Crystal Mountain

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.

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.