Welcome to Crystal Community Ski Club (CCSC), a non-profit organization where snowsports become a gateway to building a stronger community, nurturing physical and mental well-being, and fostering a lifelong passion for the great outdoors.
CCSC, serving the northwest lower Michigan region, offers a variety of core Alpine, Nordic and Teen Leadership programs for beginners to elite athletes ranging in age from 7 to 18.
CCSC is committed to affordability, with:
· Scholarships
· Reduced-rate alpine passes
· Nordic equipment provided for participants
The generous support from sponsors, donors, and Crystal Mountain allows CCSC to remove barriers for all school-age children in the surrounding area to learn to ski or snowboard.
To register for a program, camp, or special event, follow the link in its section below.
Check here for additional information, such as:
Who can register
How to register
Demographic data collected with registration
Transportation assistance
Clothing and equipment
Reduced-rate lift tickets
CCSC Program Offerings (follow the link or scroll down to browse):
Who’s Registered?
Want to see who has registered for CCSC for the 2024-25 season? If you know a participant’s name, you can look them up in SkiReg:
Holiday camps: https://www.skireg.com/Confirmed/7639
Seasonal programs: https://www.skireg.com/Confirmed/7638
Holiday Camps - Freestyle and Alpine Race
What: As of September 18 there are a few changes for Freestyle Camp schedules and pricing. We apologize for any inconvenience. Kids can register for both race and freestyle camps.
Race camp will focus on solid skiing fundamentals, race technique, drills and skier feedback with an emphasis on giant slalom and slalom tactics and techniques. Race Camp registration and pricing is per day.
Freestyle Camp is for those who are more interested in freestyle skiing or snowboarding. Freestlye camp registration and pricing is per session (either 2 or 3 days per session). Plan to attend all days of your session.
For: Ages 7-18
Requirements: Students in both camps need to be able to make continuous turns down blue runs (snowboarders using both toe and heel side edges) and load and unload the ski lift independently.
Race Camp is great for newcomers to alpine ski racing, as well as those racers looking to shave off hundredths of a second from their race times.
Freestyle is all about trick. This offering is for skiers and snowboarders to explore different combinations of fundamental movements for creative outcomes (tricks!) both inside and outside of available terrain parks. Great for newcomers to freestyle as well as those experienced in spinning, sliding and flying.
Equipment and clothing: You must have your own equipment skis and boots or snowboard and boots, helmet, and outerwear. Goggles are recommended. Poles for skiers are optional.
When: Freestyle is per session - sign up for either 2 or 3 days (or both sessions). Race camp is per day - sign up for one, two or all three days of a session. Racers can also sign up for days in either or both sessions.
Race Camp: 9:00am - 3:30pm (sign up for as many days as you’d like)
Dec 21, 22 & 23, 2024
Jan 1, 2 & 3, 2025
Freestyle Camp 5:00pm - 7:00pm (sign up for first session, second session, or both)
Dec 22-23 (two days only)
Jan 1-3 (three days)
Where: Pickup and drop off are at the bottom of the Loki lift.
Cost: The registration fee does not include a lift pass. Reduced-rate lift pass will be available (after registration). Note: No refunds will be given for lack of gate-setting.
Race camp:
Before October 31, 2024, camps will be $100 per day
After October 31, 2024, camps will be $120 per day
Freestyle:
Before October 31, 2024, the two day camp will be $100 and the three day camp will be $150.
After October 31, 2024, the two day camp will be $120 and the three day camp will be $175.
Also: Lunch for the athletes is “on your own.” Coaches and athletes will NOT be eating together. Athletes may bring their own lunches or get food from one of Crystal’s venues. Lunch will take place form 12:00pm -1:00pm.
MS & HS Nordic Ski Team
What: Learn the basics of Cross Country skiing or progress to Statewide XC competitions.
For: Grades 6-12
Requirements: no experience necessary
Equipment and clothing: Registration fee includes Nordic equipment and trail pass.
When: Sessions take place Sunday, January 5th - March 2 2025
Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00-5:30pm
Sundays 2:00-4:00pm
Where: Pickup and drop off are at the Crystal Mountain Nordic Center located near the driving range on Mountain Center Drive.
Cost: Fees include all equipment, trail pass, coaching and instruction.
By September 30th, 2024: $170
After September 30th, 2024: $190
Sunday Only:
By September 30th, 2024: $125
After September 30th, 2024: $145
Also: Hot chocolate and snacks are provided after practice. Races take place throughout the region on weekends.
Nordic Squirrels
What: An 8 week introduction to Classic Cross Country Skiing with games, relays and other fun activities.
For: Grades 4-5
Requirements: No experience necessary, 20 skier limit per session
Equipment and clothing: Registration fee includes Nordic equipment and trail pass.
When: Sessions take place Sundays, 11:00am-12:30pm, Sunday, January 5th - March 2 2025.
Where: Pickup and drop off are at the Crystal Mountain Nordic Center located near the driving range on Mountain Center Drive.
Cost: The program fee includes all equipment, trail pass, coaching and instruction.
By September 30th, 2024: $125
After September 30th, 2024: $145
Also: Hot chocolate and snacks provided after practice.
Nordic Rocks
For youth in participating schools
Nordic Rocks is the largest outreach program of CCSC, with more than 750 kids participating annually. It is funded exclusively through foundation and donor support and offers FREE cross country ski instruction to 3rd-5th graders in our 5-county region.
Coaches work with individual 3rd, 4th and 5th grade classrooms and offer four, 1-hour lessons right on the school playground. Special Nordic Rocks skis that strap right onto their snow boots. They’re shorter than traditional Nordic skis, which makes it easier for young kids to navigate and learn. Based on an international award-winning curriculum created by our program founder, Beth Major, the kids go from learning how to get up after falling all the way to running on skis and ultimately conquering the trails at Crystal Mountain.
Fourth and 5th grade classes attend 2-4 lessons during the school day at Crystal Mountain. They use real equipment and gain skills - not only in Nordic skiing but also in leadership, confidence and mindset.
Check with your school to get involved.
Friday Night Lights
What: Learn to ski or ride at all levels in this program and get introductions to Alpine Race, Nordic and Freestyle. Try them all!
For: Ages 7-18
Requirements: No experience necessary.
Equipment and clothing: Participants must provide their own downhill skis or snowboard, helmet, and appropriate outerwear (snow pants, winter coat, gloves or mittens). Optional but recommended: poles, goggles, boot socks.
When: Sessions take place Fridays, weekly from January 3 through March 7, 2025 from 6-8pm.
Where: Check-in and pick-up to the right of the base of the Loki Lift (looking uphill) at Crystal Mountain
Cost: Lift tickets are not included in the registration fee, but a discounted Friday lift ticket will be available following registration.
By September 30, 2024: $225
By November 14, 2024: $248
November 15, 2024 and after: $259
Freestyle
What: Whether you're a beginner making your first turns or an advanced rider tackling gladed tree runs, our lessons provide invaluable guidance and coaching. Our certified instructors specialize in techniques, movement analysis, and tips for those pursuing creative freestyle skiing and snowboarding.
For: Ages 7-18
Requirements: Students need to be able to make continuous turns down blue runs and load and unload the ski lift independently. Snowboarders must be confident riding on both heel and toe edges. This is not a beginner offering. You must have a Crystal Mountain lift pass good for Sundays.
Equipment and clothing: You must have your own equipment skis and boots or snowboard and boots, helmet, and outerwear. Goggles are recommended. Poles for skiers are optional.
When: Sessions take place 11am-1pm on Sundays January 4 - March 9, 2025
Where: Pickup and drop off are at the bottom of the Loki lift.
Cost: The registration fee does not include a lift pass. A discounted Sunday lift pass will be available (after registration).
By September 30, 2024: $238
By November 14, 2024: $263
November 15 and after: $300
Master the Mountain
What: Learn to ski/snowboard or advance your skiing/snowboarding skills.
For: Ages 7-18
Requirements: No experience necessary
Equipment and clothing: Participants must provide their own downhill skis or snowboard, helmet, and appropriate outerwear (snow pants, winter coat, gloves or mittens). Optional but recommended: poles, goggles, boot socks.
When: Sessions take place January 4 - March 9, 2025 every Sunday from 2-5pm
Where: Check-in and pick-up near the base of the Loki Lift at Crystal Mountain
Cost: A discounted Sunday lift ticket will be available following registration.
By September 30, 2024: $261
By November 14, 2024: $289
November 15 and after: $300
Also: Age and skill appropriate groups are formed so that we can build on-mountain camaraderie and friendships.
Alpine Race Academy
What: Learn to race or improve your competitive race skills and results.
For: Ages 7-18
Requirements: Race Academy is geared towards experienced racers or those whose competitive skill level is high. Students need to be able to make continuous turns down blue runs and load and unload the ski lift independently.
Equipment and clothing: You must provide your own equipment, including GS and Slalom (or one pair the works for both) skis, well-fitted boots, a helmet (chin bar required for slalom). Other gear may be helpful.
When: Sessions run January 4 - March 9, 2025 and are available: Wednesdays 6:00-8:00pm (slalom), Fridays 6:00-8:00pm (GS), Saturdays 8:00-11:00am (Slalom), Sundays 9:00am-12:00pm (GS). Racers are encouraged to attend as many session per week as possible.
Where: Drop-off/check-in and pick-up is at the bottom of the Loki lift near the banner, except for Saturday, when drop-off/check-in takes place at the bottom of the Buck lift.
Cost: Discounted lift tickets will be available following registration.
By September 30, 2024: $385 for sessions only; $485 for sessions and race eligibility
By November 14, 2024: $423 for sessions only; $533 for sessions and race eligibility
November 15 and after: $$484 for sessions only; $585 for sessions and race eligibility
Also: If you want to race for CCSC against other clubs, be sure to register for a program with race eligibility. Race support is an additional expense. Giant Slalom and Slalom coaching will alternate sessions with technique coaching followed by gate coaching each session.
Jr Ski Patrol
What: Jr Patrollers will learn basic first aid skills, skiing/riding techniques, and mountain safety with special emphasis on skills practices by the National Ski Patrol. After a successful completion of the program, participants will receive a Crystal Mountain Jr. Patrol certificate.
For: Ages 12-15
Requirements: To join the Jr Patrol you should be comfortable skiing or snowboarding on blue runs. You must have a Crystal Mountain ski/snowboard pass for Wednesdays and/or Sundays.
Equipment and clothing: You must have your own ski or snowboard equipment.
When: Sundays 2-5pm, Wednesday night hill closing, and other select nights for “on hill” patrolling from January 4 - March 9, 2025
Where: Drop-off and pick-up will be at the base of the Loki Lift at Crystal Mountain.
Cost: Discounted lift tickets will be available following registration.
By September 30, 2024: $119
By November 14, 2024: $131
November 15 and after: $150
Also: Sessions take place Sundays from 2-5pm with take home practices totaling no more than 30 minutes per week. Additional “on hill” patrolling time with instructors will be available on select dates. Jr Patrollers will serve alongside Wednesday night Ski Patrollers and assist in closing hills and at accident scenes.
Jr Instructor
What: Learn what it’s like to work as a ski instructor. Earn national recognition as a Junior Instructor and develop important skills through on-snow training, shadowing, and independent study.
For: Ages 13-18
Requirements: You must be comfortable skiing or snowboarding on blue runs, have your own equipment and have a Crystal Mountain lift pass for Sundays.
Equipment and clothing: You must have your own ski or snowboard equipment.
Course Description:
3 hours of self-directed on-line training is required and must be completed before January 5, 2025.
12 hours (3 sessions) of on-snow training is required, Sundays from 9:00am - 1:00pm
January 5, 2025
January 12, 2025
January 26, 2025
Makeup Day, if applicable, would be early February
12 hours of on-snow shadowing is required. Participants will act as assistants to CCSC Master the Mountain instructors (see the description at Master the Mountain). Attending all sessions is encouraged.
1:40pm - 2:00pm Master the Mountain staff meeting includes Junior Instructors.
2:00pm - 5:00pm assistant shadowing (4 sessions required, counts toward the 12 hours)
Session dates are Jan 5, Jan 12, Jan 26, Feb 2, Feb 9, Feb 23, Mar 2, Mar 9.
Where: Drop-off and pick-up will be at the base of the Loki Lift at Crystal Mountain.
Cost: A discounted Sunday lift pass will be available following registration.
By September 30, 2024: $119
By November 14, 2024: $131
November 15 and after: $150
Mountain Movers Teen Program
What: Play fun games on the mountain, eat great food and join other teens in helping to shape the future of Crystal Community Ski Club programs. You have great ideas, and we want to hear them! In this 8-week program, you’ll team up with other teens, instructors and volunteers to form friendships, ski the mountain, share your ideas and (of course) eat!.
For: Ages 13-18
Requirements: You must be comfortable skiing or snowboarding on blue runs and a Crystal Mountain lift pass for Sundays.
Equipment and clothing: You must have your own ski or snowboard equipment.
When: Sessions will be held Sunday from noon till 2pm for 8 weeks between January 4 - March 9, 2025.
Where: Drop-off and pick-up will be at the base of the Loki Lift at Crystal Mountain with lunch location to be announced.
Cost: A discounted Sunday lift pass will be available following registration.
By September 30, 2024: $119
By November 14, 2024: $131
November 15 and after: $150
Also: The main course for lunch at noon will be provided with a sign-up sheet for dessert options. Then it’s off for fun on the mountain with games and free skiing/snowboarding.