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 ThorThe Patio Place and Ski Haus helps you make the most of outdoor living. Stop by Salem, Woburn, or Framingham, and head to skihaus.com  Check out the gift guide here Opening June 20, Portillo Chile is one of the most iconic ski destinations in the world—gorgeous, uncrowded, and incredibly easy for families since everything’s right on-site.Ski Moms listeners get 10% off stays from June 20 to August 1.Email [email protected] and mention SKIMOMS. Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier: 👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s ClubSupport 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