The goal of this section is to highlight a set of great runs at Crystal that don’t fall into any other section: all are accessed by Rainier Express, but feed into the base area. Every run in this section (with the exception of Melby’s) is fantastic and highly worth your time.
Snorting Elk
The Snorting Elk area lies on the north side of Grubstake point, sandwiched between Green Valley and Northway. This region of the mountain contains numerous tree runs as well as a classic alpine bowl, with plenty of hidden stashes to explore.
Base Area
The base area of Crystal Mountain is a relatively unexciting area – most of the runs mentioned here are ones we would only ski if we happened to be in the area. However, there are some hidden gems, great groomers, and good areas to learn on.
2016-2017 Season Kickoff
The 2016-2017 ski season has arrived! Crystal Mountain officially opened last Friday, November 25th, and has already received two large snowstorms that dumped several feet of snow. Continue reading to see what’s open and what’s new on the mountain.
Silver Queen
Chair 6 climbs the 7,002-foot peak of Silver Queen and provides expert skiers with a myriad of options for tricky terrain and wide-open bowls, as well as providing access to Crystal’s famous South Backcountry. Continue reading “Silver Queen”
Packed Powder Days: 12/13 and 12/20
We had a couple great days in mid-December. Here’s Grady’s account of the runs we skied and the conditions on the mountain for your perusal.
Green Valley
Though it covers a fairly short vertical distance, the Green Valley detachable quad serves up lots of quirky, challenging lines near the summit as well as some steep terrain and speedy groomers.
Rainier Express
Washington’s first detachable chairlift, “REX” has been briskly bringing skiers to great glades, groomers, and steeps since 1988. It accesses a variety of advanced and expert terrain, as well as a few fast intermediate groomers.
Dealing With Low Coverage
Last year (2014-2015) in particular was a pathetic ski season due to the criminally low amount of snow. Navigating the slopes of Crystal was frequently a challenge, as one would constantly encounter bare patches or trees that should have been covered.
Due to our frequent skiing in such extremely subpar conditions, we’ve developed an effective working knowledge of where exactly to go when there’s not enough snow.
Chinook Express
Although Chinook Express could easily be dismissed as a low-elevation area with boring runs, it too has its fair share of fun slopes for beginner and advanced skiers.
The Unofficial Guide to Crystal Mountain 