When Crystal Mountain’s new spa, the Crystal Spa, opens this winter it will be one of just six spa facilities nationwide to be LEED certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and the only in the Midwest.

LEED is a third-party certification program through the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of energy efficient and environmentally friendly buildings. During design and construction of the 18,500 square-foot facility, Crystal Mountain has worked to meet a list of criterion provided by the USGBC that demonstrates the building to be environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy place to live and work.

Throughout construction, crews have separated excess wood and cement materials for recycling. An environmentally-friendly foam insulation (Icynene) creates a seal throughout the building that maximizes energy efficiency for heating and cooling. Other features integrated into the design such as compact fluorescent lighting, motion sensors on restroom fixtures, ground water heat pump and an automated power control system will only further enhance the Crystal Spa’s energy efficiency.

“We believe in promoting healthy lifestyles at Crystal Mountain and the facility we construct is just as central to that philosophy as the spa services and fitness activities we will provide,” said Jim MacInnes, president & general manager of Crystal Mountain.

Crystal Mountain has long been committed to serving as a leader in environmental stewardship. Crystal was the first Michigan ski resort to use renewable energy to power its high-speed chairlift, the Crystal Clipper. In 2007, Crystal became the first four-season golf and ski resort to earn Leader certification within the Green Lodging Michigan program. In that same year the Michigan Chapter of the Sierra Club recognized the resort’s environmental efforts with the White Pine Award given to one non-member group or organization that has shown extraordinary dedication to protection of the environment.

The Crystal Spa is scheduled to open winter 2008/09 and will include 12 treatment rooms, a manicure and pedicure area, men’s and women’s locker rooms, steam rooms, infrared saunas, and a private meditation garden with hot tub. In addition, the facility will include an indoor pool, fitness and strength-training equipment as well as indoor and outdoor motion studios for classes such as yoga and Pilates.

“The addition of the Crystal Spa and a state-of-the-art fitness center will uniquely position Crystal Mountain as the Midwest’s premier four-season resort destination to relax, renew, and revitalize,” said Chris MacInnes, vice president of Crystal Mountain.

Celebrating over 50 years, Crystal is a family-owned resort featuring 45 downhill slopes, 40km cross-country trails, 36 holes of championship golf, the Michigan Legacy Art Park, one-acre outdoor water playground, Michigan’s only alpine slide, lodging, dining, skiing, and IACC-approved conference facilities.Crystal Mountain’s gardens have been nationally recognized by the Perennial Plant Association while SKI Magazine rated Crystal the #1 Resort in the Midwest in 2005. For more information visit http://www.crystalmountain.com.