Crystal Mountain lies in the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, and in the heart of the Cascades Mountains. With its 2,600 skiable acres, it’s the biggest resort in Washington state. When the resort opened in 1962, it only boasted two double chairlifts. Located on Highway 410, roughly 1 ½ hour southeast of Seattle, makes it easily accessible from Bellevue, Seattle and Tacoma. Just like the other ski resorts in the Pacific Northwest, such as Mt. Baker, Mt. Bachelor and Timberline, Crystal sports that same low-key vibe where the emphasis is on skiing and magnificent terrain rather than resort gastronomy and boutique hotels. And you’ll probably find a few locals who won’t let a bit of downpour deterring them from getting in a few shreds.
On a clear day, the Crystal Mountain gondola takes you 2,400 feet up to the summit, where Mt. Rainer is there to greet you with its awe-inspiring views. Open bowls are all around. But Crystal’s best terrain is found in the backcountry, and the Northway Lift is your gateway. Here in the sidecountry, no grooming means some of the best glade skiing in the state. There’s avalanche control but do make sure to pack your avy safety gear. On powder days, you might have wished that you would have brought a snorkel, too. Then there’s the vast South Backcountry, known as the Southback, featuring extreme drop offs such as Silver King Peak, which is Crystal’s highest point at 7,012 feet. Silver Basin, and Avalanche Basin, are two awesome spots for solid powder turns.
Crystal has had a history of snow-heavy Decembers, where the average has been 100+ inches, but with such huge dumps also comes storm days, which can wipe out the mountain for days on end. The month of March is a better bet, sunshine, clear blue days and still lots of powder, inbound and in the backcountry.
A natural terrain mecca
On a clear day, the Crystal Mountain gondola takes you 2,400 feet up to the summit, where Mt. Rainer is there to greet you with its awe-inspiring views. Open bowls are all around. But Crystal’s best terrain is found in the backcountry, and the Northway Lift is your gateway. Here in the sidecountry, no grooming means some of the best glade skiing in the state. There’s avalanche control but do make sure to pack your avy safety gear. On powder days, you might have wished that you would have brought a snorkel, too. Then there’s the vast South Backcountry, known as the Southback, featuring extreme drop offs such as Silver King Peak, which is Crystal’s highest point at 7,012 feet. Silver Basin, and Avalanche Basin, are two awesome spots for solid powder turns.
Mark your calendars for March madness
Crystal has had a history of snow-heavy Decembers, where the average has been 100+ inches, but with such huge dumps also comes storm days, which can wipe out the mountain for days on end. The month of March is a better bet, sunshine, clear blue days and still lots of powder, inbound and in the backcountry.
Crystal Mountain Snow forecast
-
Sunday0 ft64°F
7 mph -
Monday0 ft73°F
5 mph -
Tuesday0 ft56°F
8 mph
Facts about Crystal Mountain
Number of slopes: | 86 |
7 | |
28 | |
27 | |
24 |
Lifts (Total: 11)
Gondola lift: | 1 |
Chair lifts: | 9 |
Platter lift: | 1 |
Lift capacity: | 19110 persons/hour |
Vertical drop
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Highest Point: 7011 ft |
Vertical drop: 2612 ft | |
Base Point: 4400 ft |
Areas
Snowparks: | 1 |
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Reviews for Crystal Mountain
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Not quite bad. Nice variety of systems, definitely worth a day or 2 - but check the weather before. It may be a little bit so and so with the heat her... Read more (59 words)
Note! This text has been translated by Google Translate.
Be there 01-02 and not be very good at all. Softer snow can be found. Easy-to-use off-piste, but completely cash pistes. If you are in Seattle, it's w... Read more (34 words)
Nearby ski resorts
White Pass | 21.1 miles |
The Summit at Snoqualmie | 33.6 miles |
Alpental | 35.4 miles |
Mission Ridge | 55.9 miles |
Stevens Pass | 58.4 miles |
Cooper Spur | 105.6 miles |
Timberline Lodge | 111.2 miles |
Mt. Hood Skibowl | 113.7 miles |