- Attraction: Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide
- Location: 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr, Thompsonville, MI 49683
- Industry: Amusement Park
- Website: https://www.crystalmountain.com/activities/alpine-slide/
Michigan summers reach new heights when you experience the rush of careening down a mountainside on a specially-designed sled at 1,600 feet of pure adrenaline.
Crystal Mountain Resort transforms its winter ski slopes into an exhilarating adventure that puts you in complete control of your descent.
This isn’t just any summer attraction—it’s the state’s only alpine slide, offering families and thrill-seekers alike a chance to race down dual tracks while soaking in spectacular Northern Michigan views. Located at Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, this unique attraction combines the excitement of sledding with the beauty of a scenic chairlift ride to the mountaintop.
You’ll begin your adventure aboard the Loki Quad chairlift, taking in panoramic vistas before launching into an unforgettable ride featuring twists, turns, tunnels, and high-bank curves that’ll have you planning your next trip down before you’ve even reached the bottom.
Dual-Track Thrills & Features
The Racing Experience: The Crystal Coaster brings back its original dual-slide design, allowing you to race friends and family down parallel 1,600-foot tracks. This side-by-side setup creates an element of friendly competition that transforms a simple ride into an engaging social experience where everyone cheers each other on.
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Keep Exploring →Speed Control Technology: Your specially-designed sled features hand-operated brakes that give you complete control over your descent. The brake handles require deliberate forward motion to accelerate, making it virtually impossible for riders to go faster than safe speeds. You can cruise at a leisurely pace to take in the scenery or release the brakes for maximum excitement.
New Track Elements: Recent renovations added tunnels, dips, and high-bank turns that create variety throughout your descent. The track curves and winds naturally with the mountain’s contours, providing different views and sensations as you navigate each section.
Mountain Views: The chairlift ride up offers breathtaking vistas of Northern Michigan’s forests and rolling hills. Even during the slide down, you’ll catch glimpses of the surrounding landscape between the excitement of navigating turns and straightaways.
All-Age Accessibility: Children as young as three can experience the slide when riding tandem with an adult. Solo riders must be at least 52 inches tall and weigh 80 pounds, while the maximum combined weight limit is 300 pounds per sled.
Adventure Zone Activities
Action Activity Packs: Beyond the alpine slide, Crystal Mountain offers comprehensive packages that include access to multiple attractions. These bundles provide excellent value for families wanting to experience the bungee trampoline, vertical climbing wall, disc golf, and other mountain activities all in one visit.
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Discover MoreCrystal Bungee Trampoline: This unique attraction lets you bounce and flip with the assistance of bungee cords, creating an almost weightless experience that’s both thrilling and surprisingly accessible for different skill levels.
Vertical Edge Climbing Wall: Test your climbing skills on various difficulty routes that challenge both beginners and experienced climbers. The wall offers different paths to the top, ensuring everyone finds an appropriate level of challenge.
Mountain Biking & Trails: Crystal Mountain’s extensive trail system provides opportunities for hiking and biking through pristine Northern Michigan wilderness, with routes suitable for different fitness levels and interests.
Resort Atmosphere & Setting
Historic Mountain Legacy: Crystal Mountain began as a community project in 1956 when local students identified Buck Hills Range as the ideal location for a ski area. This grassroots beginning has evolved into Michigan’s premier four-season family destination while maintaining its welcoming, community-focused spirit.
Four-Season Resort: The 1,500-acre property transforms seasonally, offering skiing and snowboarding in winter, golf on two championship courses, spa services, and summer adventures. This variety means the alpine slide operates within a fully-developed resort environment with multiple amenities.
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Keep Exploring →Village Setting: The pedestrian-friendly village creates a cohesive resort experience with shops, restaurants, and lodging all within walking distance. The development follows careful environmental stewardship principles, preserving natural areas while providing modern conveniences.
Northern Michigan Location: Situated 28 miles southwest of Traverse City and near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Crystal Mountain serves as an ideal base for exploring the region’s natural attractions while offering plenty of on-site entertainment.
Other Considerations
Pricing Structure: Single rides cost $15 per person, while a four-ride package runs $35 per person and must be used within the same day. The unlimited day pass provides the best value for families planning multiple trips down the mountain, especially since most visitors find themselves wanting to experience the slide repeatedly.
Weather Dependencies: The alpine slide operates weather permitting, and operations cease immediately when rain begins. No refunds are provided for weather-related closures, so checking the forecast before your visit helps ensure the best experience.
Safety Requirements: All participants must sign waivers, and parents or guardians sign for riders under 18. The resort provides detailed safety instructions during the chairlift ride and at the starting platform, ensuring everyone understands proper sled operation before beginning their descent.
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Discover MoreSeasonal Schedule: The slide typically operates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with select weekend availability into October. Hours vary throughout the season, and advance ticket purchases are recommended, especially during peak summer periods.
RFID Ticketing System: Crystal Mountain uses modern RFID Crystal Cards encoded with your purchased rides. Each person needs their own card, including children riding with adults, and cards aren’t transferable between individuals.
Family-Friendly Design: The attraction accommodates multi-generational families, with grandparents often enjoying the scenic chairlift ride and controlled descent alongside energetic grandchildren. The speed-control feature means nervous first-timers can build confidence gradually.
Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide
📍 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr, Thompsonville, MI 49683
