First Timer’s Guides

People walking under festive string lights on a snowy night.

Before You Arrive

Have questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.

Planning on doing activities? Make sure your waivers are filled out in advance.

Resort Arrival

Check-in: If you are staying at Crystal Mountain overnight, please check in at the Inn at the Mountain Lobby.

Parking: There are plenty of spaces for guests to park their vehicles at Crystal Mountain. If you are staying overnight, our Front Desk staff will direct you to the best place to park your car during your stay. For guests just visiting for the day, we recommend parking in Lots J - M near the base of the Loki chairlift, or Lots A - B near the Buck chairlift.

See Resort Map

Safety

At Crystal Mountain, your safety is our top priority. View some of our safety guidelines to ensure your visit is great and safe!

Three people in winter hats enjoying hot drinks outside in a snowy evening setting.

Winter Visitors

Outerwear To Pack

By wearing the proper gear, you'll stay comfortable no matter the weather. We recommend:

Layer your clothing for flexibility with changing temperatures. Opt for non-cotton base layers, as cotton absorbs moisture and can make you cold.
High socks, typically wool or acrylic, to keep your feet dry and warm. Avoid wearing thick socks or multiple layers of socks. This helps prevent blisters!
A warm collared shirt, turtleneck, sweater, fleece or vest is an ideal second layer for your torso.
Water and wind resistant pants are best. Avoid jeans and sweatpants as they will get wet quickly. Make sure the pants you bring are wide enough at the bottom to fit over a large pair of boots.
A water and wind resistant jacket or shell with a high collar.
Eye protection, either sunglasses or goggles.
A warm hat that covers your ears. If you're hitting the slopes, we recommend a helmet! A helmet will keep your head warm and protect you. Crystal Mountain has them available to rent in Tickets and Rental if you don't own one.
Waterproof gloves or mittens. Insider tip: Mittens are warmer!
Sunscreen and lip balm, SPF 15 or higher.

If you need to purchase any of these items, our team members at Mountain Sports and the Kinlochen Shop would be happy to assist. GORE-TEX outerwear rentals are also available for those looking for high-performance protection without packing extra gear (Details Coming Soon!)

Ski & Snowboard Lessons

We encourage all new skiers and snowboarders to take a lesson. You'll learn all of the basic skills necessary to conquer the mountain and will learn in a safe environment. We offer a variety of lessons for all ages and abilities, group lessons, and even private lessons.

We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes ahead of your booked lesson time. Learn more about our ski and snowboard lessons or call 231-378-4776 to learn what program is right for you.

Resort Canine Blue, a Golden retriever wearing blue goggles, running through snow.

Meet Blue

Blue is Crystal Mountain's Resort K-9 Ambassador. You can meet him most days at the Crystal Mountain Realty office, located just inside the Inn at the Mountain lobby.

Blue loves powder days, dock jumping, scratches behind the ear and meeting kids. You can follow his adventures on Instagram all year long!

Follow Blue

Couple sitting by a fire pit, smiling near the Bungalows.

Summer Visitors

Outerwear To Pack

We always recommend checking the weather before you arrive so you can plan ahead. However, here are a few staples we recommend for visiting in the warmer months:

Dress in layers! It’s typically cooler in the morning and at night, but warm during the day (weather dependent of course). This gives you more flexibility to add or remove layers as temperatures change.
Don’t forget your bathing suit! We have an indoor hot tub and pool as well as the outdoor hot tub and water playground at the Park at Water’s Edge.
Sunscreen and lip balm, SPF 15 or higher.
Comfortable walking/hiking/biking shoes if you plan to hit the trails.
Sunglasses or a hat.

If you forget something, don’t worry – check out the Mountain Market, Kinlochen Shop, Peak Boutique or Park at Water’s Edge to find what you need.

What is there to do on property?

The village of Crystal Mountain is specifically designed to be pedestrian and bicycle friendly. Ditch your car for a few days and experience all the different activities within our 1500-acre property. Explore the Michigan Legacy Art Park or check out our summer or winter activities. Some activities do require a reservation.

Crystal Mountain is also home to two championship golf courses, 59 downhill slopes, as well as the first LEED-certified spa in the Midwest.

What is there to do nearby?

Crystal is the perfect home base to explore the beautiful Benzie County area. Frankfort, Traverse City, Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes are just a short drive away. Learn more about local attractions.