Thompsonville, Mich. – Most of the state is still dreaming of a “White Christmas”, but it’s a reality at Crystal Mountain which has 42% of its ski terrain open with up to 30 inches of base.
An abundant production of manmade snow during the first week of December has made it possible for Crystal to remain open despite unseasonably warm temperatures during Old Man Winter’s hiatus.
In fact, temperatures below 28-degrees permitted the snowguns to fire on Monday night with more snowmaking opportunities forecasted for 13 of the next 15 days.
Crystal Mountain currently has 13 slopes open (expert, intermediate, and beginner runs) and five chairlifts in operation.
The lifts will run from noon-8pm this week before shifting to regular season hours (9am-9pm) on Friday, December 22.
$69 Slope Opening Ski Package Special has been extended thru December 21.
$69* includes lodging, lift tickets upon arrival thru departure, and a commemorative 50th Anniversary Celebration poster! Even better, stay two nights and get the third night free!
*Per adult, per night. Valid thru December 21, 2006. Based on double occupancy in hotel accommodations. Taxes and resort fee extra. Subject to availability.
Limited time offer. Call (800) 968-7686 ext. 5100.
Holiday Gift Ideas
Still searching for the perfect gift? With a quick phone call or a few mouse clicks you could have Crystal Mountain gift certificates delivered to your mailbox. Choose from therapeutic massage, Super Sundays Season Pass, dining, dollar denominations and more.
Super Sundays Season Passes are still available for only $99! This pass allows you on the mountain every Sunday throughout the season, excluding holiday Sundays (12/31/06, 1/14/07 and 2/18/07).
The trail includes the Shauger Hill Hiking Trail and the unplowed Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. It offers views of Lake Michigan and the dunes. For your safety, stay back from the edge of the steep bluff. Pets on a 6′ leash may be taken on the unplowed roadway section of the trail, but the Shauger Hill Trail section is a Designated X-Country Ski Trail and Pets are not allowed on this section of the trail between December 1 and March 31.
Ski to the top of the Lake Michigan Overlook and view the winterscape along the Lake Michigan shore. Be careful where you go, because if you fall, you will end up taking a FAST slide to the bottom of the bluff 450 feet below! Not only is the trip down dangerous, but the hike back up the frozen bluff is nearly impossible.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive at Sleeping Bear Dunes via NPS Website
The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is certainly a must-do activity when visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This 7.4 mile self-guided auto tour provides the visitor with insight to the history of the area, a sampling of the vegetative communities found within the park and, best of all, spectacular overlooks of the Glen Lakes, the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Lake Michigan. – >> Read More >>
More Sleeping Bear Dunes Skiing, Snowshoeing and Winter Fun
Tweddle/Treat Farm at Sleeping Bear Dunes via NPS
Now for a “Treat” you’ll have to take a hike – but it is well worth the effort! The trail that leads from the corner of Norconk Road into the woods is about ½ mile long through the maple-beech forest and will take you to the Treat Farm. As you reach the top of the hill, the canopy of trees opens up to a view of the farmstead. A portion of the original barn has been rebuilt on the original foundation. Visitors are drawn to this intriguing farmstead for several reasons. The trail leading up the slight incline from Norconk Road holds an allure of its own… it seems to beckon passers-by. It piques the curiosity by conjuring visions of what might be at its terminus. It is also one of the most beautiful areas for spring wildflowers in all of Michigan! – >> Read More >>
More Sleeping Bear Dunes Skiing, Snowshoeing and Winter Fun
Thompsonville, Mich. – Most of the state is still dreaming of a “White Christmas”, but it’s a reality at Crystal Mountain which has 42% of its ski terrain open with up to 30 inches of base.
