Crystal Mountain: Michigan’s Ultimate Four-Season Golf and Family Resort Destination
- Metro Detroit Golfers
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
When golfers think of northern Michigan, great courses come to mind—but few destinations offer the complete experience like Crystal Mountain Resort.
In a recent Lesson on Golf segment, Communications Director Brittany Primeau shared why Crystal Mountain continues to stand out as one of the top all-around golf and family destinations in the Midwest.
More Than Golf: A True Four-Season Resort
Crystal Mountain’s roots go back to 1956 as a ski destination—and in 2026, the resort celebrates its 70th anniversary. While many still associate it with winter sports, the property has evolved into a full four-season experience.
Golf was introduced in the 1970s, and today the resort features two championship layouts:
Mountain Ridge – home of the Michigan Women’s Open
Betsy Valley – a longtime favorite that continues to improve year after year
As the ski season wraps, the transition into golf begins—sometimes overlapping depending on Michigan weather.
Golf Season in Northern Michigan
Like most northern Michigan courses, opening dates depend heavily on conditions.
Crystal Mountain typically moves quickly from skiing into golf, but early-season moisture and lingering snow—especially on Mountain Ridge—can impact timing.
Projected openings:
Betsy Valley: mid-April
Mountain Ridge: shortly after
For golfers, that means keeping an eye on conditions—but also getting access to some of the most scenic early-season golf in the state.
Built for More Than Just a Round of Golf
What separates Crystal Mountain from a typical golf destination is everything beyond the course.
The resort is designed as a walkable, stay-and-play environment, offering:
On-site lodging ranging from hotel rooms to multi-bedroom resort homes
Dining, shopping, and full resort amenities
Outdoor activities including hiking, ziplining, pools, and Michigan’s only alpine slide
It’s the kind of place where you can park your car and not need it again for the rest of your stay.
A Prime Northern Michigan Base Camp
Located in Benzie County, Crystal Mountain sits:
About 35 minutes southwest of Traverse City
Roughly 20 minutes from Frankfort and the Lake Michigan shoreline
That positioning makes it more than just a resort—it’s a central hub for exploring northern Michigan while still having everything you need in one place.
Ideal for Groups, Families, and Golf Trips
Crystal Mountain has earned recognition as one of the top destinations in the Midwest for family gatherings—and it’s easy to see why.
With lodging options that accommodate large groups and a wide range of on-site activities, it works just as well for:
Golf trips
Family vacations
Group getaways and reunions
For golfers planning a multi-day trip, it offers a balance of quality golf and off-course experience that’s hard to match.
About Lesson on Golf
Lesson on Golf is hosted by Jeff Lesson and produced by Make The Turn, the team behind Metro Detroit Golfers—one of the largest golf communities in Michigan.
The show highlights courses, destinations, and golf experiences across the state.
👉 Explore more episodes and featured destinations on the Metro Detroit Golfers YouTube channel.
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