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.

Crystal Mountain provides stunning views of Mount Rainer which towers a further 7,000 feet into the sky above Crystal Mountain’s summit. With over 2,300 acres of prime skiing real estate you will find all types of skiing and with such a large expanse Crystal Mountain boasts the largest ski area in Washington State.

Of particular appeal to advanced and intermediate skiers who will enjoy 87% of all runs, there are some 7 runs for beginners which amounts to a generous variety for all levels. Intermediates are best catered for with 57% of all runs and of all the runs the very longest is called Northway and stretches for 2.5 miles or 4km.

With a definite bias in the distribution of trails towards the more experienced skier, lift capacity runs at 20,000 per hour. There are 2 high speed quads, 2 high speed sixes, 2 triple chairs, 4 double chairs and a surface lift for children. Despite leaning towards the more experienced skier, lessons are available and it is possible to rent skis and other equipment as required. This is also useful in the event of losses and breakages.

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.

For a superb vacation skiing in Washington State this is a great place for the family. Everyone can have a great experience at Crystal Mountain, even though the slopes are more for intermediate and expert skiers. Novice skiers can have fun as well as long as careful attention is paid to the grade of slope attempted.

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