Skiing in Washington State during the winter months creates the perfect opportunity to visit the ski resort Crystal Mountain. If you are in or near Washington State, you should definitely pay a visit. With a top elevation of 7012 feet (2137m) and a vertical drop of 3100 feet (940m), Crystal Mountain sits below Mount Rainier, which has a top elevation of 14,408 feet.
The months of November to April bring several feet of fresh powder snow to Crystal Mountain, this being a reliable happening thanks to the cold Cascade storms common to this area. This factor alone makes a compelling reason to visit this first class Washington State ski area.
There are breathtaking views of Mount Rainier from the summit of Crystal Mountain. The area positively bulges with 2,300 acres of fabulous skiing and here you will find every kind of skiing you can imagine, making this the largest ski area in the state of Washington.
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.
Operating from 8am to 4pm every day there is a Kids Club which is aimed at 4 to 11 year-olds. For the slightly older children between 7 and 11 years old snowboarding is available for those who would like to give it a try. The benefits of the Kids Club are many. Children are able to learn in a safe and supervised environment at a level which is suitable for their progress and older members of their party are able to enjoy the more challenging trails which would not otherwise be possible with young children to take care of who may not be advanced enough in their skiing to take part safely.
In addition to the main regions of the resort, Crystal has two back country areas which are accessible only by hiking. It is extreme terrain and the ski patrol has some rules and restrictions for these areas. North Backcountry is mostly covered with thick trees but some trails are cut through the trees.
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.
The months of November to April bring several feet of fresh powder snow to Crystal Mountain, this being a reliable happening thanks to the cold Cascade storms common to this area. This factor alone makes a compelling reason to visit this first class Washington State ski area.
There are breathtaking views of Mount Rainier from the summit of Crystal Mountain. The area positively bulges with 2,300 acres of fabulous skiing and here you will find every kind of skiing you can imagine, making this the largest ski area in the state of Washington.
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.
Operating from 8am to 4pm every day there is a Kids Club which is aimed at 4 to 11 year-olds. For the slightly older children between 7 and 11 years old snowboarding is available for those who would like to give it a try. The benefits of the Kids Club are many. Children are able to learn in a safe and supervised environment at a level which is suitable for their progress and older members of their party are able to enjoy the more challenging trails which would not otherwise be possible with young children to take care of who may not be advanced enough in their skiing to take part safely.
In addition to the main regions of the resort, Crystal has two back country areas which are accessible only by hiking. It is extreme terrain and the ski patrol has some rules and restrictions for these areas. North Backcountry is mostly covered with thick trees but some trails are cut through the trees.
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 is a great fan of holidays in the mountains 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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