans to open the hotel on May 29.

After careful consideration of the quickly changing circumstances around COVID-19, Crystal Mountain will close all ski and snowboard operations for the 2019-2020 season effective at 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 16.

A newly constructed yurt is nestled atop The Backyard and North Face, and will serve as a cozy rest stop for some of the resort’s youngest skiers, aged 7 to 12, who are enrolled in Crystal Kids ski school.

Over the summer the resort added another snowmaking machine to its arsenal but that’s not all that’s new for the winter of 2019/20.

Scott will oversee the design, development and execution of digital and on-site retail strategy, promotion and customer experience. She continues her leadership role at Crystal Spa where she has spent nearly a decade.

An international field of professionals and amateurs take to the Mountain Ridge course for a 16th consecutive year.

Crystal Mountain is one of three ski areas to be nationally recognized by SKI magazine as a 2018 Golden Eagle Award winner.

The new Mountain Market and an alpine slide anniversary among summer highlights at Crystal Mountain.

25 suites, Mountain Market, Bru Bar and rooftop terrace highlight what’s new at Crystal Mountain The $11 million expansion makes its debut along with new terrain features, March events and a Waffle Cabin.

Crystal Mountain is pleased to announce Chris MacInnes’ promotion to President of Crystal Enterprises Inc. and the hiring of John Melcher as the resort’s new Chief Operating Officer (COO).

In the midst of its 60th anniversary celebration Crystal Mountain has even more to celebrate after being named among Conde Nast Traveler’s Ten Best Family Ski Resorts in the U.S. and Canada.

A Benzonia High School class project 60 years ago determined Crystal Mountain had the best terrain and snowfall in Benzie County for downhill skiing. The celebration of those student’s brilliance is among “What’s new this winter at Crystal Mountain.”

Boldijarre Koronczay’s clientele includes A-list celebrities like Channing Tatum, Paula Patton, Jessica Biel and Katherine Heigl.

Travel Michigan VP Dave Lorenz will be in attendance as the resort moves toward opening 100% of its terrain for the holiday weekend.

The winter season approaches and with it eight new trails to ski and snowboard, nine new miles of fat bike trails and an $11 million expansion at the very center of the Crystal Mountain village.

Crystal Mountain appeared eighth on the list that included just one other resort from the Midwest among destinations in locales ranging from Aspen, Colorado to the Berkshires in Massachusetts.

With construction already underway on a new ski complex, the resort finalizes details to break ground on a transformative expansion of the Inn at the Mountain.

Crystal Mountain was named “Innovator of the Year” during the Governor’s Energy Excellence Awards luncheon held earlier today at the Wharton Center in East Lansing, Michigan.