Crystal Mountain

From fun fall Saturdays filled with scarecrow walks, horse-drawn surrey rides, pumpkin carving, biking and golfing to a landscape of winter white made for downhill skiing, snowboarding and fat-tire biking, Crystal Mountain’s 1,500-acre family resort in northern Michigan offers plenty to explore as temperatures turn cooler. 

During the fall, visitors can pedal along the resort’s 12-plus miles of bike trails and immerse themselves within the red, yellow and orange foliage of the season, or tee off at one of the resort’s two championship golf courses. Autumn is also the perfect time to explore the Michigan Legacy Art Park, a 30-acre outdoor sculpture trail on the grounds of the resort. Its more than 50 works of art and 2 miles of hiking trails create an experience that connects art, nature and history. Afterward, get in a game of pickleball, disc golf or tennis. 

Once the snow starts to fall (and even if it doesn’t, as the resort’s 177 snow-making machines can produce their own), the mountaintops, with a vertical drop of 375 feet, beckon for winter sports. Take a moment at the top of the mountain to enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding area, where you can see parts of four nearby counties in the distance. 

Skiers have a variety of choices when it comes to heading down the mountain, as the resort’s 59 downhill runs provide options for every skill level. For those who want to stick to flatter ground, there are miles of cross-country skiing trails to explore, as well as the opportunity to go for a fat-tire bike ride, make a trek on snowshoes or glide out onto the ice at Barr Park.

A year-round favorite at the resort is the award-winning Crystal Spa. Here, visitors can kick back with amenities like infrared saunas, eucalyptus steam rooms, an outdoor hot tub and a relaxation lounge. 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr., Thompsonville, Michigan 49683, 855/995-5146, crystalmountain.com