Crystal Mountain Ski Report

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Last Updated: January 2, 2026

A fresh layer of winter magic is settling over Crystal Mountain this January 2nd, 2026. Crystal Mountain ski resort in Michigan offers 58 runs, ranging from beginner to expert level, spread over 102 acres.



Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast

Hourly Snowfall


1"

Past 24 Hours

2.0"

Snowpack

°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity


Summary

With an overnight temperature of 31.4°F, conditions remain ideal for snow retention and grooming. The current snowpack sits at 2 inches—below average—but don’t let that fool you. A promising 2 inches of fresh snow is expected within 24 hours, with a total of 10 inches in the 72-hour forecast and an additional 4 inches anticipated by the weekend. These consistent snowfalls will enhance trail coverage and improve terrain quality heading into the prime weekend window. Groomers are actively maintaining surfaces for optimal performance on the slopes, especially on family-favorite runs near the base village.

Off the slopes, Crystal Mountain continues to shine as a top-tier winter destination. Recently recognized in national "best in snow" rankings and praised for its family-friendly charm and pedestrian-first village design, the resort offers more than just skiing. Explore fat tire biking trails or plan a night ride on the newly lit paths. With exciting winter programs and the recent appointment of Karyn Thorr as COO, Crystal Mountain is investing in innovation while preserving its small-town warmth. Carve your turns early—the mountain’s setting up to be a winter wonderland by the weekend.

Snowpack Percent Normal

52%

Max Recorded Snowpack

28"

Snowfall Past 24 Hours

1"

Snowfall Past 48 Hours

3"

Snowfall Past 72 Hours

5"

Snowfall Next 24 Hours

0"

Snowfall Next 72 Hours

2"

Snowfall Next 5 Days

4"

Terrain Surface

NA

Powder Score

NA
       

Weather Forecast

Seasonal Comparison

Year over year snow water equivalent


Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Benzonia 5.3 S, Mi.

Regional Snowpack Depth

Snow levels measured from Benzonia 5.3 S, Mi


Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Crystal Mountain.

Historical Air Temperature

Temperature fluctuations at Crystal Mountain


Recent air temperature fluctuations at Crystal Mountain impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.

About the Area


The Crystal Mountain Ski Resort in Michigan is located in the northern part of the state, near the town of Thompsonville. The resort is situated in the rolling hills of Benzie County, with several nearby mountain ranges including:

1. The Manistee National Forest, which features the nearby Manistee Mountains and offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking, and fishing.

2. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which features towering sand dunes along the Lake Michigan shoreline and provides stunning views of the surrounding area.

In terms of the ski resort itself, Crystal Mountain offers a variety of runs and slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The resort features a vertical drop of 375 feet and a total of 58 runs spread across 102 skiable acres. Additionally, Crystal Mountain offers a terrain park for freestyle skiers and snowboarders, as well as several lifts to access the different areas of the mountain.

The best trails for advanced skiers are Buck and Thistle, while novice skiers can enjoy the easier North Face and Sidewinder. Many people are unaware that Crystal Mountain was originally a golf course, converted into a ski resort in 1956. For beginners, we recommend taking the Crystal Cruiser, a scenic lift that offers an easy ride for first-timers. The best apres ski bar is the Vista Lounge, which provides a cozy atmosphere, delicious cocktails, and a beautiful view of the slopes.

Crystal Mountain FAQ


How much snow did Crystal Mountain receive over the past day?

The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.


What's the weather like at Crystal Mountain today?

Weather today, isolated snow showers before 10am. mostly cloudy, with a high near 20. northwest wind around 10 mph. chance of precipitation is 20%.


How much new snowfall is forecasted for Crystal Mountain this week?

Crystal Mountain is expected to receive up to 4.03" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.