Traverse City, Michigan – Travel and Lodging

Loki and Thor get a makeover and a NEW Quad Chairlift.

This winter season “first chair’” will hold an even greater distinction as skiers and snowboarders clamor to grab the very first ride on Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa’s NEW Loki Quad Chairlift by SkyTrac.

The new chairlift and reshaping of the Loki and Thor slopes top the list of what’s new at Crystal Mountain for the upcoming winter:

NEW! Loki Quad Chairlift
Skiers and snowboarders will make the inaugural ascent up Loki and Thor this winter on a new fixed-grip quad chairlift by SkyTrac. The lift terminal will be located closer to the Camp Totem Learning Area and feature a loading conveyor which will provide an easier transition for beginners. The $1.3 million investment also includes upgrades to snowmaking.

NEW! Shape and Expanded Terrain on Loki & Thor
Since the new Loki Quad will be a ski-under chairlift it has provided the opportunity to expand and reshape terrain on Loki and Thor. The two black diamond runs have been contoured with a consistent pitch for a descent allowing more progressive and playful transitions. What’s more, the changes allow for greater flexibility in race course layout on those two slopes.

NEW! Additions to the Bungalows at Crystal Glen
Nestled at the base of the slopes (Buck) and near Kinlochen, the three- and four-bedroom Bungalows at Crystal Glen are among the most requested winter accommodations. This December the seventh of eight will be completed and ready for occupancy with the sixth having been finished in July.

NEW! HEAD BYS Rental System
Crystal Mountain has invested over a quarter-million dollars in the fully integrated HEAD BYS Rental System. The system’s color code specifically matches each boot, binding and ski making for a much quicker rental process. The HEAD ski design incorporates technology for easy turn initiation – which is particularly helpful to those just learning the sport – without sacrificing performance.

Snow Castles, Snow Obstacles & Snow Monsters
Shovels, buckets and other supplies will be available at the Park at Water’s Edge for Crystal’s FREE winter-long Snow Castle Contest (December 17-March 26). Photos will be taken of each castle and the one voted the best at season’s end will win a family prize package. Every day offers the chance to jump, hurdle, crawl and slide through the new Snow Obstacle Course with races held on select dates ($5 per person) and medals awarded. This winter mom and dad can get help tucking in the kids from Snowball, Powder Pig and Boarding Beaver. During Snow Monsters Tuck-In Time one of Crystal’s loveable mascots will come to your room accompanied by a guide for a bedtime story ($10 – reservation required).

World Snow Day!
This special event (January 22) created by the International Ski Federation will be the centerpiece of January’s Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month. Crystal’s World Snow Day event will feature displays from the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame (Ishpeming, MI), internationally inspired après ski cuisine and special clinics designed to introduce a new generation to skiing and boarding.

Celebrating over 50 years, Crystal is a family-owned, four-season resort with 36 holes of championship golf, one of GOLF Magazine’s Top 25 Golf Schools in America, one-acre outdoor water playground, the Crystal Coaster, Michigan’s only alpine slide, lodging, dining, skiing, IACC-approved conference facilities and the award-winning Crystal Spa.

Visit Crystal Mountain Website >>>>