The New Crystal Ridge

On August 14, 2024 we returned to Crystal Ridge. The original name of this ski hill, which was opened in 1987 by John Kaishian. Kaishian spent years prior adding loads of construction fill on the site to increase the hill's height. Kaishian wanted something for young kids to do in the winter that offered physical activity, and since he was an avid skier, he decided to build Crystal Ridge for the local area and hopefully introduce more youth to the sport.

In 2012, Mike Zimmerman and team (ROC Ventures) took over, renaming the ski area to The Rock Snowpark and developing the land around the property into a multi-use sports and entertainment complex (Rock Sports Complex, now Ballpark Commons). During this time, tremendous improvements were made to The Lodge and the hill to enhances the ski hills offerings. Five years later, the Snowpark side of the complex was purchased by Rick & Mike Schmitz of Little Switzerland and Nordic Mountain ski areas, setting up a long-term lease to operate the ski hill.

Fast-forward to today. We feel it’s the right time to return to the name that started it all - Crystal Ridge. Our new logo takes inspiration from the City of Milwaukee, winter time activities, and has some nods to the orignal Crystal Ridge logo. Ownership and management remain the same and will continue to invest into the hill and grounds. Crystal Ridge offers something for everyone:

a great beginner hill with our self-guided learning areas
a high-speed rope tow for endless park laps
supports high school and club ski racing
family-friendly snow tubing
a venue for weddings and events
A great location just 15 minutes from downtown Milwaukee

1984

Loads of construction fill start to form the skill hill slopes of Crystal Ridge

1986

John Kaishian continues to bring in fill while building the Hall double chair lift. The hill opened for skiing in 1987.

1989

The lift spins the skiers make turns down the hill (what is now Crystal Bowl & Rubble Stoke Park)

2012

Mike Zimmerman, owner and developer of The Rock Sports Complex (now Ballpark Commons), renames the hill to The Rock Snowpark. Snow tubing was added to the hills offerings as well as much needed lodge improvements.

2017

Current Ownership (Rick & Mike Schmitz) set up a long-term lease with Mike Zimmerman to operate and manage the ski hill operations. Rock Snowpark joins the Little Switzerland and Nordic Mountain family. Upgrades to the snowmaking, grooming and lift equipment began.

2024

Rock Snowpark rebrands to Crystal Ridge and continues to invest back into the hill to offer the best on snow experience possible.