Crystal Mountain to celebrate grand opening of eight new downhill trails in ‘The Backyard’ on Friday
January 13, 2016
THOMPSONVILLE, MI - Skiers and snowboarders will get to make fresh tracks at Crystal Mountain on northern Michigan’s newest downhill trails with a grand opening ceremony for The Backyard on Friday, January 15 (10am).
The new downhill trails and triple chairlift is part of an $11 million project currently underway at Crystal Mountain that also includes a 31,200 square-foot expansion to the Inn at the Mountain. Travel Michigan Vice President Dave Lorenz will join resort leaders, ownership and staff for a brief ceremony (Friday, 10am) to open the chairlift and each of the eight downhill trails. Lorenz has been traveling the state as part of Pure Michigan’s Snow Day promotion, highlighting the diverse activities and attractions that make it such a desirable winter destination.
(The grand opening ceremony will take place at the Backyard chairlift which is accessible by road. Contact Brian Lawson - 231.378.2057 or brianlawson@crystalmountain.com - for details.)
This week’s winter storm, lake effect snow and cold temperatures have created the season’s best conditions with 100% of the resort’s terrain anticipated to be open just in time for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. Since the season’s first winter storm on December 28, Crystal Mountain’s snowmaking system has helped to quickly ramp up from four to an anticipated 58 trails heading into this weekend. The Backyard will be open from 10am-5pm each day of the holiday weekend. After school lets out on Friday (January 15), Crystal will have Backyard giveaways and a special $9 lift ticket available from 4-9pm.
The Backyard features eight downhill trails inviting to the beginner and intriguing to the more experienced skier and rider. The interior (intermediate) trails, purposefully leave the terrain’s natural shape with rises, banks and rollers largely untouched, offering a skiing and snowboarding experience different than any other location on the mountain. Two green trails share space with Last Chance (The Ridge) and Tammy’s Turn (North Face) where beginners can practice and advance their skills.. Each features variations in pitch and contour to help new skiers and boarders stretch out and build confidence.
About Crystal Mountain:
Established in 1956, Crystal Mountain is a family-owned, four season resort destination located 28 miles southwest of Traverse City and a short drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The resort features lodging, dining, downhill and cross-country skiing, two championship golf courses, award-winning Crystal Spa, Michigan’s only alpine slide, the Park at Water’s Edge, Michigan Legacy Art Park, weddings and a conference center for meetings, conferences and banquets.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Brian Lawson, 231.378.2057
Dee Dee Lentz, 231.378.2058