Number One in the Midwest

It seems like it was just yesterday...

Stepping out of the car into the Crystal Mountain parking lot a few weeks ago, I was struck with a comical replay of my first time there over a decade ago.  It was a ski retreat in high school, and I was so excited to be the only girl in our group snowboarding that weekend. The only problem was that I had no idea what I was doing. After a few embarrassing moments spent sprawled out in the snow, legs and arms tumbling every which way, I finally got the hang of sliding down hill with a four and a half foot board strapped to my feet and found myself suddenly addicted to my new favorite snow sport. The following year, a dozen girls in my group were giving snowboarding a-go.

Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa in Thompsonville is vastly different than it was eleven years ago, yet still holds the same warm feeling it always has. It's no surprise that it has been named Ski Magazine's #1 Resort in the Midwest. Let us ponder why...

Four Reasons Crystal Mountain Stands Out Amongst the Rest:

1. Top Notch Skiing: Crystal features 45 downhill slopes, three terrain parks, and a super-cross course; nine lifts including the Crystal Clipper high-speed quad - the fastest lift in Northern Michigan; and award-winning kids programs and a nationally certified ski and snowboard school. They have also earned a slew of awards including Best X-C Trails and #2 Downhill Ski Area by Michigan Living magazine, National Skier/Boarder Safety Awareness Award, #1 in Midwest by SnowCountry readers, RCI Gold Crown Resort and SnowCountry's Top 10 Cross Country Resorts in Midwest.

Crystal Spa Locker Room - yes, the LOCKER
ROOM, complete with Crystal's own line
of earth-friendly bath products.

2. LEED Certified Crystal Spa: During our recent visit, the spa was a definite highlight of our tour. Just walking through the serene space left Kelly and I feeling calm and relaxed. Even the locker rooms were amazing. The great thing about it, in addition to the attention to detail and award-winning services, is that the Crystal Spa is the only LEED certified spa in the Midwest and one of only six in the entire U.S. What does that mean exactly? This spa is gem of environmental efficiency. The 18,500 square-foot facility was designed and built to minimize its impact on the environment in every aspect. What's not to love about that?

3. Jam-Packed Line Up: Perhaps skiing isn't your cup of tea. No worries, Crystal Mountain certainly has you covered. Try cross country skiing, snow shoeing, sleigh rides, winter biathlon paintball (no really), ice skating, snowmobiling, an outdoor hot tub, bonfires, children's activities galore and that's just in the winter! Every season is filled with unique events perfect for everyone from avid snow sport enthusiasts and romance-seeking couples to families and business travelers. In the summer there's the Crystal Coaster and the Park at Water's Edge for children of all ages. Fall brings amazing color tours while year round the Michigan Legacy Art Park. 

Did we mention the fabulous lodging options?

4. Family Owned: I was surprised to find out that a massive operation like Crystal Mountain was still family owned and operated. George Petritz, a local businessman, has been with Crystal Mountain since its beginning and took sole ownership of the property in 1981. His philosophy was a simple one: "We believe that our customers should be treated as family members," he once said. "As if they are guests in our own home." Today, Crystal Mountain continues to prosper under his philosophic with George's daughter, Chris (Petritz) MacInnes and her husband, Jim MacInnes taking the reins.

This post doesn't even begin to cover the wonder that is Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, so you should probably make plans to experience is yourself. Of course, we want to help make that happen, so this week (drum roll please), we're giving away a 2010-2011 season's pass.

Do you want to win the season's pass to Crystal?
It's simple, as always. Just comment with your favorite winter activity, and it could be you. The winner will be drawn on Friday, January 7th. Good luck!

High five and happy skiing/boarding!

-Shannon