As autumn paints its exquisite colors across Crystal Mountain’s 1,500 acres in Thompsonville, the best place to watch the changing leaves is from a chairlift. There you’ll experience miles of colorful treetops, panoramic views of three counties and the fresh air of Northern Michigan.
Chairlift rides are offered on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October. Times vary by day, so visit Crystal Mountain’s website for details.
“Autumn in Northern Michigan is truly breathtaking,” says John Melcher, chief operating officer for the resort. “And there’s no better way to see the fall colors than from soaring in a Crystal Mountain chairlift ride where you’re right in the middle of it all.”
Come for the day, or spend a few days. Crystal Mountain is a short drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, salmon and steelhead fishing in the Betsie and Platte rivers and the 45th Parallel, where world-class wineries are in the middle of fall’s harvest.
But that’s not all. Autumn at Crystal Mountain is special for the entire family, and the resort has a number of safe activities planned for fall color enthusiasts all month long.
Fall Fun Saturdays
Get outside and have some family fun during Fall Fun Saturdays. Join Crystal Mountain Saturday, Oct. 17, Oct. 24 and Oct. 31 for a day full of fall activities.
Bike Rental at the Mountain Adventure Zone: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Take a bike ride around the resort to see all of the beautiful fall colors. Bring your own bike or rent one from the resort; paved and gravel trails.
Disc Golf at the Mountain Adventure Zone: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Challenge your family and friends to a fun game of disc golf. The Crystal Mountain course begins at the top of Loki, so soak in the views and enjoy an afternoon outdoors.
Fall Mountain Bike Color Tour: 10 a.m.
Ride sections of the iconic Peak2Peak race course and Betsie River Pathway at a leisurely tour pace. You’ll get all the beauty with less sweat!
Alpine Slide: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
The Crystal Coaster is Michigan’s only Alpine Slide. Take a scenic ride on a sled where you control the speed.
Chairlift Ride + Hike: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Ride up the Loki chairlift and soak in the fall foliage. After, you’ll take a stroll down the hill for a little exercise along a scenic walk down the mountain.
Pumpkin Painting at the Mountain Adventure Zone: Noon–1:30 p.m.
Reserve a table and decorate a pumpkin! The resort will provide the pumpkin and supplies for $9.
Horse Drawn Wagon Rides: 1–5 p.m.
View the fall colors around the heart of the resort by wagon, led by a team of gentle Belgian draft horses. Rides are $12 per person, age three and under free with paying adults. Reservations required, call the Mountain Adventure Zone at 888-968-7686 ext. 7500. Masks are required for all paying riders.
Pumpkin Painting at the Mountain Adventure Zone: 2–3:30 p.m.
Reserve a table and decorate a pumpkin! The resort will provide the pumpkin and supplies for $9.
Outdoor Laser Tag at the Mountain Adventure Zone: 3 p.m. & 6 p.m.
Challenge your crew to this heart-racing, adrenaline-pumping adventure. Outdoor Laser Tag is $15 per person, geared for ages 6 and up. Reservations required by calling the Mountain Adventure Zone at 888-968-7686 ext. 7500.
Archery: 4 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Take aim with a bow and arrow for this family-friendly activity. Archery is $19 per person, geared for ages 7 and up. Reservations required by calling the Mountain Adventure Zone at 888-968-7686 ext. 7500.
More October Activities
Spa Days
Enjoy select services at special prices on the resort’s most popular spa treatments. Ask about the newest feature: the Gemstone Facial. Click here for details.
Pumpkin Patch: Begins Oct. 17
Visit the pumpkin patch any day in October and take a pumpkin home to carve or decorate. Visit the Mountain Adventure Zone for your perfect pick. Pumpkins are just $5 each.
Scarecrow Walk: Begins Oct. 17
This free activity is fun for all ages. Grab a map from the Mountain Adventure Zone and explore the resort for themed scarecrows. Resort staff are building scarecrows for this fun competition. Vote for your favorite and watch for the winner on our social media channels.
Fitness Options for All
Check out fitness options this October from biking the trails to archery and yoga. The resort’s fitness and recreation staff have come up with exercise class and fitness options for everyBODY. Click here to view the complete class schedule.
Golf
The perfect drive happens after the perfect drive to Crystal Mountain. Click here to book a tee time on one of the two championship golf courses.
Ski & Snowboard
Crystal premier passes for winter are also on sale for $325. The very best in pricing is available until Thursday, when prices increase to $399. Purchase a pass here.
Four Seasons Club
A Four Seasons Club membership includes cool perks and special invitations to members-only events. Click here to view rates.
