By David Theoret, The Golfinguy Crystal Mountain: One of Michigan’s Best Year-Round Resorts Depending on your favorite season, Crystal Mountain Resort is either a ski resort with 59 well-groomed downhill runs, or a golf resort with 36 holes of championship golf. Regardless of the season, it’s one of Northern Michigan’s best resorts. Crystal Mountain began as a school project when a geography teacher at nearby Benzonia High School tasked his students to find the best place in the county to start a ski area. The students determined the Buck Hills Range offered the best combination of terrain and snowfall. The Buck Hills Ski Area became a reality in 1956 with a rope tow powered by an old pickup truck engine and a warming hut built with donated lumber. In 1960, Buck Hills became Crystal Mountain Resort when it was purchased by 96 shareholders, many of whom had homes nearby. The new owners made substantial upgrades including a new lodge with dining and lodging for overnight guests. By 1966, the number of owners had dwindled to a small handful, who realized that the best way for the resort to be profitable was to make it a year-round destination. Fast forward to 1981 Indiana Golf Journal
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