Crystal Community Ski Club Nordic Team competing in High School State Championship
February 9, 2022
THOMPSONVILLE, Mich. (Feb 9, 2022) – What started as a club to introduce kids to skiing for the first time, now has a competitive racing program with multiple students competing at the state level.
Crystal Community Ski Club has six athletes from its Crystal Nordic team headed to the Michigan High School Nordic State Championship in Ishpeming this weekend.
Benzie Central sophomore Mylie Kelly, Benzie Central junior Ella Gaylord, Benzie Central senior exchange student Matilde Torgersen, Frankfort freshman Kate May, homeschooled sophomore Gloria Sobkoviak and Benzie Central junior Hunter Jones will race individually in a freestyle 5k skate, 5k classic and 1k skate sprints.
“To see these athletes want to compete against dozens of other talented cross country skiers from across the state is inspiring,” Ian Durand, Crystal Nordic race coach, said. “Some kids who join Crystal Community Ski Club are just beginners, but through practices and local race events, they have really gained confidence with the sport.”
Now in its fourth year, Crystal Community Ski Club has several learn-to-ski programs covering both Nordic and alpine ski styles. Crystal Nordic has 56 athletes between the high school, middle school and elementary (Nordic Squirrel) teams.
Mylie Kelly is a sophomore at Benzie Central High School who decided to try cross country skiing for the first time just two years ago.
“I joined Crystal Community Ski Club when I was in eighth grade just to try something new, but I ended up falling in love with Nordic skiing,” Kelly said. “My coaches, Beth and Tim (Furbacher) and Ian, taught me so much about the technique last year and now racing this year, I’m really excited to see how I compare to some of the best high school skiers in the state.”
Around 100 high school skiers from clubs and high schools across the state are expected to compete. The state championship is just one of several race events Crystal Nordic has successfully competed in this year.
“Not only are these kids learning a new sport and enhancing their skills, but they’re creating new friendships, experiencing sportsmanship and generating interest around winter sports in northern Michigan,” Durand said. “We hope with this kind of race exposure, and exposure about skiing in general, we can continue to grow CCSC by attracting more kids every year.”
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About Crystal Community Ski Club: The Crystal Community Ski Club is a non-profit organization that operates at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, Michigan. The club offers learn-to-ski programs for elementary, middle school and high school students of all skill levels. Through professional leadership, and certified ski instructors, the goal is to develop a lifelong love for outdoor winter sports among youth and families. Crystal Community Ski Club relies on the generosity of sponsors, grants and community donations to help cover equipment, scholarships and operational fees. Learn more at ccskiclub.org.
About Crystal Mountain: Established in 1956, Crystal Mountain is a family-owned, four-season resort destination located 28 miles southwest of Traverse City and a short drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The 1,500-acre resort features lodging, dining, downhill and cross-country skiing, two championship golf courses, shopping, award-winning Crystal Spa, Michigan’s only alpine slide, the Peak Fitness Center, Park at Water’s Edge, Michigan Legacy Art Park, weddings, a conference center and real estate options. Visit crystalmountain.com for more resort details or information about Four Seasons Club memberships.