Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa Review: Nice but Overpriced in Summer

We spent a long weekend at Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, the four-season ski-and-golf resort tucked away in Thompsonville, Michigan. The place is genuinely nice and the views are no joke. The bill, on the other hand, was.

Unlike Timber Ridge in Lake Geneva, which has plenty of options just outside the resort gates, there is basically nothing near Crystal Mountain. That isolation funnels you straight into overpriced on-property meals and activities, very few of which are actually included in your stay.

Winter clearly has more to offer than summer, though it also comes loaded with extra charges. We visited in July, and I am glad we went once. In fairness, the resort has changed a lot since then, so I have updated this review with what is genuinely worth your money now and what still is not.

Quick Verdict: Is Crystal Mountain Worth It?

In the summer: it is still an “only if you go in eyes open.” The resort is pretty, but you are paying resort prices for a fairly thin slate of included activities. The good news since our visit: the three big attractions that were shuttered when we went, the alpine slide, the climbing wall, and the zipline, are all open again, and the resort has added a bungee trampoline, gem mining, an 18-hole disc golf course, and a bigger pool playground. So the “nothing for the kids in summer” gripe is softer than it used to be, but the value math still skews “nice, not great.”

In the winter: easier to justify. With 59 slopes and eight lifts, this is a real ski hill, and kids 6 and under (plus adults 80 and over) ski free anytime. If you actually ski, the per-night cost starts to make sense.

Crystal Mountain Key Facts

• Address: 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr., Thompsonville, MI 49683
• Phone: (855) 995-5146 or (231) 378-2000
• The mountain: 59 slopes, 8 lifts, four seasons of activities
• Check-in / check-out: 5:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m. (confirm when you book)
• Best for: skiers, golfers, and couples; thinner pickings for little kids in summer
• The catch: remote location, almost no restaurants nearby, lots of à la carte fees

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What Should You Consider When Planning a Visit to Crystal Mountain?

1. Crystal Mountain Location

2. Crystal Mountain Accommodations

3. Crystal Mountain Winter Activities

4. Crystal Mountain Summer Activities

5. Crystal Mountain Crystal Spa

6. Crystal Mountain Peak Fitness Center

7. Crystal Mountain Restaurants with Gluten Free Dining

8. Michigan Legacy Art Park

9. Nearby Tourist Attractions

10. Ways to Save Money

11. Crystal Mountain Planning Tips

12. A Historical Note: Our 2020 COVID-Era Visit

1. Where is Crystal Mountain Ski Resort?

Crystal Mountain sits at 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr. in Thompsonville, Michigan, up in the northwest part of the state, smack dab in the middle of freaking nowhere. Like Shining-style nowhere. It is roughly 30 minutes southwest of Traverse City, and getting there is a bit of a chore.

The isolation is part of the appeal, since most people who come here are in it for the mountain. But it also traps you. There is no quick dash out for a cheap dinner, which becomes a recurring theme in this review.

2. Crystal Mountain Accommodations

There are several options for Crystal Mountain vacation rentals. The property is unique in the variety it offers. It feels more like a little village than a resort.

Bungalows at Crystal Glen

Bungalows are individual residences located at the base of the mountain. They are similar to a home with a full kitchen, fireplace, and a washer and dryer.

They are offered with both three and four bedroom options and sleep up to ten guests. The properties range from 1,592 to 1,729 square feet. If you’re traveling with a large group and a bag of money, these are a great option.

Cottages at Water’s Edge

The Cottages at Water’s Edge offer Crystal Mountain 2 bedroom condos and 3 bedroom condos that can sleep up to nine guests. The properties range from 1,260 to 1,565 square feet. They include a full kitchen, fireplace, and a washer and dryer. They are smaller than the Crystal Mountain 4 bedroom bungalows, but still have plenty of space.

Crystal Colony

The Crystal Colony building contains studio rooms that are 430 square feet each. The rooms sleep up to four people. There are options with efficiency kitchens and full kitchens.

Crystal Mountain Resort Hamlet

This building contains studio rooms that are around 450 square feet each. The Crystal Mountain Hamlet hotel rooms sleep up to four guests and have an efficiency kitchen (read: mini-fridge). Heads up: the Hamlet was renovated inside and out for the 2025-26 season, so it should feel fresher than what we saw.

Pets are allowed in this building.

We stayed in this building, sans dogs. The room was comfortable, but was not different than any other hotel room (except there was no housekeeping, more on that below).

Inn at the Mountain

Inn at the Mountain has several types of hotel rooms that range from 256 to 781 square feet. The rooms hold up to four guests.

This building also contains LEVEL FOUR Rooftop Bar and Bru Bar.

Kinlochen

Kinlochen is a beautiful building. All of the rooms are at least one bedroom, ranging from 800 to 1,200 square feet. Some of the rooms hold up to ten guests.

Kinlochen also houses Thistle (a restaurant) and a pro shop.

MountainSide

MountainSide properties are located on the side of the mountain, further from the majority of the common areas. The residences are four and five bedrooms and range from 1,800 to 3,100 square feet. They feature a full kitchen and fireplace. The properties can hold up to fourteen guests. These are some of the most upscale Crystal Mountain Michigan rentals.

MountainTop

MountainTop properties are located on the top of the mountain. You can ski from there, and there is a MountainTop outdoor pool available in the summer.

The properties are two and three bedroom Crystal Mountain condos that sleep up to twelve guests. They are 2,000 square feet and feature a full kitchen, fireplace, and a washer and dryer.

Pinehurst

Pinehurst properties are located on the Crystal Mountain Betsie Valley golf course. They feature studios and one bedrooms that range from 300 to 730 square feet. The rooms can hold up to four guests. Options include efficiency and full kitchens.

Pinehurst Green

Pinehurst Green features townhomes located on Betsie Valley golf course. These Crystal Mountain properties can hold between six and eighteen guests. They range from 1,600 to 2,700 square feet and feature a fireplace and full kitchen.

Resort Homes

The private Crystal Mountain house rentals are not conveniently located. If you stay in them, you will probably want to drive to reach the majority of the common areas. There are three and four bedroom options that sleep up to twelve guests. They include fireplaces and full kitchens.

WinterGreen

WinterGreen properties are located on the Betsie Valley golf course. They are conveniently located near the common areas. They feature a fireplace and full kitchen. Some have a washer and dryer. Options range from one to three bedrooms ranging from 750 to 1,200 square feet.

Pets are allowed in select accommodations.

3. Crystal Mountain Winter Activities

Skiing and Snowboarding

Although we visited Crystal Mountain in the summer, it was obvious that skiing is where this resort earns its keep (with two turntables and a microphone). Had we come in winter, I think the price would have felt a lot more worth it.

For the 2025-26 season, the resort rolled out a few upgrades worth knowing about: indoor TrackMan golf simulators in the Kinlochen Shop for off-season swings, new multi-day Flex lift passes, a refreshed rental fleet, a slopeside-lodging expansion called North Village, and a new mascot named Buck (a nod to the property’s old “Buck Hills” name). None of it changes the math wildly, but it is the first real wave of investment in a while.

How Many Runs Does Crystal Mountain Have?

The resort has 59 downhill slopes (a chunk of them lit for night skiing), 8 lifts, multiple terrain and glade areas, and a dedicated learning area. The Crystal Mountain trail maps help you find your way around.

Altogether, you can ski 102 acres. Crystal Mountain elevation allows for a vertical drop of 375 feet.

Crystal Mountain Lift Tickets

You can purchase lift tickets at the Crystal Mountain Tickets and Rental window, open from 8:00 a.m. until 30 minutes after the lifts stop running. As of early 2026, a single-day adult window ticket runs about $55 on a weekday and $90 on a weekend, so the days you ski matter. Buy online ahead of time and you will usually beat the window rate. Kids 6 and under and adults 80 and over ski free anytime, which is a genuinely great deal if you have a toddler or a spry grandparent in tow.

Equipment Rental

You can rent skis, snowboards, and boots for a variety of skill levels. The equipment is first come, first served, so you should arrive early to guarantee you get what you need.

Lessons

Crystal Mountain Ski Resort offers skiing and snowboarding lessons. Lessons are taught in groups with adults only, kids only, and groups of all ages. Groups are broken up by skill levels and specific instruction. Children can begin as young as age three.

Private lessons are also available and range from an hour to a full day.

Ski Programs

There are several ski programs that cater to specific populations. My favorite is called “Retired Not Tired” for the Roses and Sophias in your life.

Fat Tire Snow Biking

Fat tire snow bikes can be rented for use on the cross-country trails. This activity is recommended for ages 12 and up.

Rentals are billed by the hour, with a guided tour offered on select days. Pricing shifts season to season, so check the current rate before you commit.

You can bring your own bike, but you will still pay a trail-access fee, and a season pass is available if you plan to go often.

Horse Drawn Surrey Rides

These horse drawn surrey rides look adorable if you don’t have a problem with it ethically. I love animals, but let’s be honest, I’d try it.

Complimentary hot chocolate is served.

Expect a modest per-person charge for ages 7 and up, with younger kids riding free alongside a paying adult. Confirm the current price when you book.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is allowed everywhere except the downhill slopes and cross-country trails. You can snowshoe through the Michigan Art Legacy Park as well. Equipment is offered for ages 3 and up.

Snowshoe rentals are priced by the hour. The rate is reasonable, but as with everything here, double-check the current pricing before you head out.

A guided hike is also offered periodically for ages 7 and up. It is a nice way to see the property without buying a lift ticket.

Ice Skating

There is an ice skating rink in the center of the property. Resort guests can skate free with their own equipment, while everyone else pays a small day-pass fee.

Skate rentals are available by the hour for a few dollars. Check the current rate at the rental window.

Snowmobiling

Crystal Adventures rents snowmobiles for a small fortune. You can access trails around the mountain to celebrate your investment.

Crystal Mountain rentals and guided tours are not cheap, and prices change by season, so call ahead for the current rate before your wallet finds out the hard way.

4. Crystal Mountain Michigan Summer Activities

Crystal Mountain Michigan Golf

The Crystal Mountain park has two golf courses located on Mountain Ridge and Betsie Valley. Both courses look well maintained.

The resort also features a Practice and Learning Center where you can unleash the Happy Gilmore inside you.

You must reserve and pay for your tee time prior to arriving. These can be booked online.

Golf Lessons

Crystal Mountain offers several different golf lessons with groups divided into adults only, children only, and all ages. Children as young as 5 can participate.

Private Crystal Mountain lessons with a PGA or LPGA professional are also available.

Crystal Mountain Outdoor Pool & Water Playground

The outdoor pool is a roughly 4,200-square-foot setup with water basketball hoops, an aquatic playground in the shallow end, and water cannons for the kids. Children under 13 must be with an adult. Since our visit, the resort has leaned into the water-playground angle, so there is more here for little ones than there used to be.

It is zero depth entry. The deepest portion is only about four feet so the whole thing is pretty kid friendly.

There is also a hot tub with children baking in the summer sun.

The play structure in the sand was closed when we visited.

The pool hours for Crystal Mountain were disappointing to say the least. There is already very little to do at the resort. I can appreciate the need for cost cutting, but a 6:00 p.m. closing time seems unreasonable.

How Much Is A Day Pass At Crystal Mountain?

The pool is free for resort guests and Four Seasons Club Members. Members can bring guests for a small per-person fee. Confirm the current guest rate, since it has crept up.

Chair Lift

During the summer, the chair lifts, or gondolas, run periodically to take people to the top of the mountain. These rides are not for the faint of heart. We haven’t spent a lot of time on chair lifts, but we definitely visit our fair share of theme parks. These chair lifts are not exactly like Soarin’.

They have a lap bar, nothing to go between your legs, and infants are allowed. There is plenty of room to slip out if one so desired. The employees actually encourage you to lift the lap bar while you are still hanging well above the ground to get ready to jump off.

How Much Is The Gondola Ride At Crystal Mountain?

Scenic chairlift rides are free for resort guests, with a per-person ticket for day visitors. Check the current rate at the lift, since pricing has shifted over the years.

Mountain Entertainment

At the top of the mountain, you will find an Ashlee Simpson wannabe, a cart selling beer and White Claw (Amen), and swarming gnats that will make you question whether you remembered to shower on this trip. You can see some of the slopes, but you cannot hike from the top of the mountain.

Outdoor Movies

On certain nights, Crystal Mountain turns on a family movie on a larger screen than the one found in your hotel room in the name of trying to justify their resort fees.

Family Campfire

Along the same lines, there is an advertised family campfire. What this actually means is an employee starts a fire in a fire pit and walks away. Your family can sit there if you arrive first.

Hiking

This isn’t a resort sanctioned activity per se, but there are several trails for hikes near Crystal Mountain. The property has some trails on property as well.

Tennis & Pickleball

Tennis and pickleball courts are free to resort guests and Four Seasons Club Members. Day guests pay an hourly court fee.

Bicycle Rentals

Crystal Mountain bike rentals are available on property in two-hour, four-hour, and full-day blocks, with helmets for an extra charge. They stock bikes for both adults and children. Confirm the current rates at the rental desk.

Crystal Mountain Gravity Park

This park features technical downhill Crystal Mountain bike trails for various skill levels. It was closed when we visited, and its current status is worth confirming with the resort before you count on it, since the lift-served downhill scene here has been on and off.

Vertical Edge Climbing Wall

Good news here: the Vertical Edge Climbing Wall, which was closed when we visited, is back open. It is a 32-foot wall in the Park at Water’s Edge, and as of early 2026 it runs about $17 per person for two climbs (booked in 60-minute blocks), open to ages 3 and up. Not a destination on its own, but a perfectly fine way to burn off an antsy kid for half an hour.

Edge Adventure Course & Crystal Mountain Zipline

This one was also shuttered when we came through, and it is open again too. The Edge Adventure Course is small as ropes courses go, but it now runs about $17 per person for two laps and includes a 130-foot zipline over the pool. It is open seasonally to ages 5 and up (roughly 50 to 250 pounds, with an adult required for the smallest kids). Worth a lap if your kids are into it; not worth driving up for.

Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide

This is the single biggest change since our visit, and it is a good one. The Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide, which was closed when we came, has been completely rebuilt. It is now a two-track slide running about 1,600 feet down the mountain, billed as the only alpine slide in Michigan. You ride the chairlift up and steer a cart down. This is the rare summer attraction here that is genuinely a draw.

Riders must be at least 3 years old. Solo riders need to be 60 pounds or more, the max combined weight is 300 pounds, and anyone under 48 inches and under 60 pounds rides with an adult. There is also a small daily lift charge for the littlest riders.

As of early 2026, pricing runs about $15 for a single ride, $40 for a four-ride pack, or $55 for an unlimited day pass at Crystal Mountain. If your kids are going to ride it more than twice, the day pass is the move.

Outdoor Crystal Mountain Laser Tag

The Outdoor Laser Tag area leaves something to be desired. The area is tiny and consists of spray painted trash cans.

We played outdoor laser tag. We had a lot of fun, but that was because of the company, not the course or equipment.

Whatever the current per-person price, it is steep for what you get, and there is a multi-pack for repeat visits. I cannot imagine anyone being entertained by this laser tag course five different times. Children must be at least six to play.

There is a playground and gazebo near the Laser Tag area.

I seriously hope people don’t get married in this thing.

Crystal Mountain Archery

Archery is offered for ages 7 and up. My husband and seven year old took an archery lesson which turned out to be a private lesson by default because no one else showed up. My seven year old needed a lot of instruction, so I’m not sure how much he would have gotten out of it if he had to share an instructor with ten people.

A 30-minute lesson carries a per-person fee that feels high for a group session, and there is a multi-pack if you are auditioning to be an extra in Game of Thrones (and you have a time machine). Check current pricing, and note the resort has since added an “Archery Tag” format for groups if you want something more game-like.

Crystal Mountain Disc Golf Course

The disc golf course has been expanded since our visit. It is now an 18-hole course running from the summit down to the base, and disc rentals run about $15 per set of three. If you are into disc golf, this is one of the better free-ish ways to use the mountain.

The website says a chairlift ride to the beginning of the course is included, but considering the chairlift only ran for a couple of hours on one night the entire time we were there, I doubt that was happening. You can access the beginning of the course on foot as well.

Crystal Bungee Trampoline

Added since our trip, the bungee trampoline near the Mountain Adventure Zone straps kids into a harness and launches them skyward for a few minutes of bouncing. As of early 2026 it runs about $12 per person for a five-minute turn, open to ages 6 and up (minimum 40 inches and 40 pounds, max 200 pounds), with up to four jumping at once. It is short, but kids tend to love it.

Gem Mining

Another newer addition: a gem-mining station where kids sift a bag of paydirt through a water sluice and keep whatever stones and fossils they wash out. It is the kind of low-stakes, high-delight activity that was missing when we visited. Pricing varies by the size of the paydirt bag, so ask at the counter.

Family Crafts

Family crafts are where Crystal Mountain used to really lose me. My main gripe at the time was that almost nothing here was included or aimed at little kids. To the resort’s credit, the summer slate has improved since (the alpine slide, water playground, bungee trampoline, and gem mining all help). But the crafts themselves still cost extra. At a minimum, I would expect some simple kids’ crafts to be free. Nope.

You can make a stuffed animal, a pillow (why?), and paint various things including a birdhouse (so your kid can hop in that time machine and flash forward to their seventies). All of it costs extra, and the per-kid price has climbed over the years, so don’t be shocked at the register.

5. Crystal Mountain Crystal Spa

Crystal Spa features heated floors, steam rooms, saunas, and an outdoor hot tub. Massages and facials are only available for adults, while children as young as 9 can get nail services. Nail services do not include access to the rest of the spa.

The spa can accommodate groups, but no alcohol is allowed.

Cancellation Policy

You must cancel a single service 24 hours in advance and multiple treatments at least 48 hours in advance to avoid a 50% cancellation fee. No shows are charged a fee of the full cost of the service. Cancellations fees are waived in the event of an illness.

6. Crystal Mountain Peak Fitness Center

Guests of the Crystal Mountain hotels and Four Seasons Club Members can access Peak Fitness Center. The area includes an indoor lap pool and hot tub, both of which are accessible to all guests of the resort.

Group classes with a preposted schedule are offered.

Children as young as age 7 can access the exercise equipment during a personal training session. I cannot think of anything I would be less likely to purchase than a personal training session for my seven year old, but apparently someone has done it.

Children ages 14 and up can use the exercise equipment with adult supervision. Guests ages 16 and up can use the equipment and pool without supervision.

7. Crystal Mountain Restaurants with Gluten Free Dining

The Crystal Mountain website says kids 6 and under get free breakfast. However, I have a six year old, and his meal was on our check every morning.

Thistle Pub & Grille

Thistle Pub & Grille is located in the Kinlochen building. Lunch and dinner are served. It is the most upscale Crystal Mountain restaurant on the property, but you can dress casually to eat there.

The menu has burgers, salads, and several protein options. A kid’s menu is available. Crystal Mountain gluten free items are marked on the menu.

Crystal Mountain Wild Tomato

This is a full service restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner. It is casual. Gluten free items are marked on the Crystal Mountain Wild Tomato menu.

During our stay, the restaurant was never crowded, but service was pretty slow. The employees were all very nice.

For gluten free food, I liked the Southwestern Breakfast Skillet with gluten free toast and the Grilled Chicken Sandwich on gluten free bread.

Betsie River Pizza & Subs

Betsie River Pizza & Subs is a quick service (and I use that term loosely) that serves lunch and dinner. As of the time of this writing, you order outside the pickup area, then enter the restaurant only to pick up your food. There is no indoor seating, but there are tables outside.

This. Was. Torture. We went at 8:30 p.m. on a Sunday night. At this point, Betsie River was the only restaurant open other than Thistle. We ordered two sandwiches, paid, then were told for the first time to check back in 45 minutes to see if the food was ready yet. For two sandwiches.

I returned 35 minutes later and stood in the pickup area for ten minutes. A very nice employee then asked who I was and gave me the food which had clearly been sitting there for awhile. The food, which was extremely overpriced, was cold by the time we got it. Skip this restaurant if at all possible.

Crystal Mountain Kinlochen Plaza

Kinlochen Plaza is a quick service that serves food and alcohol outside the golf course. It is only open during the summer.

LEVEL FOUR Rooftop Bar

LEVEL FOUR Rooftop Bar is located in the Inn at the Mountain building. It is an outdoor lounge that serves alcohol only. It also has live entertainment if you didn’t get enough of Miley Cyrus on the top of the mountain.

Bru Bar

Bru Bar is located in the lobby of the Inn at the Mountain lobby. It serves Crystal Mountain coffee drinks and alcohol, two of my favorite beverage families.

Beach House

Beach House is a Crystal Mountain food stand located in the Park at Water’s Edge that serves lunch and dinner. There are windows both inside and outside the entrance to the pool. It has a small food menu, but really shines when it comes to its ice cream and fruity cocktail choices.

We visited this stand every day of our trip. You’re not on vacation if you don’t consume a pound of sugar each day.

Waffle Cabin

Waffle Cabin is located in the Crystal Mountain Adventure Zone. It serves waffles during select times of the year.

Clipper Cafe

Clipper Cafe is located inside The Lodge and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the winter only. It recently added a build-your-own mac-and-cheese bar, which is exactly the kind of thing that buys you ten minutes of peace with kids on a ski day.

Vista Lounge

Vista Lounge is located in The Lodge. It serves alcohol and features live entertainment during the winter only.

Mountain Market

Mountain Market is a grocery store on property. The prices are outrageous. Mountain Market will apparently deliver groceries to your room. Plan ahead so you can avoid the up charge. Bring some snacks from anywhere but Mountain Market.

8. Michigan Legacy Art Park

Michigan Legacy Art Park is a Crystal Mountain gem. It is a hike up and down a mountain that totals 1.6 miles if you do the whole thing. There are a couple of places where you can cut across and head back down if you don’t want to complete it. These areas are marked in the Michigan Legacy Art Park map.

There are times during this hike when you are walking at a fairly steep incline. Small children and out of shape dogs will have a hard time in some sections.

Throughout the hike, you encounter Crystal Mountain art pieces.

There is some creepy stuff.

And this lady part masterpiece.

We all love a good roller coaster.

You can even walk through a maze.

I only visited with my seven year old, and I honestly didn’t think it would hold his attention. I was wrong. He was in it to win it. It became a scavenger hunt of sorts and was one of his favorite things he did the entire weekend.

Crystal Mountain has advertised that your stay includes a visit to Michigan Legacy Art Park, though I would confirm that perk is still in effect when you book, since the Art Park runs its own admission. When we went, no one greeted us and parking was not restricted, so any member of the public could have walked in as easily as we did.

Admission has gone up since our visit. As of 2026, the Art Park charges around $10 per adult, $5 per child over 5, and roughly $20 for a family, with annual passes available if you plan to come back. The 1.6-mile loop takes most people about 90 minutes to two hours.

9. Nearby Tourist Attractions

Crystal Mountain is located next to nothing. Seriously. Nothing. You need a car. I strongly recommend getting off property, if for no other reason than to eat a meal that arrives in under forty-five minutes. If you are building a longer northern-Michigan itinerary, it pairs well with a road trip up to Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Where is Sleeping Bear Dunes Park?

Sleeping Bear Dunes Michigan is located about 30 minutes from the resort. The drive from Crystal Mountain to Sleeping Bear Dunes is relatively painless. This national park is 70,000 acres. The views cannot be beat and the property is relatively easy to access.

Is Sleeping Bear Dunes Free?

Not anymore. When we visited, we were not charged to enter any part of the property. That has changed. Sleeping Bear Dunes now requires a paid entrance pass: about $25 per private vehicle (good for 7 days), $20 per motorcycle, or $15 per person on foot or bike, with kids under 16 free. A park-specific annual pass runs around $45. The park has also gone cashless, so bring a card. Don’t plan a “free” visit and get caught off guard.

Philip A. Hart Visitor Center

The Sleeping Bear Dunes visitor center is a small building that houses a Sleeping Bear Dunes gift shop and a few exhibits. I recommend making the stop because park rangers will give you a recommended Sleeping Bear Dunes itinerary with directions and a map of Sleeping Bear Dunes. That and the bathrooms with toilets that flush.

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

This Sleeping Bear Dunes scenic drive is a climb through a forest. You can pull over to view things, but for the most part, you will be in the car. The kids lost interest quickly, but it was definitely a pretty ride.

There are approximately 8,000,000 picnic areas along the way.

Sleeping Bear Dunes Dune Climb

These Michigan sand dunes are beautiful. We started a sandy Sleeping Bear Dunes hike, but turned around when it became apparent it was as much fun as a root canal for my six year old. This is definitely worth a stop, particularly if you aren’t traveling with small children.

Sleeping Bear Dunes dog friendly trails are plentiful. We saw quite a few dogs during our visit.

Glen Haven

I’m fairly sure To Wong Foo was filmed in Glen Haven. The main strip is a step back in time like no other.

Here you will find blissfully uncrowded Sleeping Bear Dunes beach access with public restrooms. There is no separate beach fee, though it is inside the national lakeshore, so the park entrance pass mentioned above applies. This is not to be missed.

Maritime Museum

We did not visit the Maritime Museum, but it is a small museum that teaches you about the history of the U.S. Coast Guard and Great Lakes Shipping. My kids would have lasted four seconds.

Sleeping Bear Dunes Empire Bluff Trail

We also skipped this trail after the hiking debacle, but this Sleeping Bear Dunes trail leads to a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. I’m sure the views are great.

Empire Village Inn

Before you leave the area, hit up Empire Village Inn, one of the most popular restaurants near Sleeping Bear Dunes State Park. This restaurant has a dive bar vibe and is run by young guys in great moods. They have gluten free pizza that is very reasonably priced. It was refreshing to eat off property after paying resort prices all weekend.

Frankfort

Frankfort is less than a half hour from the property on a good traffic day. It has an amazing beach with a strip of businesses including several good Frankfort restaurants. The Frankfort North Breakwater Lighthouse is the centerpiece of the beach, which is free to access. Public restrooms are nowhere to be found.

Pro tip: DO NOT take food to go to eat on the beach. We munched on salad seasoned with sand with our hands (because the restaurant forgot to include the utensils we requested).

We ordered from Dinghy’s. My salad was just OK, but I’m sure the barbecue sans sand with a fork is much better.

10. Ways to Save Money

Discounted Packages

Crystal Mountain offers discounted packages which change throughout the year. If you are planning to golf or visit the spa, these Crystal Mountain lodging deals may save you the most. As of the time of this writing, senior citizens are also offered a discounted rate.

You can find the most updated specials here.

Ski Discounts

Kids Ski Free (as Do People Over 80)

Kids ages 7 through 17 ski free Sundays through Thursdays with an adult on a Ski Package. This deal is not available during peak season. For good measure, this deal is also available to people over age 80.

Kids 6 and under ski free all the time.

Ski in a Group

As of the time of this writing, the following group discounts for Crystal Mountain are available:

1. Groups of 15 or more get discounts on lift tickets

2. Groups of 24 or more adults, or 50 total guests, get group package pricing

3. Groups of 5 or more cross-country skiers get a 20% discount on rentals and Crystal Mountain trail passes

Time for a Golden Girls Fan Club reunion.

Ski Season Passes

Season pass holders get several perks, including discounted skiing at several other properties. They also get:

1. Discounted Hotel Rates

2. Discounted Lift Tickets for a Friend

3. 50% Off Cross-Country Passes

4. Spa Discounts

5. Fitness Center Discounts

6. Discounted Equipment Tuning

7. 10% Off Ski Lessons

8. 10% Off Retail Items Plus an Extra 5% Off Before December 23

9. Single Ticket Ride on the Crystal Mountain Alpine Slide in the Summer

10. Free Golf During the First and Last Weeks of the Season

11. 10% Off Midweek Childcare Services

How Much Is A Crystal Mountain Season Pass?

The pass lineup has been restructured since our visit, and the old prices no longer apply, so treat the dollar figures below as “ballpark, verify before you buy.” As of the 2025-26 season, the main options are:

Premier Season Pass

Includes: Unlimited downhill skiing and riding all winter, plus “First Tracks” early access to the slopes. This is the all-in option for serious skiers.

Premier Lite Pass

Includes: A trimmed-down version of the Premier pass for people who ski often but don’t need every perk. A newer addition to the lineup.

Midweek Pass

Includes: Weekday skiing with holiday blackout dates. The value pick if you can swing time off.

Cross Country Pass

Includes: Access to the cross-country trails all season. The old Sunday Pass is gone, and there are also discounted College and Hero (military/first responder) passes worth asking about.

Golf Discounts

Kids Golf Free

Kids ages 17 and under golf free an adult who purchases a Golf Package.

Golf in a Crystal Mountain Group

Groups of 24 or more get discounted rates and preferred tee times. You can also create a custom package with Crystal Mountain lodging and dining.

Time for a No Ma’am convention.

Limited Golf Pass

Includes: Golf on Betsie Valley Monday through Thursday and Sunday after 1:00 p.m. during peak season. You can call the night before to check availability outside those hours. You also get unlimited golf on both courses any day of the week during the beginning and end of the season.

Cost: A flat seasonal rate, with peak-season upgrades available to play Mountain Ridge and an add-on Range Pass for unlimited range use. Carts and range buckets are charged separately. Pricing changes year to year, so pull the current numbers before you commit.

Crystal Mountain Spa

There are various spa deals offered throughout the year, and resort guests often get a discount on larger spa purchases. Check what is running during your stay.

One thing to budget for: Crystal Mountain tacks a service charge onto spa services. I love a spa as much as the next guy, but fees like this annoy me. Why not just fold it into the price and skip the sneaky add-on?

11. Plan Your Trip

Cancellation Policy

Crystal Mountain requires a one-night deposit upon booking. You generally must cancel at least 7 days before arrival to get a refund (less a small processing fee). That window is longer than many properties require, so read the current policy carefully and cancel in time.

Holiday Stays

Holiday stays from December 26 through January 1 must be canceled by NOVEMBER 1. If you cancel after November 1, but at least 14 days before your arrival date, they will hold your deposit for one year to be used for a future visit. If you cancel less than 14 days before arrival, your deposit is forfeited.

This policy is outrageous and just a hair shy of highway robbery.

Check In

Check in time is 5:00 p.m., but they may let you in early if your room is ready. Call ahead to see if this option is available. Check in is in the Crystal Mountain Inn building.

Crystal Mountain Overnight Parking

There are several parking lots throughout the property. Parking is free of charge. Considering the resort’s remote Crystal Mountain location, this is appropriate.

Is Crystal Mountain Dog Friendly?

Crystal Mountain allows dogs in certain units, and we saw a ton of them. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times and you are responsible for cleaning up after them.

Dogs are not allowed on the ski lifts. Bringing them on the ski lift would be a decision akin to Kendall Jenner deciding to do that Pepsi commercial, so this shouldn’t be a huge issue. They are also not allowed on ski trails, the golf course, in stores, or in restaurants. They can sit on outdoor patios.

In addition to dogs with people, we saw wild cats that set up shop under the porch of our building. An employee approached us in the parking lot to tell us we could keep them if we caught them (hard pass), so they don’t seem too married to holding onto those. Bring a net if you’re in the market for a cat.

WiFi Is Included

WiFi is included with your resort fee (as it should be).

Quiet Time

The resort encourages quiet time from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. In the event you were planning to throw a frat party in your room, you’ll need to wrap it up by then.

Shuttle

The resort offers a shuttle to transport you throughout the resort. You probably won’t need it if you stay within the village that houses the majority of the common areas.

Crystal Mountain Resort Maps

Crystal Mountain Michigan maps cover the core of the property with the majority of the common areas, as well as an extended map of the entire property.

Wake Up Calls Are Offered

Wake up calls are offered. If you happen to visit in 1985, take advantage of this service.

Childcare

Childcare was suspended when we visited (a 2020 thing), but in normal operation the resort offers childcare in a dedicated area and can arrange in-room babysitting. Verify what is currently available and the rates before you count on a kid-free dinner.

Check Out Time

Check out time is 11:00 a.m. You can call for an express check out as long as your credit card is on file. The resort accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

12. A Historical Note: Our 2020 COVID-Era Visit

Time capsule warning: we visited in July 2020, so the resort was running a full set of pandemic-era precautions, none of which are in effect today. I am leaving this section as a historical snapshot (the masks, partitions, and capacity limits are long gone), but one observation below is still worth your attention as a parent. Skip ahead if 2020 gives you a twitch.

Face Coverings

There are signs throughout the resort reminding guests to wear masks. The resort requires masks indoors, but not outdoors or in your hotel room. The majority of guests did not wear a mask outside. The resort was not crowded, so people were able to spread out for the most part without them.

All staff wear a face covering at all times.

Partitions

Partitions were placed at cash registers and the Crystal Mountain front desk. There were also partitions between the tables at Wild Tomato when we visited in July of 2020.

Cleaning of Common Areas But No Housekeeping

Crystal Mountain claims it has increased its cleaning. This must be in common areas, because there was no housekeeping during our stay. As we paid full price for the room, I found this cut irritating. This seems much more about cost savings than safety.

Crystal Spa

Guests cannot arrive more than 30 minutes before their service and need to vacate the premises within an hour of their treatment ending. The steam and sauna rooms are closed.

Guests must wear masks except during facials and when laying face down. Temperatures will be taken and a health screening will be given upon arrival.

Peak Fitness Center

As of the time of this writing, reservations for one hour sessions are required. The property closes three times per day for cleaning. Guest passes are suspended other than those purchased by Crystal Mountain Four Seasons Club members.

Guests must practice social distancing. Masks should be worn in the lobby and locker room.

Guests are expected to wipe down the equipment after use. Some equipment has been removed.

Golf

Golfers are required to maintain a distance of six feet from each other. Sharing of equipment is not allowed. Face masks must be used in compliance with CDC recommendations.

Fist bumps, high fives, and handshakes are forbade. Yes, Crystal Mountain actually bothered to put that in writing.

Outdoor Pool Precautions

Limited Capacity

The pool is operating with limited capacity. The resort recommends calling to confirm availability. We never did this and had no issue getting in any of the three days we visited.

Social Distancing and Face Coverings

While we were at the Crystal Mountain pool, I heard a few announcements reminding guests to stay 6 feet apart. I saw absolutely no one wearing a face covering on the side of the pool, but for the most part, people spread out.

Outdoor Pool Play Structure Limits

During our first two days, the staff announced that the play structure was limited to three people at a time. On our last day, that number changed to one. I’m not sure what changed during that time.

Life Jackets

Crystal Mountain does not allow floaties, so my younger son was stuck with the resort’s life jackets. These were NOT sanitized between uses.

On the first day, I turned in the life jacket and the employee immediately started to return it to the common use area. I inquired whether she needed to sanitize it, and she did so seemingly for show. The following two days, I didn’t ask, and both times the life jacket was immediately put back into circulation without even a spray.

Final Thoughts

Crystal Mountain is nice, but when we went I did not think it was worth what we paid. Some of that was the 2020 timing, but a lot of the thin offerings felt more like cost-cutting than caution. In fairness, the resort has addressed several of my biggest complaints since: the alpine slide, climbing wall, and zipline are all open again, the pool playground is bigger, and there are genuinely new things for kids to do.

So here is my updated take. Are Crystal Mountain weekends worth it? In winter, if you ski, yes, this is a real mountain and the kids-and-seniors-ski-free deal helps. In summer, it is better than it was, but you are still paying full resort prices in a remote spot with almost no restaurants nearby and a long list of à la carte fees. Go in knowing that, and you will have a good time. Expect an all-inclusive feel and you will feel nickeled and dimed.

We had a great weekend as a family. The kids loved it, the staff was great, and I am glad we tried it. If you are mapping out a Michigan trip, it pairs naturally with nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes, and for another northern-Michigan family option you might compare it with the Homestead Resort before you book.

Crystal Mountain FAQ

Where is Crystal Mountain located?

Crystal Mountain is at 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr., Thompsonville, MI 49683, in northwest Lower Michigan, about 30 minutes southwest of Traverse City. You can reach the resort at (855) 995-5146 or (231) 378-2000. You will need a car; there is essentially nothing within walking distance.

How much are Crystal Mountain lift tickets?

As of early 2026, a single-day adult window lift ticket runs about $55 on weekdays and $90 on weekends. Buying online in advance usually beats the window price. Kids 6 and under and adults 80 and over ski free anytime.

Is the Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide open?

Yes. After being closed when we visited, it was rebuilt as a two-track, roughly 1,600-foot slide, billed as the only alpine slide in Michigan. As of early 2026, expect about $15 for a single ride, $40 for a four-ride pack, or $55 for an unlimited day pass. Riders must be at least 3, and the smallest kids ride with an adult.

Is Crystal Mountain good for young kids in the summer?

It is better than it used to be. The reopened alpine slide, climbing wall, and zipline, plus a newer bungee trampoline, gem mining, an 18-hole disc golf course, and a bigger water playground, give little kids more to do than when we went. That said, most of it costs extra, and very little is included in your stay, so budget accordingly.

Is Crystal Mountain dog friendly?

Yes, in select pet-friendly units. Dogs must stay leashed, and they are not allowed on ski lifts, ski trails, the golf course, in stores, or inside restaurants, though they can join you on outdoor patios. We saw plenty of happy dogs during our stay.