...SNOW, STRONG WINDS, BLOWING SNOW, FLASH FREEZE... * WHAT...Snow developing late. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches with locally higher amounts possible. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph late leading to blowing snow with low visibility. * WHERE...A portion of Northern Lower Michigan. * WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 4 PM EST Friday. * IMPACTS...Rapidly falling temperatures later tonight will lead to icy road conditions. Gusty winds combined with falling snow will result in very poor visibilities at times tonight into Friday. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches and cause isolated power outages. The hazardous conditions will impact the Friday morning commute.
Bluebird skies and spring-like temps greet skiers at Crystal Mountain today, December 18, 2025. Crystal Mountain ski resort in Michigan offers 58 runs, ranging from beginner to expert level, spread over 102 acres.
Wind
Humidity
After an unseasonably warm overnight low of 37°F, the snowpack currently sits at 8 inches—about 28% below average for this time of year. Despite the thinner base, grooming crews have worked their magic to ensure smooth cruising on open trails. Expect fast, firm conditions in the morning, with softening snow as the day warms. With no new snow in the last 24 hours, skiers can still carve confidently thanks to consistent snowmaking and well-maintained terrain.
Looking ahead, winter is set to make a comeback. A promising 2.5 inches is forecast over the next 72 hours, with up to 3 inches expected within five days—welcomed news for powder hounds and holiday travelers alike. Crystal Mountain continues to shine nationally, recently earning top ranks in “best in snow” listings and celebrating a strong season kickoff. Après-ski, unwind in the slopeside hot tubs or explore the charming Town Village—an alpine-inspired hub perfect for families. With more snow on the horizon and a festive energy in the air, Crystal Mountain is poised for a spirited holiday season on and off the slopes.
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 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, showers after 7am. high near 45. breezy, with a south wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. chance of precipitation is 100%. new precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Crystal Mountain is expected to receive up to 3.05" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Ski enthusiasts in Washington and Colorado can expect fresh snow on the trails, adding a delightful dusting to the already favorable conditions. Nohrsc Sawmill Ridge in Washington has reported a modest 2 inches of new snow over the last 24 hours, with a base sitting at a substantial 170 inches. The local ski areas such as Crystal Mountain Resort and ... Read more