The day skiers and snowboarders have been waiting for: All 58 downhill trails are open at Crystal Mountain.
The resort’s slopes have been open since Dec. 18. A recent run of snowfall and weather conditions for snowmaking have helped in opening the entire mountain.
“Our snow-making team are wizards and have been taking advantage of cold temperatures and ideal snow-making conditions to make the magic to get us here,” the resort’s Chief Operating Officer John Melcher said. “When Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate and hand us snow, we’ll make our own. But it’s been great to get natural snow, too.”
Snow-making is equal parts art and science. The resort has 153 snow-making machines on property. And under ideal conditions of low temperatures, low humidity, easterly winds and high barometric pressure, the snow-making team can cover the entire mountain in one foot of snow in about 45 hours.
The addition of a 600-foot long, 12-inch diameter snow-making pipe has also allowed the team to make better quality snow by carrying even more water to snow-making guns, which draw water from the resort’s golf course holding ponds. The new investment was installed over summer, replacing a 10-inch diameter pipe underneath the Main Street slope.
With a base of up to 56 inches of natural and manmade snow, Crystal Mountain has trails for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders. There are three terrain parks, six chairlifts and two carpet tows.
The resort has limited its capacity for much of the season for safety. But opening the additional slopes will allow skiers and riders to take full advantage of 102 acres of skiable terrain.
As always, please buy lift tickets and reserve rental equipment in advance at https://www.crystalmountain.
CDC-approved masks are required – even outside and when social distancing is not possible. This includes in lift lines, at ski racks and food service areas.
The downhill slopes aren’t the only trails open. The resort has 25 km of cross country trails and fat tire tire bike trails. Ice skating and snowshoeing is also available.
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.
