Wisconsin winter enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as Rock Snowpark in Franklin is reverting to its cherished original name, Crystal Ridge. This exciting change marks a return to the ski hill’s roots, rekindling the legacy that began when founder John Kaishian established the winter hotspot in 1987.
For many years, Crystal Ridge was synonymous with winter fun at 7011 S. Ballpark Dr. in Franklin. However, in 2012, when The Rock Sports Complex acquired the area, the name transitioned to Rock Snowpark. This moniker remained even after Rick and Mike Schmitz, renowned owners of Little Switzerland and Nordic Mountain, took over ski hill operations in 2017.
Now, as of today, the slopes are once again Crystal Ridge. This rebranding is more than just a name change; it’s a full circle moment, accompanied by a brand-new website at crystalridge.com, a refreshed logo, updated signage, and a range of merchandise, all signaling a vibrant new era for the 2024-25 winter season.
General Manager Riley May expressed enthusiasm for this revival, stating, “We are thrilled to bring back the Crystal Ridge name. John Kaishian’s vision in Franklin and Milwaukee County created something truly special for this community, and we are proud to honor that legacy. Crystal Ridge embodies the classic ‘ski-hill-feel’ in a way that the previous name didn’t quite capture. This cohesive branding will also streamline our identity across both our winter and summer operations.”
For those eager to discover more about the reimagined Crystal Ridge and their winter plans, the newly launched website crystalridge.com is the go-to resource. As the anticipation for winter builds, stay connected with OnMilwaukee for further updates on winter activities and events.
