I love the quaint charm, twinkling lights and buzz of activities at ski resorts. Crystal Mountain, located in Thompsonville, Michigan, is less than an hour’s drive from Traverse City and well worth a family visit.
There are tons of activities to enjoy, from winter skiing to an alpine slide, golf and mountain biking.
Read more: Snowy Adventures Await in Traverse City with Our Family Winter Travel Guide
Winter activities at Crystal Mountain Resort
When the snow hits, it’s time to savor the slopes. Ski and snowboard your way to winter exhilaration on their 59 downhill runs. Crystal Mountain also features three terrain parks to tear up some tricks, six chairlifts and two magic carpets. Cross country ski or snowshoe for some quiet winter solace. Fat tire bike around 12 miles of trails or ice skate around the outdoor rink.
Kids shoot for archery or outdoor laser tag. Huddle up around a campfire or in the outdoor hot tub. There’s also an indoor pool and hot tub, family crafts, scavenger hunts and holiday activities like horse-drawn surrey rides.
When the snow melts, Crystal Mountain offers plenty of family fun. Zoom down the alpine coaster, bounce on a bungee trampoline, tackle an adventure course or zipline over stunning views. Try disc golf, pickleball, tennis, mountain biking and 36 holes of golf, too.
Relax and unwind at The Crystal Spa
I always recommend parents find time for themselves at a spa. The Crystal Spa is an exceptional option, recognized as one of the top spas in the United States. It’s a serene retreat to rejuvenate, with a bubbling outdoor hot tub and indoor infrared sauna. The service is attentive and friendly.
Choose from facials, body treatments, massages and nail care. I enjoyed a thorough massage that was customized to my unique needs. Their massage tables even have a chest area that goes up and down so you don’t feel like your girlies are smashed during your service.
Where to refuel at Crystal Mountain
Crystal Mountain has numerous dining options, so you really don’t ever need to leave. Wild Tomato serves kid-friendly foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner and even offers outdoor igloo dining in the wintertime. Betsie River Pizza & Subs provides in-room dining of pizza, breadsticks and salads. The Mountain Market is there for snacks, drinks, gifts and foods you can make in your cabin.
The Thistle is your go-to for hearty breakfasts, warm lunches and indulgent dinners served in a refined setting. I recommend the Scottish Salmon topped with candied berries for dinner and the Up-North Skillet with homemade corned beef hash for breakfast.
In winter, warm up with a hot beverage at The Yurt or a burger and steamy soup at The Clipper Cafe. There’s also a lounge, coffee shop and Waffle Cabin.
Accommodations at Crystal Mountain
Looking to stay at the inn in the heart of the ski village, in a cottage with the comforts of home or at a condo by the golf course? Crystal Mountain has a wide variety of accommodations to suit families, some that sleep up to 12 people.
Our family was so pleased with the Sweet Water Cottage at Water’s Edge. We were able to spread out with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, a fireplace in the living room and a screened-in porch with seating. We had everything we needed to feel cozy and cook (even a potato peeler!). We were all thorough impressed with our stay.
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