Winter is officially here at Crystal Mountain, Michigan, as the resort wakes up to 5 inches of fresh powder and an impressive 10-inch base—more than double the average for this time of year. Crystal Mountain ski resort in Michigan offers 58 runs, ranging from beginner to expert level, spread over 102 acres.
Wind
Humidity
With overnight temps holding at a crisp 25°F, conditions are perfect for early-season carving. Expect another 2.36 inches of snow within 24 hours and a promising 12 inches in the five-day forecast, setting the stage for a snowy weekend ahead.
Beyond the slopes, Crystal Mountain continues to shine in the spotlight with national accolades, including a spot on Michigan's “Top 10 Ski Resorts” list and recognition in national “Best in Snow” rankings. The resort’s unique blend of family-friendly charm and modern amenities, such as its enchanting Town Village layout, keeps visitors coming back. As ski season heats up, be sure to plan around upcoming events like March at the Mountain, promising live music, fun races, and après-ski festivities. Whether you're a seasoned shredder or a snow-loving family, Crystal Mountain is delivering one of the best starts to December in recent memory.
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.
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.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Crystal Mountain impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
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.
The ski area received 6" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, snow showers, mainly after 7am. patchy blowing snow before 9am. high near 31. southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. chance of precipitation is 80%. total daytime snow accumulation of around an inch possible.
Crystal Mountain is expected to receive up to 12.47" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
In the latest ski conditions across the nation, recent snowfall and upcoming forecasts suggest varying impacts on ski resorts, with a focus on the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountains. Over the past 24 hours, Nohrsc Sawmill Ridge in Washington State recorded 2 inches of new snow with a substantial base of 170 inches, although the weather is somewhat unsettled ... Read more