Approximately a two hour drive away from Seattle, Crystal Mountain Resort provides an ultimate destination for skiers and snowboarders from 9:00am to 4:00pm during the snow season.
Although Crystal is farther away than other ski areas around Snoqualmie Pass, Crystal is a larger resort with more runs with varying degrees of difficulty. Crystal Mountain Resort has also received one hundred more inches of snow this season than Alpental, one of Snoqualmie’s ski areas.
With 57 designated trails, there are opportunities for all levels. The Forest Queen Express Chairlift is the perfect destination for intermediate skiers. One green (easiest) and two blue (more difficult) runs start at the top of the chairlift and branch out into a number of different slopes. Forest Queen also provides access to Sasquatch Park – Crystal’s terrain park featuring different man-made jumps.
Northway Chairlift and, ironically named, Green Valley Chairlift provide more challenging runs for advanced skiers. Only black (most difficult) and double black (expert only) runs are accessible from Northway Chair which is located on the back side of the mountain. Group lessons based on age and experience as well as private lessons are available daily during the winter season.
Two dining lodges are located right on the slopes, perfect for a lunch break. Campbell Basin, at the top of Forest Queen, is cafeteria style whereas Summit House Restaurant is a true sit-down-and-order restaurant with an amazing view of Mount Rainier. Summit House Restaurant is the restaurant at the highest elevation in Washington. The Bullwheel Restaurant & Bar is highly recommended rest spot before heading back down the mountain. Warm French fries and hot cocoa with whip cream is a perfect way to recuperate. Don’t forget to drink lots of water to help your muscles recover after a long day of skiing!