Michigan's Winter Wonderland Shines on GMA with Hometown Hero Ginger Zee

Well, isn't this just a fantastic bit of news for Michigan! Our very own winter paradise, Crystal Mountain, recently welcomed a national spotlight as ABC’s beloved Chief Meteorologist, Ginger Zee, broadcasted live for Good Morning America. Can you imagine the buzz around the resort? It’s not every day a major national morning show sets up shop right in your backyard, showcasing everything that makes Michigan winters so utterly special.

The broadcasts, which viewers caught on Tuesday, January 27th, and Wednesday, January 28th, were a highlight of GMA’s "Rise and Shine" series. This particular segment focuses on active lifestyles, and honestly, where better to highlight that than on the slopes and trails of Crystal Mountain? It’s truly a gem of a resort, nestled in Thompsonville, and it’s been a go-to for Midwest winter enthusiasts for, well, decades now.

What makes this even sweeter, of course, is Ginger Zee's personal connection to the Mitten State. She grew up right here in Rockford, Michigan, before heading off to Valparaiso University and even kickstarting her broadcast career at Grand Rapids’ own WOOD TV8. So, when she talks about the beauty and excitement of Michigan winters, you just know it's coming from a place of genuine affection and personal experience. That authenticity really shines through, doesn't it?

And speaking of shining, this year is particularly significant for Crystal Mountain itself, as it's proudly celebrating its 60th anniversary. What a milestone! Having Ginger and GMA there to help kick off the celebrations is just perfect timing. It offered a wonderful opportunity to show off everything the resort has poured its heart into over six decades.

Viewers at home were treated to a delightful tour, if you will, of Crystal Mountain's diverse offerings. We saw interviews with the friendly resort staff, and plenty of footage of folks enjoying skiing, snowboarding, fat biking (which is just so much fun!), snowshoeing, and even ice skating. It was a true celebration of Michigan's robust winter sports scene, proving that we’re not just about beautiful summers and autumns; our winters are absolutely vibrant too!

For Michigan’s tourism industry, this kind of national exposure is simply invaluable. It’s a chance to invite folks from all corners of the country to experience the magic of our snowy landscapes, the warmth of our hospitality, and the sheer thrill of our outdoor activities. You can bet that Crystal Mountain, already a busy spot, felt an extra surge of excitement and visitors thanks to this fantastic spotlight. It just goes to show, sometimes, all you need is a little help from a familiar face and a national platform to remind everyone just how incredible our corner of the world truly is.