Crystal Mountain Ski Resort 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr. Thompsonville, Michigan 49683

The Birth of Crystal Mountain

In 1958, Toledo resident Ed Abbey and a group of investors, some of whom were summer residents in the Crystal Lake area, became interested in Buck Hills as a commercial venture. In 1960 the group purchased the ski area, and under Abbey’s leadership, formed a corporation and renamed the ski area “Crystal Mountain”. There were 96 original shareholders, and with the new name came, a poma tow, the first double chairlift and six electric rope tows. The Lodge, which housed a large lounge with a fireplace, 21 lodge rooms and a large outdoor heated pool – was also built.

While winter business was quite profitable, the summer months proved a serious challenge in terms of generating income and the corporation had difficulty obtaining the four or five million dollars needed to support year-round activities. So, in 1966, Crystal Mountain was transferred to a group of three investors headed by George Petritz, a local businessman. Petritz’ initial intention was to sell the Resort, he once told a reporter. “But it wasn’t long before I began to like it; I stayed with it,” He added. Six years after acquiring Crystal Mountain, Petritz became general manager; he eventually took on sole ownership of Crystal Mountain in 1981.

Petritz’ philosophy in operating the Resort was a simple one: “We believe that our customers should be treated as family members,” he once said. “As if they are guests in our own home.”

Located in the heart of Benzie County, Crystal Mountain is the Midwest’s premier four-season family resort featuring some of the finest accommodations northern Michigan has to offer – 36 holes of championship golf, 58 downhill slopes, 30km of cross-country trails, the award-winning Crystal Spa, the Michigan Legacy Art Park, and IACC-approved conference facilities.

Contact Information

Crystal Mountain
12500 Crystal Mountain Dr.
Thompsonville, Michigan 49683

Phone: (855) 995-5146

NOTE: All images and content were borrowed directly from the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort website in order to help promote the region. Please visit them directly at http://www.crystalmountain.com/