WHAT’S NEW THIS SUMMER
OVER THE LAST 25 YEARS ‘NEW’ HAS REALLY BEEN THE OPERATIVE WORD AT CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN, ESPECIALLY WHEN SUMMER IS CONCERNED. THE RESORT HAS A SKI HERITAGE DATING BACK TO 1956, BUT TODAY, AN EQUAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE (AND OFTEN TIMES MORE) VISIT WHEN THE SLOPES ARE GREEN AND THE WEATHER IS WARM. THE LAST DECADE ALONE HAS SEEN THE ENTRANCE OF THE ALPINE SLIDE, GRAVITY PARK, CRYSTAL SPA, BUNGALOWS AT CRYSTAL GLEN AND MOST RECENTLY, THE EXPANSION OF THE INN AT THE MOUNTAIN – NOT TO MENTION A MULTITUDE OF ACTIVITIES AND OTHER PROGRAMMING. CONTINUING WITH THE TRADITION OF CHANGE, THE RESORT WILL AGAIN BRING NEW TWISTS THIS SUMMER, STARTING IN THE VERY CENTER OF THE VILLAGE.
SOMETHING’S BRU-ING AT THE INN
LET’S RIDE
Crystal Mountain has finally answered one of its most vexing questions, “Where do I get a cup of coffee around here?” Under construction all last summer, the 31,200-square-foot Inn expansion fully opened this winter, which means this will be the Bru Bar’s first summer serving specialty coffees in the morning and, throughout the day, beer, wine and cocktails. You’ll be able to enjoy those drinks outdoors at tables on the deck adjacent to the Inn Lounge with views of the slopes or sitting street-side in front of the Mountain Market.
Crystal Mountain has a whole new fleet of bikes this summer featuring flagship Kona Bikes like the Process 153, Cinder Cone and Unit-X trail bikes, as well as, Kona WO Fat Tire Bikes. In addition, the resort also has new hybrid and kids bikes from Marin, KHS and Framed. Crystal has also redesigned its trail maps and partnered with the Michigan DNR to replace wayfaring signage on the Betsie River Pathway, making it easier to explore the combined 14 miles of beautiful mixeduse trails. If you prefer a little added safety and security on the trails, rest assured. This summer members of the National Ski Patrol will be hopping on mountain bikes to monitor the trails.
Speaking of which, the Mountain Market, right next door to the Bru Bar in the Inn Lobby, is also new this summer. This new specialty grocery will not only have the necessities but also fun non-essentials you’ll find only in northern Michigan, from local wine, spirits and craft beer to cheeses, produce and special gifts. Flip a few pages farther to find out how Bryant Betts and Jeremy Ursum, from our culinary team, prepared a gourmet meal in a Bungalow using only items they found in the Market.
RAISING THE BARR David Barr, the founder of Michigan Legacy Art Park, holds a special place in the hearts of those at Crystal Mountain, and now a new space will be named in his memory. Placed at the center of the village, Barr Park will begin to leap from rendering to reality this summer. It will be nestled between the Inn, Lodge and Crystal Spa, creating a new stage where people can gather and connect. Barr’s sculpture, Equation, on loan from Michigan Legacy Art Park, and temporarily on display in front of the Lodge, will move to its permanent spot next to the Inn’s glass staircase during a dedication ceremony this summer. Stay tuned on Facebook and Instagram for details.
FIT TO A TEE FOR FAMILIES Wednesday evenings have been among the busiest in golf over the last several summers. The popular program moves to the Practice Center this season. For $15 per person, you’ll receive top quality instruction from Crystal’s award-winning professionals plus driving range target contests, fun games and prizes that help you learn all facets of the game. Think of it as practice range meets bowling alley meets arcade meets golf school. Better yet, just find out what it’s like firsthand each Wednesday beginning June 13, 5pm. (You still receive a hot dog, chips and a drink!)
WAFFLES AREN’T JUST FOR WINTER The Waffle Cabin, which opened near the Mountain Adventure Zone in December, has been a huge hit, but waffles aren’t just for winter. Whether you prefer plain or drizzled with chocolate, all summer long you’ll be able to celebrate a ride down the alpine slide, round of disc golf, or victory in the paintball arena with waffles and other goodies.
CRYSTALMOUNTAIN.COM | MOUNTAIN LIFE | SUMMER 2018
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