Crystal Mountain is the "little engine that could" in Midwest skiing. It grabbed No. 1 this year because, simply, the resort gets every detail right. Two years ago the magnificent Kinlochen Lodge debuted, last year 11 new North Face runs were a hit and this season's No. 1 rankings in lodging and dining highlighted what one reader called "big resort amenities"-all part of a planned $60 million in improvements by 2010. Always popular with families, a reader commented: "If you want a four-season resort that focuses on family needs and fun, Crystal Mountain is it."
The Latest Tripling the size of the Totem Park learning area and adding two new Wonder Carpet lifts; new halfpipe under the Clipper lift and expanding the terrain park on Cheers into a "super park."
The Deal Kids & Grandparents Sleep & Ski Free. Up to three kids (17 and under) and up to four grandparents (60-over) sleep and ski free midweek when sharing accommodations with two full-paying adults. crystalmountain.com; 800-968-7686
SNOW 3
GROOM 5
TERRAIN/VARIETY 17
TERRAIN/CHALLENGE 13
VALUE 17
LIFTS 3
SERVICE 3
WEATHER 11
ACCESS 12
ON-MOUNTAIN FOOD 6
LODGING RANK 1
DINING 1
NIGHTLIFE/APRÉS 11
OFF-HILL/ACTIVITIES 5
FAMILY PROGRAMS 2
SCENERY 7
TERRAIN PARKS 16
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