Outreach Week Is Off To A Great Start At CCSC!

Check out the story at https://www.9and10news.com/2026/03/10/outdoor-program-introduces-detroit-students-to-winter-sports-at-crystal-mountain/ for Detroit’s University Prep schools. And more outreach to come this week.

2026 All CCSC Closing Party and the Amazing Race photos

CCSC wrapped up another successful season with an “all program” party for participants, parents, coaches, and friends. This just might be the beginning of a great tradition.

Nordic State Finals at Hickory Hills, March 1, 2026

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Crystal Nordic (CCSC) skiers represented at the Nordic State Finals at Hickory Hills this weekend. Fifteen skiers showed their prowess among 6 total Michigan Nordic Teams. Three teams came from the Upper Peninsula and three were local Lower Peninsula Teams, including Crystal Nordic. Four Crystal Nordic earned all-state honors and three were all-state in more than one discipline. In eight years, the CCSC Nordic race team has doubled in size! The Middle School Skiers had a 3 km freestyle race Friday and a 3 km classic race on Saturday. Six Middle Skiers raced on Friday: Amelia Armstrong, Elizabeth Armstrong, Jack Brugeman, James Brugeman, Anna Higley, and Charlie May. James Brugeman is an All-State 3rd place skier in classic and freestyle. Anna Higley is All-State 4th place in the freestyle discipline. Jack Brugeman raced in the top 10 for both freestyle and classic and Anna was 8th place in classic. Amelia, Charlie, and Elizabeth completed their first State Nordic Final Races!

High School Athletes were seasoned and first-time racers. They all were BOLD and showed this by being a part of the Crystal Nordic Team!

Skiers Walter Armstrong, Natalie Burpee, Althea Gaylord, Hannes Graebel, Ava Higley, Avery Kelly, Lauren Saneda, Sam Saneda, and Joel Sobkoviak skied the High School sprint, classic, and freestyle races over the weekend. Four team members joined the Lower Peninsula Relay Team race on Sunday morning. The first time racers this season includes Natalie, Hannes, Lauren, and Sam. We applaud their brave attitude and being a risk taker. They were team members! All skiers improved tremendously this year in technique and skiing efficiency. This is evident with Ava HIgley earning a 4th place finish in the 5 km classic race and 6th place overall for two All-State honors. She was All-State First Place in the Sprint, Classic, and Freestyle events last year as an 8th grader.  Avery Kelly, a 2nd year High School racer, is All-State 6th place in the Freestyle event and 5th place All-State overall. Avery earned All-State Honors last year as a first-year high schooler. All the skiers are winners and bold for skiing at the State Finals! This weekend is grueling with a lot of racing. The athletes deserve to be proud of this season of grand accomplishments!

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Volkl Cup 2026 (Welborn Cup)

Fourteen participants (U8 through U14) raced March 31 for CCSC in the 2026 Volkl Cup in Slalom and Giant Slalom against a field of approximately 170. Congratulations to all the participants for a great job of representing CCSC. You can find the race results here.

A Successful VASA Weekend for CCSC Nordic

This weekend seven CCSC Nordic Skiers participated in the Vasa races. Walter Armstrong skied the High School 12 km event and finished 1 second behind the third place finisher. He also competed in the 6 km Classic High School race on Sunday. Currently, Walter is second place in the Michigan Cup Junior Standings. Congratulations on your dedication to CCSC Nordic and Cross Country skiing this season! The Armstrong family all raced on Saturday with Elizabeth and Amelia competing in the Junior Vasa 1.5 km event. 

The Higley family duo also raced on Saturday and Sunday. Anna Higley skied with beautiful technique and finished first for girls in the Junior Vasa 1.5 km race. Ava entered the 6 km High School race on Sunday and showed her most competitive performance of the season finishing fourth overall. Way to BE BOLD Armstrongs and Higleys!

Avery Kelly and Hannes Graebel also skied the High School 6 km Classic race on Sunday.  Avery led the team with a second place finish only seconds from first place. Hannes finished first for CCSC Nordic and was fifth place overall. Way to keep skiing with spirit and team camaraderie! We are now preparing for State Finals at Hickory Hills at the end of the month!

Teddy Fest 2026

Thanks to all of who came out to Teddy Fest 2026 last Saturday (Feb 14)! We appreciate all who volunteered or bought raffle tickets. 

The Teddy Knape Foundation has been a primary partner and supporter of CCSC for years. With 50% of the proceeds going to CCSC and 50% going to adaptive skiing, money from raffle sales goes to truly great causes. 

We can't wait until Teddy Fest 2027! 

Learn more about the Teddy Knape Foundation here.

A Big Weekend for CCSC Alpine and Nordic Racers

The CCSC Alpine Race Club team competed at Schuss Mountain on Sunday, with 20 racers representing CCSC. Thanks to Antrim Ski Academy for hosting. CCSC found some time in the podium, and much fun was had by all at the first club race of the year. Results aren't online, but please contact RaceAcademy@ccskiclub.org if you would like a copy. 

The CCSC Alpine USSS Team (a new program for CCSC this year) had a strong showing at the Kelsey Barnard Memorial Race at Nub's Nob. USSS Central Region 3 hosted an excellent 2-day race, where CCSC racers competed in both slalom and giant slalom in the brutal cold with tough courses on the infamous Scarface. Results will be added to this page: https://www.region3cussa.org/raceresults

Also at Nub's Nob, 2 CCSC Nordic racers skied at the Beechnuts freestyle 5.5 km event. You can see more about results - and CCSC taking the top 2 spots on the podium in the Yeti Race - here: https://www.nordicskiracer.com/news.asp?NewsID=16770

Heading the furthest North this weekend, some members of the CCSC Nordic Team traveled to Marquette, MI for the Noquemanon 12 km freestyle and classic races. 4 racers made this trip North, and we congratulate these skiers for their tenacity competing in below zero conditions. See results here: https://my.raceresult.com/376898/

Way to go CCSC racers! 

Jack Rabbit 3.5K & Flying Squirrel 5K Freestyle U19 Junior races

Female Flying Squirrel 5K Results

1. Lindsay Smith 24:03:00

2. Avery Kelly 24:16:00

3. Ava Higley 24:55:00

4. Emma Dykstra 25:57:00

5. Ana Sketch 26:42:00

6. Sylvia Coulter 28:13:00

7. Ruby Rhein 29:26:00

8. Elouise Cliff 30:30:00

9. Lillian Lamarche 30:31:00

10. Althea Gaylord 34:06:00

Male Flying Squirrel 5K results

1. Solomon Debruyn 20:44:00

2. Finn Frost Grayson 20:46:00

3. Harrison Jeffries 22:20:00

4. Toby Dawson 23:52:00

5. Walter Armstrong 24:29:00

6. Hannes Graebel 25:56:00

7. Britton Wheeler 26:43:00

8. Joel Sobkoviak 27:34:00

9. Henry Burris 28:24:00

10. Julian Spitzner 29:41:00

11. Samuel Saneda 30:46:00

Female Jack’s Rabbit 3.5K Results

1. Anna Higley 16:49:00 1st place

2. Elizabeth Armstrong 17:07:00 2nd place

3. Lauren Saneda 17:13:00 HS

4. Annelise Rutledge 17:37:00 3rd place

5. Lily Tomczak 18:11:00 4th place

6. Natalie Burpee 19:53:00 HS

7. Isabella Card 20:46:00 HS

8. Autumn Smith 24:47 5th place

9. Evelyn Pampu 29:20:00 6th place

10. Paloma Hathaway 29:29:00 7th place

11. Margaret Care 38:31:00 8th place

12. Helen Care 46:00:00 9th place

Male Jack’s Rabbit 3.5K Results

1. Arrow Cole 13:34:00

2. Adrien Wierzba 13:47:00

3. Asher Schwartz 14:17:00

4. Charlie May 14:39:00

5. Finn Peterson 15:25:00

6. Noah Doornbos 15:29:00

7. Ames McCarthy 16:38:00

8. Maxmillian Foelich 16:42:00

9. Jacob Doorbos 20:50:00

10. Edward Vandenberg 22:15:00

11. Charles Vandenberg 25:37:00

12. Sebi Negrau 33:17:00

Good Morning America

CCSC was chosen for a segment of Good Morning America’s ongoing “50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful” series, appearing January 9th.

Check out this story from the Detroit News: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/television/2026/01/08/ginger-zee-bringing-good-morning-america-to-crystal-mountain-friday/88090210007/.

Follow this link for a video clip of the actual segment provided by Good Morning America: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/video/129053925

CCSC Voted Snowsports School of the Year

The PSIA-AASI-C Awards Committee has voted Crystal Community Ski Club the Snowsports School of the Year. Read on for the nomination submission.

Dear PSIA-AASI-C Awards Committee,

Thank you for considering Crystal Community Ski Club (CCSC) for the Snowsports School of the Year. There are many well-deserving schools, each with unique characteristics. CCSC is unique as a 501 (C)(3) nonprofit member school.

CCSC’s mission: “Engaging youth through inclusive and accessible snowsports programming to build a strong community, boost physical and mental health and well-being, and foster a lifelong passion for the outdoors” is represented in all CCSC programs which reach over 1,100 youth annually. From competitive Alpine and Nordic programs to our Nordic Rocks and Outreach programs, CCSC extends beyond local community boundaries.

CCSC programs also include the Jr. Ski Instructor program and the Jr. Ski Patrol program. These programs serve as leadership education platforms and provide local youth with the opportunity to explore future occupations in the snowsports industry.

To encourage continued education and career advancement for our staff, CCSC reimburses PSIA dues and exam costs. Last season, CCSC allocated funds for eight coaches to attend the PSIA National Academy. Weekly clinics are scheduled and are conducted by CCSC staff members who are also PSIA-AASI-C Education Staff members representing four disciplines.

CCSC incorporates PSIA-AASI education into our alpine race program. We embrace teaching PSIA fundamentals to young ski racers and have witnessed the results. Similarly, we are striving for more PSIA certified Nordic instructors. Last season four CCSC Nordic staff members achieved PSIA Nordic level one status. CCSC hopes to set the Central Region bar for Alpine and Nordic PSIA education and certification.

The CCSC staff is nearly 100% PSIA-AASI-certified. Many on CCSC staff serve or have voluntarily served on PSIA-AASI-C and PSIA-AASI boards, task forces, and subcommittees, as well as other local non-profit organizations. More importantly, CCSC staff members volunteer countless hours participating in fundraising events that help support scholarships, outreach programs, and Nordic Rocks. Note: Coming shortly, the CCSC website will be providing an education library free to all who visit our website.

True to our Vision statement, “A community where all are inspired and engaged to build physical and mental well-being, and a passion for the outdoors through snowsports,” CCSC enables many from diverse social and economic backgrounds an opportunity to explore the Winter environment. While Crystal Community Ski Club provides outstanding competitive opportunities, it also provides an exemplary path for future industry leaders and for those who may not have had an opportunity otherwise.

The following are some numbers from CCSC:

1,100 total youth in our organization last season

704 youth in our Nordic Rocks programs at no cost

101 youth participating in a seasonal program on scholarship

100 youth from diverse backgrounds participating in outreach programs

CCSC coaches consist of a staff of 50, of which 92% are PSIA-AASI certified, with a goal of 100%

Once again, thank you for considering Crystal Community Ski Club for Snowsports School of the Year. At CCSC we feel that our commitment to our mission,vision, and quality allows us to grow our program. Incorporating PSIA-AASI’s certification, education material, and philosophy has also contributed to our success as an industry role model, community partner, and advocate for accessible snowsports for all.

Warren Miller Detroit and SOS Outreach - Check out the video

CCSC & SOS Outreach Host First Warren Miller Movie in Detroit in Over 20 years

Showcasing a unique partnership between SOS Outreach and CCSC, both organizations teamed up to bring Warren Miller to the City of Detroit for the first time in over 20 years. The event took place on Friday, November 7th 2025. 

This event was a fundraiser with proceeds being used to bring students who participate in SOS Outreach programs at Mt. Brighton to Crystal Mountain for a destination ski trip this March. 

“With around 100 guests at our first event, this Warren Miller marks a new tradition between CCSC and SOS Outreach in Detroit each year,” said Hunter Steinkamp, CCSC’s Executive Director. “We also want to send Crystal Mountain a huge piece of gratitude for sponsoring this event, and for being our core partner with the annual SOS trip to Crystal Mountain.” 
Want to see more about the partnership between SOS, CCSC, and Crystal Mountain? Watch this brief video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HsTVneN4nx2MqpjEWEL3kR1yaohcrDmr/view

CCSC Launches Silent Auction in Tandem with 3 Warren Miller Movie Nights

Are you ready for winter? Crystal Community Ski Club (CCSC) sure is! While we impatiently wait for snow, we know of no better way to spend the wait than attending a CCSC Warren Miller movie and bidding in the CCSC Silent Auction. 

The CCSC Silent Auction goes live on 11-1 and ends during the Frankfort Warren Miller on 11-20. Bid on items such as a sunset sail on Lake Michigan, private lessons from pros, gift cards to local establishments, short-term rentals, and MUCH more. 

Check out the Silent Auction here: http://crystalcommunityskiclub.betterworld.org/auctions/ccsc-silent-auction-2025-2026

All items are donated to CCSC, and 100% of the proceeds will benefit CCSC. 

We have 3 opportunities to support CCSC by purchasing tickets to Warren Miller's SNO-CIETY: 

• Detroit on FRI 11-7: https://donorbox.org/events/810226/steps/choose_tickets

• Traverse City on 11-14: https://www.cityoperahouse.org/node/717

• Frankfort on 11-20: https://donorbox.org/events/810213/steps/choose_tickets

And - be sure to have dinner at Stormcloud before Frankfort Warren Miller from 4PM - 6PM as CCSC receives 20% of dinner sales. 

These events represent some of CCSC's largest fundraisers of the year, and are a REALLY good time! We hope that YOU will participate!

New CCSC Alpine Programming

This year Crystal Community is excited to offer new alpine programming options.

Freestyle:

In addition to our Sunday Freestyle Club, CCSC now offers an eight week Fright Night Freestyle each Friday 1/9 - 2/27 from 6-8pm. These clinics will focus on intermediate and beginner freestyle skiers and snowboarders, while the Sunday Freestyle will provide more advanced options.

Racers:

For our racers, we are introducing a new USSS Alpine Race Program. This will include support at most USSS CR3 races, up to four practices per week at home, December clinics, and the ability to participate in club races with the opportunity to qualify for the Welborn Cup Team.

More information on USSS CR3 here: https://www.region3cussa.org/page/show/1963397--center-welcome-to-central-cr3-center-

We will now offer more training options including a Six Pack Punch Card, as well as December Early Clinics.

To better accommodate our younger racers, 8 & Under Race Academy is specifically designed to those who are new to ski racing. The practices are short and less frequent than other programs, making it a great introduction to racing without being overwhelming. 7 and 8 year old athletes may choose other program options that better fit their skill level or desire.

For more race academy information, visit: https://www.ccskiclub.org/race-academy-essentials

CCSC Announces 3 Premiers of Warren Miller's SNO-ciety

CCSC is excited to present Warren Miller's SNO-ciety in 3 venues this fall! Proceed from your ticket sales will directly benefit Crystal Community Ski Club. 

This fall will mark the 76th annual feature film from Warren Miller Entertainment. Since the first film debuted in 1949, Warren Miller has been capturing the stories of skiers and riders across the globe. Each fall, the film tour celebrates the start of the season with the largest gathering of snow enthusiasts.

The film, titled “SNO-CIETY,” is not just about snow—it’s about the tight-knit community, shared rituals, and sense of belonging that come with snow culture. The film explores a world where snow creates its own society, bound together by mountain life, adventure, and seasonal tradition.

“SNO-CIETY” takes viewers on a journey from the Scottish Highlands and the streets of Finland to the back bowls of Whitewater, BC, and a local hill-turned-terrain park in downtown Denver. With a unique, fun, and motivational narrative, the film celebrates both the action and the camaraderie of winter. A diverse lineup of Olympians, urban riders, and local legends including Judd Henkes, Britta Winans, and many more, uncover what drives us to chase powder year after year.

"This film is a deep dive into the culture behind the sport," said Josh Haskins, Warren Miller executive producer. "It captures the humor, approachable personalities, and memorable moments that make our community so unique. It is a celebration of what binds us together."

Check out the official trailer here: https://warrenmiller.com/. Details for the CCSC premiers can be found under the events tab: https://www.ccskiclub.org/events

Nordic Flying Squirrels Race Results

Sun and crisp, cold temps greeted the 50 racers who gathered at Crystal Mountain XC center for the 7th annual Flying Squirrel Freestyle race on Sunday Jan. 19th. Ranging in age 10-18, skiers from teams Crystal Nordic, Vasa Raptors, Lake Michigan XC, and Icy Instincts all showed their grit & guts in challenging conditions.

The Middle School 3.5, course featured fun roller coaster dips and turns on the brand new Rabbit Loop Trails. Ava Higley of Crystal Nordic set a pace from the start line that no one could match and took the overall win (13:51) with time to spare. Younger sister Anna Higley (5th grade) fought to catch her sister and landed in 3rd podium spot for girls, with TC Raptor Thalia Springborn taking 2nd.

Adrien Weirzba came 1st for MS boys, (14.41) followed by Bennett Gailbraith 2nd and Noah Doornbos 3rd.

In the High School 5k, notorious for grueling hills and treacherous descents, the Raptors dominated the field. Girls: Ava Rae Zeratasky 1st (26:19), Lindsay Smith and Kathryn Clark filling out podium; for boys: Robert Myler 1st (22:30), Finn Frost Grayson 2nd Nate Gorman, 3rd.

The pizza party following served to celebrate our commitment to Youth skiing in Michigan!

RaceTab by MileSplit/FloSports Traci Kelly, Benzie Central XCTF

2025 Flying Squirrel - 1/19/2025 2:51:15 PM

Crystal Mountain, ,

Varsity Mixed 5000 Meter Run

===========================================================

Name Yr Team Time

-----------------------------------------------------------

Girls

-----------------------------------------------------------

1 Ava Rae Zeratsky 26:19.00

2 Lindsay Smith 26:52.00

3 Kathryn Clark 27:13.00

4 Bella Reimers 28:24.00

5 Lulu Cole 29:32.00

6 Jemma Cole 30:06.00

7 Beatrice Plum 30:23.00

8 Gwyneth Shullick 30:30.00

9 Mae Madion 30:41.00

10 Avery Kelly 30:46.00

11 Kinsey Hintz 31:42.00

12 Althea Gaylord 32:28.00

13 Ana Sketch 32:34.00

14 Gwyneth Cole 33:27.00

-----------------------------------------------------------

Boys

-----------------------------------------------------------

1 Robert Myler 22:30.00

2 Finn Frost Grayson 23:14.00

3 Nate Gorman 23:36.00

4 Harrison Jefferies 26:22.00

5 Toby Dawson 26:23.00

6 Owen Munch 27:21.00

7 Britton Wheeler 27:22.00

8 Tristan Naessens 28:25.00

9 Joel Sobkoviak 29:59.00

10 Brandon White 30:09.00

11 Patrick Belden 31:26.00

12 Walter Armstrong 32:48.00

RaceTab by MileSplit/FloSports Traci Kelly, Benzie Central XCTF

2025 Flying Squirrel - 1/19/2025 2:51:15 PM

Crystal Mountain, ,

Middle School Mixed 3000 Meter Run

===========================================================

Name Yr Team Time

-----------------------------------------------------------

Girls

-----------------------------------------------------------

1 Ava Higley 13:51.00

2 Thalia Springborn 16:40.00

3 Anna Higley 16:43.00

4 Alana Springborn 17:42.00

5 Isabella Card 25:06.00

6 Elsa Preneta 25:07.00

7 Autumn Smith 27:01.00

8 Addie Grundeman 27:35.00

-----------------------------------------------------------

Boys

-----------------------------------------------------------

1 Adrien Wierzba 14:41.00

2 Bennett Gailbraith 15:12.00

3 Noah Doornbos 15:34.00

4 Arrow Cole 16:39.00

5 Aaron Greenberg 17:15.00

6 Auggie Pityo 17:27.00

7 Charlie May 18:27.00

8 McKai Henry 18:38.00

9 Jasper Henry 21:02.00

10 Yul Springborn 22:06.00

11 miriam Van Dusseldorp 22:58.00

12 henrik Van Dusseldorp 22:59.00

13 Jacob Doornbos 24:39.00

14 Declan Boyd 28:36.00

Hot off the press

Freshly "off the press" this morning, CCSC is excited to share this year's annual video! It premiered at the Traverse City Opera House Warren Miller event, and air many more times after that. We wanted to tell the CCSC story in a short, fun, and compelling way this fall. We hope you enjoy watching here:  https://app.frame.io/reviews/ef48c29b-5170-45ec-b12f-bbff2c57703c/06e00115-8116-4e6d-a4d4-05288c2140b0

Join us for the 2024 Warren Miller movie and fundraiser, now in more venues!

Will you join us as we celebrate bringing in winter the best way we know how? And that would be watching Warren Miller by the way! CCSC is having 3 Warren Miller premiers this season. You can expect a fun time, and you can support CCSC in the process (these are our largest fundraisers of the year).

See the latest from Atomic skis, get discounted tickets to Crystal Mountain, and buy your CCSC swag at the shows!

Check out the 2024 movie trailer here: https://warrenmiller.com/

CCSC will be hosting shows this fall on the following dates in the following cities. Follow the links below to ticket sales for the show you would like to attend.

• Traverse City, 11/1/2024 (Friday) @ 7PM

  • More info and ticket sales at https://prod5.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=418842~4398ba77-24fb-4c97-ba39-c7c52fa2fcaf&epguid=74eb51fc-b7f1-435b-877f-e12668802434&

  • Title sponsor: Crystal Mountain https://www.crystalmountain.com/

• Manistee, 11/8/24 (Friday) @ 7PM

  • More info and ticket sales at https://donorbox.org/events/663219

  • Title sponsor: Crystal Mountain https://www.crystalmountain.com/

  • Also sponsored by Johnson Adult and Pediatric Chiropractic https://www.facebook.com/JohnsonAPchiro/

  • Also sponsored by Water'Water's Edge Dentistry https://www.manisteedentists.com/

  • Also sponsored by Stix in Ludington https://stixludington.com/

• Frankfort, 11/13/24 (Wednesday) @ 7PM

  • More info and ticket sales at https://donorbox.org/events/663222 (Be sure to have Dinner at Stormcloud brewing before the movie, where 20% of dinner sales go to CCSC!)

  • Title sponsor: Crystal Mountain https://www.crystalmountain.com/

  • Also sponsored by Stormcloud https://www.stormcloudbrewing.com/

Join Us for the 2023 Warren Miller Movie and Fundraiser in Frankfort, MI

We’re thrilled to be hosting a Warren Miller Film Event and Silent Auction, Sponsored by Stormcloud Brewing and Crystal Mountain! Keep reading for all of the fun details. We hope to see you there!

About Warren Miller Films

Warren Miller films are annual celebrations that cross generations and connect us to the comforting constant of snow. ALL TIME is all about good turns and good snow on good hills with good people.

Celebrate the birth of ski towns like Sun Valley and Aspen, icons and innovators like the original hotdoggers, and the most outlandish locations ever skied. Then, catch up with Maine’s finest athlete of today, Donny Pelletier, and meet the next generation at Woodward Park City. Through it all, Jonny Moseley and special guests will share their own stories to bring us to this moment.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, November 16, 2023

Location: Stormcloud Brewing and Garden Theater, Frankfort, MI

Time: Dinner at Stormcloud, 4-6pm (20% of proceeds benefit CCSC)

Theater doors open at 6pm with silent auction on display

Film starts at 6:30pm

Tickets: Movie tickets are $20 per person purchased in advance or $25 per person at the door. You can also purchase front row VIP passes for $50.

Tickets can be purchased using the form below.

Silent Auction

Silent Auction: The silent auction will be held from November 11 - 16, 2023, and all bidding will be done online. The auction will close at 8pm ET on November 16, 2023.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

A huge thank you to our sponors, Stormcloud Brewing and Crystal Mountain. We couldn’t do it without you!

Purchase Tickets!

Use the form below to purchase tickets to the Warren Miller Movie Event. If this form is not working, please click here to purchase tickets.

CRYSTAL COMMUNITY SKI CLUB UNVEILS AMBITIOUS PLANS FOR THE FUTURE AFTER A PRODUCTIVE SUMMER OF PREPARATION

Crystal Community Ski Club (CCSC) is excited to announce the culmination of a highly productive summer, during which the board of directors dedicated more than 200 volunteer hours to chart a bold course for the club's future. 

With a strong commitment to fostering community, health, and a love for the outdoors, CCSC has been diligently working to ensure an exceptional upcoming winter season and beyond.

Over the past few months, the CCSC board has collaborated with an expert consultant to craft a new mission statement, vision statement, and a comprehensive strategic plan that will guide the club's endeavors over the next five years and beyond. This rigorous planning process was undertaken to ensure that CCSC can continue its vital work of providing inclusive and accessible snowsports programming to youth while enhancing community bonds and promoting physical and mental well-being.

"This summer was an incredible journey of dedication and collaboration," says Matt Clayson, President of CCSC. "Our commitment to the youth, families, and community we serve has driven us to invest over 200 collective volunteer hours to strategically shape the path of CCSC. We are excited to unveil our new mission and vision that reflect our values and aspirations."

The newly established mission statement encapsulates the core essence of CCSC's purpose:

"Crystal Community Ski Club engages youth through inclusive and accessible snowsports programming to build a strong community, boost physical and mental health and well-being, and foster a lifelong passion for the outdoors."

The unveiled vision statement underscores the club's ambitious goals and aspirations:

“A community where all are inspired and engaged to build physical and mental wellbeing, and a passion for the outdoors through snowsports.”

In an impressive display of community collaboration, CCSC not only engaged its dedicated board members but also reached out to the broader community, executives at Crystal Mountain, parents, and even young participants within the club. This inclusive approach ensured that every voice was heard, allowing for a well-rounded and insightful strategic plan.

Karyn Thorr, COO of Crystal Mountain says, "As a proud partner of Crystal Community Ski Club, we are thrilled to have been an integral part of the planning process for the club's exciting future. Collaborating closely with the dedicated board members and community stakeholders has been both inspiring and rewarding. We share CCSC's vision of empowering youth, promoting well-being, and instilling a love for the outdoors, and we're excited to see these values come to life through the upcoming initiatives. Together, we are committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of young participants and fostering a stronger, healthier community."

CCSC Operations Manager Hunter Steinkamp, a key contributor to the strategic planning process, remarks, "As we wrap up the planning process that involved key stakeholders from all aspects of the community and the club, I am now excited to execute our strategic plan. Our new vision and mission statements will serve as our "north star" for CCSC operations and planning. We are now positioned better than ever to elevate our organization, to serve more youth, and to be the catalyst for youth snowsports in our region." 

As CCSC looks ahead to the upcoming winter season, its commitment to empowering youth, promoting well-being, and fostering a deep appreciation for the great outdoors remains steadfast. With a rejuvenated mission and vision guiding its actions, the club is poised to make an even greater impact on the lives of its participants and the community at large.

CCSC Rallies around Ella Gaylord and Paul Gerhardt at Ironman Michigan 70.3

Crystal Community Ski Club (CCSC) is proud to announce their support of two local athletes who have captured the community's admiration with their dedication and perseverance: Ella Gaylord and Paul Gerhardt.

Ella Gaylord, (18) a 2023 graduate of Benzie Central High School, stands on the brink of an extraordinary journey as she prepares to participate in her very first Ironman 70.3 event. Her indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment have not only propelled her as a state champion on the CCSC Nordic Ski Team but have also instilled in her the courage to take on new challenges. As Ella dives into the 1.2-mile Swim, 56-mile Bike, and 13.1-mile Run segments of the Ironman Michigan 70.3, the community stands behind her, inspired by her determination and vigor.

“Our Nordic team motto is ‘Be Bold!’ and Ella is embodying that motto to her core,” says Nordic coach Beth Major. “We’re so proud of Ella, and we’ve had a great summer helping her train!” 

This has been an all-hands-on-deck effort as CCSC coaches Major, Tim Furbacher, Karen Kirt and Hunter Steinkamp have been actively involved in Ella’s rigorous training regimen. Ella’s journey reflects CCSC’s mission to inspire and guide our local youth in discovering the joys and rewards of an active, outdoor lifestyle. 

Another local athlete, Paul Gerhardt, is a new addition to the CCSC Nordic Team coaching staff and is affectionately known as “Nordic Dad.” Paul will finish his third Ironman Michigan 70.3 after competing for the last two years. 

In a display of unparalleled strength and perseverance, Gerhardt recently completed his very own full Ironman distance triathlon as part of his rigorous training regimen for the upcoming Half Ironman 70.3 in Frankfort. His impressive achievement, which he fondly refers to as the "Big Stupid Workout," serves as a testament to his unyielding commitment to pushing his limits.

“Paul is going to be such a great addition to our Nordic Team coaching staff this winter,” says Major. “We’re lucky to have him!”

Gerhardt’s feat, alongside Gaylord’s bold endeavor, represents the legacy of CCSC coaches who have previously embraced the Ironman Michigan 70.3 challenge, including Karen Kirt in 2022 and Beth Major in 2021. 

On the day of the event, CCSC and Crossfit Dunes are teaming up to host a pivotal Aid Station on the Ironman 70.3 run course. This station will stand as a beacon of encouragement for the participants, providing much-needed hydration and support as they navigate the grueling 70.3-mile course. Runners will pass the station four times along their 13.1-mile run.

More than 75 volunteers are needed to ensure the success of Run Course Aid Station #2, located between Frankfort and Elberta. This collaborative effort is a testament to the community's dedication to rallying around these athletes and making their journey as seamless and empowering as possible.

Please visit https://www.ccskiclub.org/blog/ironman2023 for more information and to sign up to volunteer at Run Aid Station #2