Crystal announces $10 million expansion

THOMPSONVILLE, MICH. – Crystal Mountain is about to embark on a $10 million expansion that will include three new projects: a full-service destination spa, new slope-side residences named the Bungalows at Crystal Glen and Michigan’s only alpine slide. 

These three new projects represent the latest steps in Crystal Mountain’s master plan, Emergent Directions. Upon completion of the spa, Bungalows, and alpine slide, Crystal will have invested over $50 million in resort expansion and improvements in the last decade. 

“We are excited to undertake these new projects that will not only enhance our guests’ experience, but further sustain Crystal as a year-round destination resort,“ said Jim MacInnes, president and general manager of Crystal Mountain. 

The Crystal Spa

The Crystal Spa, with construction scheduled to begin this spring and completion scheduled for winter 2008/09, will include a 13,000 square-foot expansion to Crystal’sexisting indoor pool and fitness area. The project includes the addition of a full-service spa

featuring 12 treatment rooms, private locker rooms, a manicure and pedicure area, and an outdoor meditation garden with a hot tub. The facility will also include indoor and outdoor motion studios for yoga, Pilates, stretching and aerobics classes as well as additional state-of-the-art fitness and weight training equipment.

The Crystal Spa will be a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified project that incorporates green building practices throughout. The design will celebrate the art and natural beauty of northern Michigan in a setting that encourages relaxation, renewal, and rejuvenation. This $4 million addition will position Crystal as the Midwest’s leading destination resort for the promotion of healthy lifestyles. An array of spa

services, extensive fitness programming and healthy cuisine from Crystal’s Peak Performance menu will offer guests the opportunity to enhance their health and wellness.

The Bungalows at Crystal Glen

Crystal is now accepting purchase agreements for the first phase of its newest ski-in, ski-out residential neighborhood, The Bungalows at Crystal Glen.  Design of these quaint three- and four-bedroom dwellings is influenced by early 1900s era Michigan vacation bungalows in an arts and crafts motif.  Nestled in the heart of the resort village, at the base of the slopes and just steps away from Kinlochen and the Betsie Valley golf course, the Bungalows offer flexible summer, winter, and year-round ownership plans, and will also be available through Crystal’s vacation rental program. 

Loki Alpine Slide

Crystal Mountain will add to its reputation as a premier year-round playground when it adds Michigan’s only alpine slide this summer. Riders will take the Loki triple chairlift to the top, hop on a sled, and cruise down one of two parallel 250-foot-high, 1,600-foot-long curved tracks. 

“From top to bottom, the rider controls the speed,” explains Jim MacInnes. “’Whether it be a slow and easy ride through the beautiful terrain or action-packed excitement through the dips and high-banked turns, it’s a ride that will delight people of all ages.”  

Crystal Mountain officials have worked in partnership with the Traverse Bay Economic Development Corporation in packaging $1.1 million in local, state and federal non-traditional low-interest financing, the majority coming from Benzie County Economic Development Corporation’s Revolving Loan Fund.  As a result of this expansion project, Crystal expects to create 32 new jobs.

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