Crystal Ridge
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1987
- HeadquartersFranklin, United States
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
Crystal Ridge firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Crystal Ridge
- Legal name
- Crystal Ridge LLC
- Website
- https://crystalridge.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1987
- Operating status
- Operating
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Crystal Ridge industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Ski Resort and Winter Recreation
- NAICS
- Skiing Facilities (713920), Skiing Facilities (71392)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Ski Areas & Lift Operations (Independent Mountains) (THAAAJAB)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Snow Tubing, Sledding & Winter Fun Parks (THAAAJAG)
Keywords
Where Crystal Ridge is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Franklin
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Crystal Ridge business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Lift Tickets: Ski and snowboard lift tickets sold with dynamic pricing based on day and advance purchase timing. Includes 4-hour flex tickets, all-day tickets, and First Tracks Friday tickets.
- Season Passes: Crystal Ridge passes and SNO passes providing unlimited access. Crystal Ridge Individual Pass ($399 sale price), 2-Person Pass ($778), Family Pass ($1,149). SNO Pass adds unlimited access to Little Switzerland and Nordic Mountain plus partner resort benefits.
- Equipment Rentals: Ski and snowboard rental packages including skis/board, boots, poles, helmet. Online pricing $35 for packages, $30 for ski/snowboard only, $20 for boots only, $8 for helmet only. Daily and seasonal rentals available.
- Ski and Snowboard Lessons: Private lessons (50-minute $129, 90-minute $149), group lessons via Terrain Based Learning packages ($59-$85), multi-week programs ($314-$349), Freestyle lessons, and Group Tot experiences ($104).
- Snow Tubing: Snow tubing tickets sold by the session. Weeknight tickets $18-$30, 2-hour weekend tickets $29-$45, Glow Tubing Saturday night tickets $39-$50. Season pass add-on available for $89.
- Wedding and Event Venue Rental: The Lodge at Crystal Ridge serves as a wedding and event venue May through October. Venue rental includes 5,000 sq ft of event space for up to 200 guests, tables, chairs, bar service, and outdoor space.
- Group Bookings: Discounted group rates for 25+ participants for ski/snowboard groups and tubing groups. Includes Terrain Based Learning area access and on-hill instructor assistance.
- Pro Shop and Retail: Pro shop sells Crystal Ridge and branded apparel, gloves, hats, snow pants, helmets, goggles, sunglasses, stickers, and travel mugs.
- Passholder Account Spending: Season pass holders can add funds to their pass for spending at resort points of sale. Money added available for purchases throughout the season.
- Buddy Pass Program: SNO Pass holders can purchase buddy tickets at 50% off window price for friends. Buddy spend accumulates as Snow Stash credit toward next season's season pass (up to $200 per skier).
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | 4-Hour Flex Ticket |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | All Day Ticket |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | First Tracks Friday |
| Hybrid | Pay-as-you-go | Terrain Based Learning Weeknight Package |
| Hybrid | Pay-as-you-go | Terrain Based Learning 4-Hour Package |
| Hybrid | Pay-as-you-go | Terrain Based Learning All Day Package |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Private Lesson (50-minute) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Private Lesson (90-minute) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Group Tot Experience |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Semi-Private Add-On |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Parent & Tot Ski (3-Week Program) |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Little Pebble Ski (3-Week Program) |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Big Pebble Ski or Snowboard (3-Week Program) |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Thirsty to Learn Adult Program (4-Week) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Ski Rental Package |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Snowboard Rental Package |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Weeknight Tubing Ticket |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | 2-Hour Weekend Tubing Ticket |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Glow Tubing Ticket |
| Subscription | Annual | Individual Crystal Ridge Season Pass |
| Subscription | Annual | 2-Person Crystal Ridge Season Pass |
| Subscription | Annual | Family Crystal Ridge Season Pass (3+) |
| Subscription | Annual | Individual SNO Pass |
| Subscription | Annual | 2-Person SNO Pass |
| Subscription | Annual | Family SNO Pass (3+) |
| Subscription | Annual | Season Pass Add-On Snow Tubing |
| Subscription | Annual | Season Pass Insurance |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Annual | Buddy Pass Snow Stash Credit |
| Outcome Based/ Performance | Multi-year contract | Wedding and Event Venue |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Snow Tubing Manager (Seasonal Full-Time) |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Snow School Manager (Seasonal Full-Time) |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Rentals Manager (Seasonal Full-Time) |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Wedding/Event Staff |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Bartender |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Event Lead/Supervisor |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Ski Area Wages - Youth |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Ski Area Wages - Adult |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Group Ski/Snowboard Booking |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Snow Tubing Group Discount |
| Subscription | Annual | Season Pass Add-On Snow Tubing |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels12 records
Crystal Ridge product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Crystal Ridge is a seasonal ski resort offering lift-accessed skiing and snowboarding, snow tubing, equipment rentals, and professional instruction (including the award-winning Terrain Based Learning methodology) at a 230-foot vertical facility in Franklin, Wisconsin. The resort also operates The Lodge as a wedding and event venue during the May-October off-season and supports ski racing programs through NASTAR and team partnerships.
Product overview
Crystal Ridge is a ski and snowboard resort offering a unified portfolio of winter recreation services. The core offering centers on lift-accessed skiing and snowboarding at the Franklin, Wisconsin facility, supported by equipment rentals, professional instruction via Terrain Based Learning, and snow tubing. Season pass products (Crystal Ridge Pass, SNO Pass for multi-resort access) drive customer commitment, while daily tickets and lesson packages serve casual visitors. Additional revenue streams include terrain parks, ski racing programs, group bookings, and a wedding/events venue operating in the off-season.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SNO Pass: A shared season pass offering unlimited skiing at Crystal Ridge, Little Switzerland, and Nordic Mountain resorts.
Quantifiable outcome
- 3x uphill capacity with new high-speed rope tow
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Crystal Ridge
Customer profileSegments9 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Crystal Ridge technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
Crystal Ridge partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.
- SNO Pass Partner Resortscore25+ partner ski resorts offering complimentary days or discounts for SNO Pass holders. Partners include Ski Cooper CO, Yawgoo Valley RI, Mount Southington CT, Seven Oaks IA, Bogus Basin ID, Cherry Peak UT, Caberfae Peaks MI, Mt. Ashland OR, Eaglecrest AK, Mt. Spokane WA, Steeplechase MN, Red River NM, Plattekill Mountain NY, Masella Spain, McIntyre NH, Lost Valley ME, Norway Mountain MI, Ski Butternut MA, Monarch Mountain CO, Timber Ridge MI, Granite Peak WI, Snow River Mountain MI, Lutsen Mountain MN.
- SnowvanaminorSnowvana is an annual winter festival at MOSH Performance Center next door to Crystal Ridge. Crystal Ridge passholders receive exclusive 2-for-1 ticket deals. Crystal Ridge participates with on-site activities during the festival.
- Pete's PopsminorPete's Pops provides frozen treats at Crystal Ridge events. Featured at Rukus at The Ridge end-of-season event with free popsicles for pass holders.
- PacificominorPacifico provides swag and samples at Crystal Ridge events. Featured at Rukus at The Ridge end-of-season event for ages 21+.
- BlackstrapminorBlackstrap supports Crystal Ridge terrain parks. Logo appears on terrain park pages. Nature of support appears to be sponsorship/marketing partnership.
- NASTARminorNASTAR provides competitive racing program through a handicap system. Crystal Ridge offers NASTAR racing on Saturdays. Program is free with lift ticket or pass.
- Lakers Alpine RacingminorHigh-level junior ski race training program serving local athletes in southeastern Wisconsin. Uses Crystal Ridge facilities for training and racing.
- FAST (Franklin Alpine Ski Team)minorFranklin Alpine Ski Team is a Co-Op ski racing team anchored by Franklin High School. Competes in Midwest High School Ski Conference. Practices at Crystal Ridge.
- Hampton Inn Milwaukee FranklinminorHampton Inn listed as hotel partner for Crystal Ridge wedding and events. Provides accommodations for out-of-town wedding guests.
- Mainstay SuitesminorMainstay Suites listed as hotel partner for Crystal Ridge wedding and events. Provides accommodations for out-of-town wedding guests.
- NSP (National Ski Patrol)minorCrystal Ridge Ski Patrol receives training in NSP Outdoor Emergency Care first aid and alpine toboggan training through the National Ski Patrol organization.
- Little SwitzerlandflagshipSister resort under Schmitz Brothers ownership. Little Switzerland opened in 1941 and is one of the oldest ski areas in Wisconsin. Crystal Ridge and Little Switzerland share ski patrol operations and training. Both covered by SNO Pass.
- Nordic MountainflagshipSister resort under Schmitz Brothers ownership in Mt Morris, Wisconsin. Nordic Mountain opened in 1976 and serves central Wisconsin and Fox Valley areas. Both covered by SNO Pass.
- Ballpark CommonscoreCrystal Ridge is located within Ballpark Commons (formerly Rock Sports Complex) in Franklin, WI. The multi-use sports and entertainment complex was developed by Mike Zimmerman. Crystal Ridge operates separately within the larger complex.
Scale indicators14 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Crystal Ridge competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Cascade Mountain: Mid-sized Wisconsin ski area between Madison and Wisconsin Dells. Operates as a regional family ski destination with snow tubing, lessons, and terrain parks, competing for Wisconsin weekend visitation and group bookings.
- Tyrol Basin: Small Wisconsin ski area near Madison. Operates as a local/beginner-friendly ski hill with snow tubing and lessons, competing for South-central Wisconsin weekend and family visitation.
- Little Switzerland: Sister Wisconsin ski area under shared Schmitz Brothers ownership since 2017. Operates as an independent small Midwest ski hill with shared ski patrol, joint SNO Pass coverage, and similar family/beginner positioning — making it the most directly comparable peer.
- Wilmot Mountain: Wisconsin ski area located between Milwaukee and Chicago, now owned by Vail Resorts. Competes directly with Crystal Ridge for the same Milwaukee metro and Northern Chicago day-tripper market with a similar small-hill, beginner-friendly profile.
- Devils Head Resort: Wisconsin ski and snowboard resort in the Baraboo Bluffs with lodging, conference, and wedding offerings. Comparable in offering breadth (ski + lodging + weddings) and regional Midwest positioning to Crystal Ridge.
- Alpine Valley Resort: Michigan ski area in the Detroit metro orbit, recently acquired by Vail Resorts. Closely comparable as a small Midwest ski hill with terrain parks, lessons, and snow tubing targeting family and beginner markets.
- Chestnut Mountain Resort: Ski resort in Galena, IL along the Mississippi, serving the Chicago and Dubuque markets. Comparable small Midwest ski hill with lodging, snow tubing, and lesson offerings targeting family visitors from major Midwest metros.
- Nordic Mountain: Third sister resort under Schmitz Brothers ownership, located in Mt Morris, WI. Operates as a small Midwest ski area, jointly covered by SNO Pass and sharing back-office functions, providing another direct internal benchmark for Crystal Ridge.
- Sunburst Ski Area: Small Wisconsin ski hill near Kewaskum serving the Milwaukee metro. Direct comparable as a small-scale beginner/family ski area with lessons and tubing within the same regional draw zone.
Broad incumbents
- Boyne Mountain Resort: Large Michigan ski resort with lodging, water park, golf, and full-service amenities. Not a direct scale competitor, but a benchmark for how a Midwest ski operator can layer lodging, events, and year-round amenities — relevant to Crystal Ridge's wedding/events and off-season strategy.
Market position
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Crystal Ridge social profiles
Digital presenceCrystal Ridge financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Crystal Ridge leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Crystal Ridge funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Crystal Ridge M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Crystal Ridge
What does Crystal Ridge do?
Crystal Ridge is a seasonal ski resort offering lift-accessed skiing and snowboarding, snow tubing, equipment rentals, and professional instruction (including the award-winning Terrain Based Learning methodology) at a 230-foot vertical facility in Franklin, Wisconsin. The resort also operates The Lodge as a wedding and event venue during the May-October off-season and supports ski racing programs through NASTAR and team partnerships.
Is Crystal Ridge a public or private company?
Crystal Ridge is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Crystal Ridge founded?
Crystal Ridge was founded in 1987.
Where is Crystal Ridge based?
Crystal Ridge is headquartered in Franklin, United States, in the North America region.
How does Crystal Ridge make money?
Ten revenue lines are on record. Lift Tickets are the primary driver. The others are season Passes, equipment Rentals, ski and Snowboard Lessons, snow Tubing, wedding and Event Venue Rental, group Bookings, pro Shop and Retail, passholder Account Spending and buddy Pass Program.
Who are Crystal Ridge's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Cascade Mountain, Tyrol Basin, Little Switzerland, Wilmot Mountain, Devils Head Resort, Alpine Valley Resort, Chestnut Mountain Resort, Nordic Mountain and Sunburst Ski Area. Boyne Mountain Resort is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Crystal Ridge have an API?
No public API is recorded for Crystal Ridge.
What industry is Crystal Ridge in?
Crystal Ridge's product category is Ski Resort and Winter Recreation. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAAAJAB, Ski Areas & Lift Operations (Independent Mountains), with a secondary code of THAAAJAG, Snow Tubing, Sledding & Winter Fun Parks. Its NAICS code is 713920 and its SIC code is 7997.