Crystal Mountain Resort
Thompsonville, Mich.

A year-round resort often presents more environmental challenges than one that opens seasonally, due to extreme changes in temperatures and diversity of activities. Resorts with a golf course and downhill skiing can consume an inordinate amount of energy to maintain the trails and greens. Crystal Mountain Resort buys enough wind credits to power their high-speed chairlift entirely with wind power, which keeps 174,000 pounds of carbon dioxide pollution out of the atmosphere. The resort's golf courses have been certified by the Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program, a statewide program with environmental guidelines that exceed state requirements.