Registration open for 2021-2022 Crystal Community Ski Club

THOMPSONVILLE, Mich. (November 17, 2021) – Registration is open to become part of the 2021-2022 Crystal Community Ski Club. The non-profit snowsports club has a number of affordable programs with certified instructors to help kids ages 7-17 either learn how to ski and snowboard or advance their skills, including Alpine and Nordic racing and freestyle.

“CCSC is an absolutely crucial non-profit or  ganization with the potential to transform the lives of youth in Benzie County and the surrounding area,” PSIA-USSA-certified race coach Hunter Steinkamp said. “I love that it opens up the opportunity for families to get involved with snowsports who may not otherwise have had the chance. Plus, the club acts as a resource for kids who want to stay active in skiing or snowboarding in their adulthood and possibly even make a career out of it.”

In addition to the Alpine (downhill) and Nordic (cross country) programs, Crystal Community Ski Club offers guidance on how to become a Junior Professional Ski Instructors of America instructor or Junior Ski Patroller. Both programs are nationally recognized and those who successfully complete the courses are immediately connected with resources to use their skills at Crystal Mountain.

“These programs are centered around hands-on learning and enhancing the athlete’s skills on and off the mountain,” Marco Dedenbach, director of Master the Mountain, a CCSC program, said. “Communication, dedication, discipline, leadership and instruction are just some of the career and life skills students can add to their resume, along with the certification. At the very least, you’re around people who share the same love for snowsports as you do and you create new friendships.”

Crystal Community Ski Club is made possible through sponsorships, donations and grants. One of its biggest supporters is the Share Winter Foundation, a national grant-making organization working to improve the lives of kids through winter sports. This year, Crystal Community Ski Club has been chosen as one of the recipients of a Share Winter grant which will help cover a portion of the program operating costs.

“With this grant, we can continue working toward our mission of creating a sustainable and affordable snowsports club centered on winter fun and fitness,” PSIA-certified Nordic coach Beth Major said. “We’re able to provide ski equipment, coaching and a trail pass to explore the pristine trails at our home base, Crystal Mountain. However, we are still seeking grants and donations for the 2022 winter season.”

Crystal Community Ski Club offers different scholarship opportunities to ensure all youth in the Benzie County area can participate in club programs.

Next month Crystal Community Ski Club is hosting a Warren Miller Movie Night fundraiser at Crystal Mountain. It’ll be held Dec. 11 inside the Crystal Center. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the movie begins at 5 p.m. There will be a cash bar and light snacks. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door and all proceeds will benefit Crystal Community Ski Club.

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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 1,500-acre resort features lodging, dining, downhill and cross-country skiing, two championship golf courses, shopping, award-winning Crystal Spa, Michigan’s only alpine slide, Peak Fitness, the Park at Water’s Edge, Michigan Legacy Art Park, weddings, a conference center, and real estate options. Visit www.CrystalMountain.com for more resort details or information about Four Seasons Club memberships.