As the calendar flips to October it means snowmaking season is just about a month away. Once temperatures consistently drop to 28 degrees or less in November, Crystal Mountain starts up the snowmaking system in hopes of opening by Thanksgiving Day. Over the summer, the resort added another SMI Grizzly snow gun to its arsenal, bringing the total to 178 snowmaking machines. Investments were also made to improve some of the existing snowmaking pipes and snow guns.

 

“A large portion of these efforts were on the Buck complex,” said Mike Cutler, director of mountain operations. “While things will look the same to our guests, the snow quality and early quantity on this complex will be noticeably improved.”

 

As many look forward to the big announcement of the opening day of the 2024-25 season, here are some of the other new things to look forward to around the resort this winter:

 

DISCOVER MICHIGAN SKIING RETURNS

  • Those looking to learn how to ski or snowboard should head to Crystal Mountain in January. The Discover Michigan Skiing deal returns for beginners ages 7 and up this winter. Monday through Thursday in January, first-time skiers and riders can book this deal for $60 and receive a lesson, rental equipment, and a lift ticket for the lesson. Discover Michigan Skiing is part of a larger initiative with the Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) to introduce more people to the world of snow sports and embrace winter in northern Michigan.

DOWNHILL SKIS AND SNOWBOARDS

  • No equipment? No problem. With the addition of more than 400 new sets of skis and 55 new snowboards, Crystal Mountain has you covered in the rental department. The new Ambition Pro skis by Head feature a wood core making turning easier for the beginner and more responsive for the advanced skier. With the new addition of Burton snowboards and Head skis, there are more than 1,500 sets of rental skis and more than 300 boards for a wide variety of sizes and skill levels.

IGLOOS ON THE ROOFTOP

  • Crystal Mountain is taking après ski to a whole new level. New this year, reserve your rooftop igloo in Level 4 Lounge. Inside the private igloo, you’ll stay warm with blankets and a personal heater while ordering delicious cocktails and small plates. Step out of your cozy abode to look over Barr Park and the front side of Crystal Mountain’s downhill slopes. These new igloos are in addition to the ones introduced last season on the Wild Tomato Patio.

RENOVATED SKI-IN, SKI-OUT ACCOMMODATIONS

  • New look, the same great distance from the slopes. More than half of the Hamlet Hotel will be renovated for guests staying slopeside this season. Nearly two dozen units are receiving new furniture, flooring, and accessories for a fresh new look. The remaining units will be renovated come spring.

CROSS-COUNTRY ADDITIONS

  • Nordic enthusiasts will find new cross-country rental equipment this year in the new Cross-Country Learning Center structure built last season. The Atomic boots and skis can be used for classic or skate skiing techniques. Overall, rental equipment is available for all ages and skill levels. After taking a few spins on the learning loop, explore the new loops added to the existing trails weaving through northern Michigan pines and hardwoods.

 

All of this comes on the heels of last year’s new winter offerings including increased snowmaking, Flaik lesson technology, and a paperless downhill rental process. Learn more about recent investments and improvements at Crystal Mountain.

 

While the goal is to open the slopes around Thanksgiving, skiers and snowboarders know opening day is weather-dependent. However, even if Mother Nature doesn’t deliver the white stuff, Crystal snowmaking crews can fire up the snow guns as long as the temperature, humidity level, and barometric pressure are all just right for several consecutive days.

 

Scope the slopes anytime via the live Crystal Mountain webcams. The latest trail conditions and slope updates can be found online with the daily Crystal Mountain Snow Report.