Crystal Mountain Ski Resort: Complete Family Guide to Northern Michigan Skiing

Send us Fan MailThe Ski Moms celebrate Crystal Mountain's 70th anniversary with Karen Thor (COO, 32 years at the resort) and Brittany Primeau (Director of Communications and new mom). They explore Crystal's evolution from Buck Hills community ski area to today's master-planned four-season resort village with 1,500 acres. Karen and Brittany share their ski origin stories and discuss the family-owned Petritz legacy that created a destination where families can park once and access everything on foot or by shuttle, from ski-in/ski-out accommodations to the LEED-certified spa. The conversation covers practical planning tips including getting fitted for rentals the night before, booking lessons for ages 3 to "retired, not tired," and using the Nanny McSki program for full-day childcare on the slopes. Crystal features terrain for all levels with magic carpets, a backyard teaching area, and night skiing Tuesday through Saturday. Beyond winter, they highlight year-round activities including two championship golf courses (home to the Michigan Women's Open for 20+ years), the Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide (Michigan's only alpine slide), Michigan Legacy Art Park, and the resort's role as a base camp for exploring Northern Michigan attractions like Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City.Resources:Website: www.crystalmountain.comLocation: Thompsonville, Benzie County, Northern MichiganSeason: Thanksgiving weekend through first weekend of AprilLodging: Hotel rooms to 5-bedroom townhomes, many ski-in/ski-outDining: Clipper Cafe, Thistle Pub and Grill, Wild Tomato, Mountain Market, Betsy River PizzaSpecial Programs: Nanny McSki, Ski and Sip (Nordic skiing with wine and cheese)Nearby: Iron Fish Distillery (3 miles), Frankfort (20 minutes), Traverse City (40 minutes)Notable Quotes: "It's not intimidating. That's one of the best things about it. Once you're off the bunny hill, everything kind of funnels back down into the village so you don't have to worry so much about losing a kid out in the mountains." - Brittany Primeau"There's no bad weather, just bad gear. Make sure you have everything you need. And the most important rule is just have fun." - Brittany Primeau"Our guests are like guests in your own home. That's the way we like to think of it and treat folks. Crystal's always taken the long view and this family owned, operated feeling has just continued throughout the years." - Karen ThorStop by Salem, Woburn, or Framingham, and head to skihaus.com to check store hours and get exact locations. Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own! 👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals Register by August 15, 2026, and use code SKIMOMSRETREAT to save $100 on your trip.Visit www.theskimoms.co/events to see the 2027 lineup and reserve your spot. Get the best gear recommendations and trip-planning tips directly to your inbox. Head to skimom.substack.com to subscribe. Join for free—or upgrade for all the premium perks. Premium subscriptions start at just $5 a month and get to listen ad-free and unlock exclusive content, including insider travel guides, packing lists and more. Support the showKeep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms!Website: www.theskimoms.coSki Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discountsSki Moms Ski Rental HomesJoin the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook GroupInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next! [email protected]@skimomsfun.com