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 offers a variety of core Alpine, Nordic and Teen Leadership programs for beginners to elite athletes ranging in age from 7 to 18.
Building Bridges and Confidence provides an excellent description of the club and all its varied facets. You can also check out this overview video for CCSC.
CCSC is committed to:
Instructional excellence with some of Michigan’s most highly credentialed coaches and certified instruction in all programs;
A broad range of offerings including top-tier competitive programs, “learn-to” introductory programs, non-competitive programs, and school-based programs;
Affordability with scholarships, reduced rate alpine passes and gear, and our Nordic gear library;
Outreach to community organizations and underserved populations both locally and statewide;
And welcoming a diverse membership to the club.
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.
CCSC Program Offerings Follow the links under Nordic, Race Academy, Alpine, or Teen Leadership - or scroll down to browse:
Who’s Registered?
Want to see who has registered for CCSC for the 2025-26 season? Once registration opens, if you know a participant’s name, you can look them up in SkiReg.
Additional Information
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
Alpine Camps
Get a head start for the season by participating in an Alpine Camp. Kids can register for both race and freestyle camps.
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. This is not a beginner skier/snowboarder offering.
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.
Alpine Race Camp
What: 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 session.
For: Ages 7-18
Requirements: 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.
Equipment and clothing: You must have your own equipment skis and boots, helmet, and outerwear. Goggles are recommended. Poles for skiers are optional.
When, how much, and other details:
Race Camp: 9:00am - 4:00pm (sign up for either session or both)
Session 1: 12/19 - 12/21. Session 2: 12/22 - 12/24.
EARLY rate (before 9/30) is $300 per session, NORMAL rate (after 9/30) is $360 per session
$500 when signing up for both sessions
Where: Pickup and drop off are at the bottom of the Loki lift.
Freestyle Camp
What: Details are still in the works for Freestyle Camp so check back soon.
Freestyle Camp is for those who are more interested in freestyle skiing or snowboarding. Freestyle is all about trick. This offering is designed to explore different combinations of fundamental movements for creative outcomes (tricks!) both inside and outside of available terrain parks.
For: Ages 7-18
Requirements: Great for newcomers to freestyle as well as those experienced in spinning, sliding and flying. Plan to attend all days of your session.
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, how much, and other details:
Freestlye camp registration and pricing is per session.
Freestyle Camp 5:00pm - 7:00pm
3 day camp: 12/19 - 12/21. EARLY rate (before 9/30) is $150, NORMAL rate (after 9/30) is $175
2 day camp: 12/22 - 12/23. EARLY rate (before 9/30) is $100, NORMAL rate (after 9/30) is $125.
Where: Pickup and drop off are at the bottom of the Loki lift.
Alpine Learn to Ski and Ride
Whether you want to learn how to ski/snowboard or advance your skiing/snowboarding skills, CCSC offers Friday and Sunday alternatives.
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 8, 2026 every Sunday from 2-5pm (except Saturday and Sunday of Martin Luther King weekend and Presidents weekend)
Where: Check-in and pick-up near the base of the Loki Lift at Crystal Mountain
Cost:
Early registration (by 9/30/2025) - $265
Regular Registration (by 12/15/2025) - $289
Late Registration (after 12/15/2025) - $300
Also: Age and skill appropriate groups are formed, when possible, so that we can build on-mountain camaraderie and friendships.
Friday Night Lights
What: Learn to ski or ride at all levels in this program and get introductions to Alpine Race, 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 9 through March 6, 2026 from 6-8pm except Martin Luther King weekend and Presidents weekend.
Where: Check-in and pick-up to the right of the base of the Loki Lift (looking uphill) at Crystal Mountain
Cost:
Early registration (by 9/30/25) - $265
Regular registration (by 12/15/25) - $289
Late registration (after 12/15/2025) - $300
Freestyle Programs
For those who want to learn the tricks of freestyle, CCSC offers Friday and Sunday alternatives.
Friday Night Freestyle
What: For all freestyle participants, with a focus on intermediate and beginner freestyle skiers and snowboarders. This program will focus on the fundamentals of freestyle skiing and riding both in and out of the terrain park environment.
For: Ages 7-18
Requirements: Minimum skill level - confident on green runs. Advanced skiers and riders may also join to enhance their skills, but Sunday Freestyle will provide more advanced options. All students must be able to load and unload the ski lift independently. Snowboarders must be confident riding on both heel and toe edges.
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: 6pm - 8pm each Friday 1/9 - 2/27.
Cost:
Early registration (by 9/30/2025) - $365
Regular registration (by 12/15/2025) - $389
Late registration (after 12/15/2025) - $400
Where: Pickup and drop off are at the bottom of the Loki lift.
Sunday Freestyle Club
What: For those with more advanced abilities, our certified Sunday Freestyle club instructors offer invaluable guidance, coaching and tips in pursuit of creative freestyle skiing and snowboarding.
Our certified instructors specialize in techniques, movement analysis, and tips for those pursuing creative freestyle skiing and snowboarding.
For: Ages 7-18
Requirements: Minimum skill level - confident blue run riders and skiers. The sessions will take place in and out of the terrain parks, building and refining skills with new tricks, terrain park and natural features, and improving existing moves. As always, students need to be able to load and unload the ski lift independently. Snowboarders must be confident riding on both heel and toe edges.
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: 11am - 1pm on four Sundays: Sunday 1/4, Sunday 1/11, Sunday 1/25 and Sunday 2/1
Cost:
Early registration (by 9/30/2025) - $235
Regular registration (by 12/15/2025) - $259
Late registration (after 12/15/2025) - $290
Where: Pickup and drop off are at the bottom of the Loki lift.
Alpine Race Academy:
Race Academy Programs
In order to address a variety of interests, CCSC is offering three Alpine Race Academy programs. Find the details for each in the linked sections below:
Technical Development and Training (no support for USSS or club racing)
Coaching philosophy
CCSC’s Alpine Race Academy is our outstanding program for youth alpine ski racing at all ability levels, ages 7-18. Featuring the most highly-trained and most certified coaching staff in Northern Michigan, our coaching team is ready to help young ski racers achieve their goals - whether that is learning how to ski a race course for the first time or training to win a national championship.
Our coaching and training are based on nationally recognized concepts. Descriptions of essential USSS concepts and systems can be found at these links: Training Systems - Key Concepts, Alpine Training Systems. Following these standards, CCSC configures training and coaching for each session with time spent on skills, followed by time in the gates. Always keep in mind that safety comes first, and as a result, it may not be possible to set or run gates for a particular session. Crystal Mountain staff and CCSC course setters will make final decisions. Occasionally on Wednesday sessions there may be a course set specifically for the USSS program.
About Our Alpine Race Coaches
link to staff bio page
Additional Information
CCSC has gathered a variety of information to promote success in the Race Academy programs. If you’re signing up for a program that includes races, check out these tips for race day preparations. The CCSC Education page also points to great resources. Check out the Alpine Race section.
Alpine Race Academy - Technical Development and Training
What: Learn to race or improve your competitive race skills and results. Although this program offers no race support, it may be just what you’re looking for is you’re new to racing, want to work on your technical skiing skills, or want to improve your times in a NASTAR course.
For: Ages 7-18
Requirements: Race Academy is geared towards experienced skiers 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 begin January 2 and run through March 8, 2026 except Saturday and Sunday of Martin Luther King weekend and Presidents weekend (January 16th and 17th, February 13th and 14th). Regular sessions will take place as follows:
Wednesday Slalom: 5PM - 7PM
Friday Giant Slalom: 6PM - 8PM
Saturday Slalom: 8AM - 11AM
Sunday Giant Slalom: 9AM - 12PM
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: Coming soon!
Alpine Race Academy - Club Race Development and Training
What: Learn to race or improve your competitive race skills and results with support for club racing in the region. Supported club races tentatively include:
CCSC Invitational @ Crystal Mountain
Antrim Ski Academy Invitational (ASA) @ Schuss
Nordica Winter Rally @ Nub’s Nob
Cadillac (CASC) Invitational @ Caberfae Peaks
HRT Invitational @t Mt. Holiday
For club race details (as they become available) check here.
For: Ages 7-18
Requirements: Race Academy is geared toward experienced skiers 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 begin Saturday January 2 and run through Sunday March 7, 2026 except Martin Luther King weekend (16th and 17th) and Presidents weekend (13th and 14th). Regular sessions will take place as follows:
Wednesday Slalom: 5PM - 7PM
Friday Giant Slalom: 6PM - 8PM
Saturday Slalom: 8AM - 11AM
Sunday Giant Slalom: 9AM - 12PM
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: Coming soon!
Alpine Race Academy - USSS Race Development and Training
What: For committed ski racers ready to take on a higher level of competition. Includes support at most USSS CR3 races, up to six practices per week at home, December clinics, and the ability to participate in club races as well as qualify for the Welborn Cup Team. Find out more about registering and racing with USSS Central CR3 at https://www.region3cussa.org/page/show/1963397--center-welcome-to-central-cr3-center- .
Additional information specific to this program, such as how to register with USSS and race details (as they become available), can be found here. Changes will also be posted here.
For: USSS members
Requirements: Membership with USSS is required, as is registration for individual races.
Equipment and clothing: You must provide your own equipment, including GS and Slalom skis, well-fitted boots, a helmet (chin bar required for slalom) and other safety gear.
When: Training begins Saturday, December 5th with weekends only in December. Regular season training begins January 2nd and ends March 14th. Training days may vary due to race schedule.
January - March training schedule:
Tuesday Giant Slalom: 5:30PM - 8:00PM
Wednesday Slalom: 5PM - 8:00PM
Thursday Slalom: 5:30PM - 8:00PM
Friday Giant Slalom: 6PM - 8PM
Saturday Slalom: 8:00AM - 11:00AM
Sunday Giant Slalom: 9:00AM - 12:00PM
Cost:
USSS - Full Program (one bill for the whole season):
Spring price: $1,999 (the early registrant discount has ended)
Price this fall: $2,700
Purchase here: https://donorbox.org/events/913375/steps/choose_tickets
6 days/week training January-March
3 pre-season virtual or in-person coaching sessions beginning in October
Dryland training program (July 1st - November 30th)
Early season gateless clinics (4 days)
All sessions of Holiday Camp
All race support for add-on USSS races (including UP races, excluding CO qualifying races)
USSS - Lite Program
Spring price: $1,200 (the early registrant discount has ended)
Price this fall: $1,600
Purchase here: https://donorbox.org/events/913375/steps/choose_tickets
6 days per week of training January-March
3 pre-season virtual or in-person coaching sessions
Early December gateless clinics (4 days)
Where: On-snow 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.
Nordic Programs
CCSC has a long history of success with its Nordic programs.
Nordic Rocks: Nordic Rocks is CCSC's signature community outreach program.
Nordic Squirrels: an introductory program in Classic Nordic skiing specifically for grades 4 and 5,
MS & HS Nordic Ski Team: a program for Junior and Senior High kids of any skill level in Classic Technique and Skate Skiing,
Nordic Homeschool: an opportunity to share the joy of cross country skiing.
MS & HS Nordic Ski Team
What: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced XC Ski instruction in a nurturing environment where skiers can build technique, fitness and have FUN with friends on our XC trails! Skiers learn both Classic technique & Skate Skiing. No experience necessary. Option to join the Nordic Race Team & compete in Michigan Cup Race series.
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 4th - March 1, 2026. Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00-5:30pm and 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:
All sessions:
Early registration by 9/30/2025 - $200
Regular registration by 12/15/2025 - $220
Late registration after 12/15/2025 - $240
Sunday only:
Early registration by 9/30/2025 - $153
Regular registration by 12/15/2025 - $168
Late registration after 12/15/2025 - $188
Also: Hot chocolate and snacks are provided after practice. Races take place throughout the region on weekends.
Nordic Squirrels
What: The Nordic Squirrel team is designed as a playful introduction to XC skiing. Participants will learn the foundations of Classic skiing through games, fun drills and snow exploration on our Rabbit Trails. No experience necessary! Lots of individual attention from our caring PSIA-certifies coaches.
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 1:30-3:00pm, Sundays, January 4 - February 22, 2026..
Where: Pickup and drop off are at the Crystal Mountain Nordic Center located near the driving range on Mountain Center Drive.
Cost:
Early registration by 9/30/2025 - $153
Regular registration by 12/15/2025 - $168
Late registration after 12/15/2025 - $188
Also: Hot chocolate and snacks provided after practice.
Nordic Homeschool
What: The program offers four sessions of a combination of cross-country ski instruction, games on the snow, and skiing on trails. The goal is to share the joy of cross country skiing, teach kids how to ski, and have fun outside in the winter..
For: The program is open to homeschoolers from 3rd through 12th grade.
Requirements: No experience necessary. Returning and new skiers are welcome. The club will provide boots, skis, and poles for the kids to use.
Equipment and clothing: Registration includes Nordic equipment and trail pass. Equipment will be distributed each session beginning at 1:30pm with plans to be on the snow by 2:00pm.
When: Sessions take place Fridays: January 9, January 16, January 23, and January 30 from 1:30-3:30pm.
Where: Pickup and drop off are at the Crystal Mountain Nordic Center located near the driving range on Mountain Center Drive (at the tent). Parents may hang out at the tent, ski with the group, tour trails on their own during the session, or drop of their kids at 1:30pm and pick them up by 3:30pm.
Registration: Online registration is required. You can create an account with SkiReg or register as a guest (use the blue buttons with this section for account creation and registration or follow this link for registration: https://www.skireg.com/ccsc-homeschool-nordic-program). Leave the question about “team information” blank. Make sure to include kid’s names and contact information. Parent’s name and contact information must be recorded under emergency contact. Contact Andy Cook with any questions about registration.
Coaches: Barb Sobkoviak (homeschool mom), Beth Major (CCSC Nordic Director)
Also: Hot chocolate and snacks provided after practice, about 3:15pm.
Teen Leadership
For kids interested in a role with the snowsports industry, CCSC teen leadership programs offer a path to instruction and the National Ski Patrol. Past offerings have included an introduction to other aspects of the industry, such as snow preparation and lift operations.
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 8, 2025
Where: Drop-off and pick-up will be at the base of the Loki Lift at Crystal Mountain.
Cost:
Early registration (by 9/30/2025) - $119
Regular Registration (by 12/15/2025) - $131
Late Registration (after 12/15/2025) - $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 4, 2026
January 11, 2026
January 25, 2026
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 4, Jan 11, Jan 25, Feb 1, Feb 8, Feb 22, Mar 1, Mar 8.
Where: Drop-off and pick-up will be at the base of the Loki Lift at Crystal Mountain.
Cost:
Early registration (by 9/30/2025) - $119
Regular Registration (by 12/15/2025) - $131
Late Registration (after 12/15/2025) - $150