The Good Mountain Pack up the kids, bring the grandparents, invite the guy next door. At Crystal Mountain they can make anyone fall in love with a ski vacation. The Crystal Clipper, Crystal's high-speed lift, is one of the fastest in the country and a lift line eliminator. Families with young children love the Clipper because it loads at a full stop. Accommodations range from motel-style rooms to condos and resort homes.
Amenities run the gamut from full service dining to night skiing and an indoor pool.
The shopping is charming in the nearby small towns of Beulah, Benzonia and Frankfort. There's a bit of nightlife in the towns as well, but for a range of choices you'll need to head to Traverse City. Crystal Mountain is 28 miles southwest of Traverse City. The resort is surrounded by miles of state and national forests, so gas up before you set out.