THOMPSONVILLE, MI -- Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa will open for skiing and snowboarding on Saturday morning.

Crystal Mountain began making snow on Thanksgiving Day and continued into the weekend. After temperatures teetered on the edge for a few days, the snow guns resumed early-Thursday morning. The work completed in that short window allowed the Cheers and the Cheers lift to open on Saturday.

Skiers and snowboarders were able to get on the slopes more than a week earlier than a year ago.

The slopes will be open Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm, closing midweek to resume snowmaking. Special rates apply for Opening Weekend with lifts tickets priced $20 (adults 16+), $10 (juniors 9-15), and children 8 & under FREE. Ski and snowboard rental will be $20 (adults 16+), $10 (juniors 9-15), and $5 for children 8 & under.