GRAND Magazine - November/December 2008 - 63

Themed private programs at Crystal Mountain include mastering moguls, slalom racing and telemark skiing. Crystal Mountain, Michigan T e The Midwest isn’t known for its alpine sports, but family-owned Crystal Mountain in Northern Michigan is beloved among area skiers and riders for its laid-back vibe and variety of terrain (26 percent beginner, 47 percent intermediate, 27 percent advanced). With no double-backs, extreme skiers and riders aren’t entertained here, but nearly every other ability level is. While its size can’t compare to the mega resorts out West—Crystal has nine chairlifts on 45 trails with a vertical rise of just 375 feet—this small ski area does offer night skiing on 27 illuminated trails, plus a brand-new, comprehensive spa. Accommodations: Choose from simple, budget-friendly hotel rooms, two- to three-bedroom cottages or large four- to five-bedroom townhomes that sleep up to 12—most within walking distance of the chairlifts. MountainTop Townhomes are ski-in/ski-out, and the multi-bedroom Bungalows at Crystal Glen are new this season. Check for online lodging options and packages at www.crystalmountain.com or call 800-968-7686, ext. 5100. Lessons: Camp Totem is Crystal’s location for all kids’ programs. It’s steps away from the two-acre Totem Park learning area, with two Wonder Carpet surface lifts—conveyor belts built into the snow that beginners stand on as they’re gently transported uphill. Group and private lessons are for skiers and riders of all skill levels; some themed private programs include mastering moguls, slalom racing and telemark skiing. Dining: Up to two kids under 8 eat breakfast free (per paying adult) at the Wild Tomato; evenings bring Mexican, Italian and “Gringo Fare” entrees at the casual eatery. It’s a seasonal menu at the most elegant (yet still appropriate for kids) Crystal Mountain restaurant, the Thistle Pub & Grille, which also has a children’s menu. At both restaurants you can order “peak performance” selections: smaller-portioned menu items created with natural ingredients, limited saturated fats and balanced nutrients. Beyond the slopes: Set to open just after Christmas, the Crystal Spa is a 13,000-square-foot expansion of the existing indoor pool and fitness center. Twelve treatment rooms, spa locker rooms, manicure and pedicure area and outdoor hot tub will complement the fitness center, which also has been enlarged by 1,800 square feet. While the spa does not offer kids’ treatments, this might be just the spot for a grand to chill out. After a day of outdoor fun, a relaxing Swedish massage or more vigorous deep-tissue treatment is often the perfect antidote for sore muscles. Otherwise, kids of all ages can go on horse-drawn surrey (carriage) rides throughout the resort, whirl around on the central ice skating rink, and participate in daily activities at the Mountain Adventure Center, such as bingo, story time, face painting, scavenger hunts, geocaching or snow disc golf. Getting there: Crystal Mountain is 28 miles southwest of Traverse City and its Cherry Capital Airport (TVC); shuttle transfer service from the airport to the resort is available for a nominal charge. It’s a half-day’s drive from several major Midwest cities: Detroit (230 miles), Chicago (280 miles), Indianapolis (370 miles). Learn more: www.crystalmountain.com. stage most weekend afternoons; skate rentals are $5, and access to the rink is free. Shopping at the Village at Northstar includes two kid magnets: Ambassador Toys carries educational, crafty and just-plain-fun products that promote the understanding of cultures around the world; Mine children’s store has a Ms. Pac-Man game that will entertain kids while grandparents shop for cute clothing, accessories, games, books and toys. Getting there: Northstar-at-Tahoe is six miles south of downtown Truckee, California, 40 miles west of Reno, Nevada, 100 miles east of Sacramento, and 200 miles east of San Francisco. Shuttle service is available from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), about 45 minutes away. Learn more: www.northstarattahoe.com. NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2008 GRAND 63

http://www.crystalmountain.com http://www.crystalmountain.com http://www.northstarattahoe.com

GRAND Magazine - November/December 2008

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of GRAND Magazine - November/December 2008