There are many reasons to visit Washington State but for the winter sports enthusiast what better reason could there be than to visit the challenging ski resort of Crystal Mountain? During the winter months Crystal Mountain is ideally placed to provide snow-capped peaks of over 7,000 feet, standing proud below the towering Mount Rainier which climbs to over 14,000 feet.
Crystal Mountain enjoys many inches of fresh powder snow between the months of November and April and this has been a particularly reliable feature of this ski area thanks to reliable cold storms which are a feature of this region. With such conditions a regular feature Crystal Mountain has enduring appeal.
Mount Rainier looks down 7,000 feet to the summit of Crystal Mountain and from this vantage point Mount Rainier can be enjoyed in all its magnitude. From Crystal Mountain an expansive pasture of 2,300 acres of all manner of skiing makes for what is undeniably the largest area of skiing in Washington State.
Less advanced skiers could be forgiven for feeling some trepidation about a ski area that has 30% of its trails for advanced skiers and 57% for intermediates. Despite offering just 13% of runs for beginners and novices, Crystal Mountain does offer a generous variety of skiing for all levels and offers a longest run of 2..5 miles (4km) which is known as Northway.
There is a lift capacity of over 20,000 passengers per hour with 2 high speed six-passenger lifts, 2 high speed quads, 2 triple chairs, 4 double chairs and a child's surface lift. This is challenging terrain and therefore there is less on offer for beginners as this area really caters for the more advanced skier. Despite this bias towards the more experienced skier, lessons are available and there is rental available for skis and other equipment.
For children aged four to eleven years old there is a Kids Club which opens from 8am to 4pm daily. This allows more advanced skiers in a family group to enjoy the rest of the resort and tackle trails that would not be sensible to undertake with younger members of the family in tow. For slightly older children in the 7 to 11 age bracket snowboarding is available should they wish to take part. This provision means that children are able to learn and have fun in a safe and supervised environment while older members of their party are able to partake in the more challenging skiing available.
Crystal Mountain has two back country areas in addition to the main areas of the resort and they can be reached only by hiking. The back country areas form extreme terrain and therefore the ski patrol has special restrictions and rules in place. North Backcountry does have some trails which have been cut through the trees although it is predominantly covered in woodland which in places is closely packed.
The season runs from the middle of November to the middle of April, when the best snow fall is experienced. There are many places to choose for lodging, meals and evening entertainment. After a day of skiing, you should definitely head over to East Peak Massage & Fitness to take advantage of the hot tub, sauna, showers and even the games room. Massages are available with a reservation. In the summer of 2004, Crystal built the Campbell Basin Lodge, a Cascade-style lodge serving pasta, pizza, soups, teriyaki, burgers, salads, Mexican food and more.
Catering for all abilities, Crystal Mountain in Washington State undeniably offers the most to intermediate and advanced skiers. In spite of this, there are still numerous options for beginners. The most important requirement is that beginners take care not to stray onto trails that are beyond their capabilities as this area does aim to provide challenges to the more experienced skier.
Crystal Mountain enjoys many inches of fresh powder snow between the months of November and April and this has been a particularly reliable feature of this ski area thanks to reliable cold storms which are a feature of this region. With such conditions a regular feature Crystal Mountain has enduring appeal.
Mount Rainier looks down 7,000 feet to the summit of Crystal Mountain and from this vantage point Mount Rainier can be enjoyed in all its magnitude. From Crystal Mountain an expansive pasture of 2,300 acres of all manner of skiing makes for what is undeniably the largest area of skiing in Washington State.
Less advanced skiers could be forgiven for feeling some trepidation about a ski area that has 30% of its trails for advanced skiers and 57% for intermediates. Despite offering just 13% of runs for beginners and novices, Crystal Mountain does offer a generous variety of skiing for all levels and offers a longest run of 2..5 miles (4km) which is known as Northway.
There is a lift capacity of over 20,000 passengers per hour with 2 high speed six-passenger lifts, 2 high speed quads, 2 triple chairs, 4 double chairs and a child's surface lift. This is challenging terrain and therefore there is less on offer for beginners as this area really caters for the more advanced skier. Despite this bias towards the more experienced skier, lessons are available and there is rental available for skis and other equipment.
For children aged four to eleven years old there is a Kids Club which opens from 8am to 4pm daily. This allows more advanced skiers in a family group to enjoy the rest of the resort and tackle trails that would not be sensible to undertake with younger members of the family in tow. For slightly older children in the 7 to 11 age bracket snowboarding is available should they wish to take part. This provision means that children are able to learn and have fun in a safe and supervised environment while older members of their party are able to partake in the more challenging skiing available.
Crystal Mountain has two back country areas in addition to the main areas of the resort and they can be reached only by hiking. The back country areas form extreme terrain and therefore the ski patrol has special restrictions and rules in place. North Backcountry does have some trails which have been cut through the trees although it is predominantly covered in woodland which in places is closely packed.
The season runs from the middle of November to the middle of April, when the best snow fall is experienced. There are many places to choose for lodging, meals and evening entertainment. After a day of skiing, you should definitely head over to East Peak Massage & Fitness to take advantage of the hot tub, sauna, showers and even the games room. Massages are available with a reservation. In the summer of 2004, Crystal built the Campbell Basin Lodge, a Cascade-style lodge serving pasta, pizza, soups, teriyaki, burgers, salads, Mexican food and more.
Catering for all abilities, Crystal Mountain in Washington State undeniably offers the most to intermediate and advanced skiers. In spite of this, there are still numerous options for beginners. The most important requirement is that beginners take care not to stray onto trails that are beyond their capabilities as this area does aim to provide challenges to the more experienced skier.
About the Author:
Kerry Devere makes a special space in her diary for skiing vacations and in particular thrashing the red runs. Before you plan your next ski safari, read more of her ski destination reviews.
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