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Crystal Mountain Ski Resort marks one of the largest ski resorts in the US state of Washington. It is situated in the Cascade Range. The main feature of Crystal Mountain Ski Resort is the 2,600 acres (1,052 hectares) of skiable terrain, the most of any resort in the state. From the main summit of the resort, skiers have unobstructed views of Mount Rainier (14,411 ft / 4,392 m), the most glaciated peak in the contiguous 48 US states. Crystal Mountain boasts 57 designated trails and over 80 named runs of more than 31 mi (50 km) in total, serviced by 11 ski lifts. The mountain is best suited for intermediate and advanced skiers — a majority of the slopes are rated blue and black. Just over 10% of the terrain is suitable for beginners looking to improve their ski skills. The Crystal Mountain season generally runs from mid-November to mid-April.
Crystal Mountain Ski Resort is located in Pierce County on the west side of the Washington state of the US in the Cascade Range at an altitude between 3,912 to 7,012 ft (1,192 to 2,157 m) with a difference of 3,100 ft (945 m).
The resort lies within Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Silver Creek Valley, which marks a tributary of the larger White River.
The highest peak in the resort is referred to as Crystal, also known as Silver King (7,012 ft / 2,137 m).
Enumclaw marks the closest city to Crystal Mountain at 40 mi (64 km).
There are many other natural areas around: Mount Rainier National Park lies to the southwest just from the resorts’ borders while the Norse Peak Wilderness is to the northeast. Southeast of the resort is a portion of Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
Getting to Crystal Mountain is easy due to its close proximity to the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area.
From Seattle visitors have multiple routes to get to the ski resort. The fastest route travels along Interstate 5 South, 405 North, and State Route 169 which leads to Enumclaw. From there skiers connect with State Route 410 which leads up to the mountain.
Getting to a resort from nearby cities is also pretty straightforward. State Route 410 runs directly from the city of Enumclaw towards the resort for 38 miles (61 km). Drivers then turn left onto Crystal Mountain Boulevard which climbs for 12 mi (19 km) up to the resort.
Nearby airports and well cleared roadways make it also easy for those getting to the region.
The closest commercial airport to Crystal Mountain is Sea-Tac International Airport, located a 70 mi (112 km) drive northwest of the ski area. Below are a few other airports in the region, though Sea-Tac acts as the main airport for much of western Washington:
A shuttle service runs from the Enumclaw Expo Center up to Crystal Mountain on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Free parking is available on the north side of the Enumclaw Expo Center. Taking the shuttle is free of charge though the shuttle runs on a first come-first serve basis.
There are eight parking lots at Crystal Mountain Ski Resorts. All are serviced by a shuttle that brings skiers to the base of the resort. Reservations are required for parking on weekends and holidays but not required if arriving after 12:00 pm.
For those without a season pass, parking costs $20 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Traveling in a group pays off as carpools with four or more people can redeem free parking.
Crystal Mountain Ski Resort usually opens during mid to late November and runs through mid-April. Peak snow conditions at the resort often fall between mid-February to early March.
With an annual snowfall of 486 in (12.3 m) Crystal Mountain marks the ski resort with the 9th most annual snowfall in North America. Snow guns are often used near the base of the mountain to help cover many of the beginner friendly green runs.
The mountain is primarily north facing with snow preserving best on the South Backcountry and Powder Bowl. Other sections of the ski resort are prone to melting and freezing cycles during warmer days. The South Backcountry retains some of the best powder.
Lack of snow is not often a concern for Crystal Mountain, but rain can be. Especially during the beginning and end of the ski season, warmer temperatures, coupled with high amounts of precipitation, can lead to mixed snow and slush or even a light drizzle of rain.
Despite being the largest ski resort in the state of Washington, Crystal Mountain is fairly easy to get around. The resort consists of about a dozen small areas, starting with the Crystal Base Camp, where many trails of all levels of difficulty are met.
The mountain is well labeled, helping skiers ensure they don’t end up on any runs that are too challenging based on their skill level.
The center of the mountain is serviced by the Rainier Express chairlift, Mt. Rainier Gondola, and the Green Valley Express chair. All runs leading from these three lifts are blue, black, or double black. From the top of these lifts, skiers can look southwest for stunning views of Mount Rainier (14,411 ft / 4,392 m) on a clear day. There is also Mt. St. Helens (8,366 ft / 1,584 m ) at a distance, the namesake national volcanic monument.
From the summit of the Crystal Mountain resort, skiers can also ski along the main ridgeline to access the north side of the resort. This region is serviced by the Northway chairlift. All runs on this side of the mountain are for experts only, featuring dramatic cliffs, steep slopes, and densely forested sections.
Crystal Mountain Ski Resort offers terrain suitable for skiers of all skill levels. Beginners have numerous runs to practice on which cover 11% of the resort or more than 5 mi (8 km). A majority of the slopes are ideal for intermediate skiers, covering 54% of the skiable terrain or more than 17 mi (27 km). More seasoned skiers can also enjoy deep powder and challenging runs at Crystal, with 35% of the resort being classified as advanced / expert or more than 9 mi (15 km).
Please note that the following color scheme is used to rate ski runs at Crystal Mountain Ski Resort:
The longest slope in the resort is Northway, which spans 2.5 mi (4 km) from the top of the Northway chairlift, down to the base lodge.
A majority of the green runs are serviced by Chinook Express, the main chairlift at the base of the mountain. For those still learning to ski, the Discovery chairlift is also located at the mountain’s base and services the bunny run named Discovery Meadow. From the top of the Discovery chairlift is the Quicksilver chairlift, servicing numerous green runs back to the base of the mountain.
Intermediate skiers can stick to the Forest Queen Express and Rainier Express chairlifts. Forest Queen Express is surrounded by blue runs such as Mr. Magoo and Upper and Lower Chappelle’s. The Rainier Express chairlift services numerous blue and black runs, perfect for those looking to try out some more advanced terrain.
The Green Valley Express chairlift services the top half of the mountain, providing skiers with blue runs like Green Valley, and Jack’s Cut along with black runs such as Snorting Elk, and Grubstake.
The southern and northern edges of the resort are where expert skiers can find numerous challenging runs. Chair 6, located at the top Forest Queen Express, services double black runs, intended for experts only. Skiers can explore Powder Bowl and Campbell Basin or traverse along the main ridgelines to ski Hamburger.
After passing The Throne (6,860 ft / 2,091m), skiers cross over the Southback Boundary, marking some of the most challenging runs at the resort. For expert skiers looking for less tracked terrain, a short boot pack leads skiers to the summit of Silver King (7,012 ft / 2,137 m), marking the tallest peak in the resort. Narrow shoots and sweeping basins such as Boxcar Cornice, A-Basin, and Southback can challenge even the most experienced skiers.
The Northway chairlift services the most advanced terrain on the north end of the resort. This controlled access area can only be entered through the designated gates. From the summit of Northway Peak, skiers can drop into the basin and ski under the Northway chairlift leading back to the base of the chairlift. Another option is to enter the area through one of the marked gates and explore iconic routes such as Employee Housing and Niagras.
Crystal Mountain offers opportunities for night skiing on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays. Night skiing lasts until 8 pm and is serviced by the Quicksilver, Gold Hills, and Discovery chairlifts. These chairlifts provide access to both green and blue runs.
The Southback zone on the mountain, as previously mentioned, should be viewed as backcountry. Bootpacking up to the summit of Silver King (7,012 ft / 2,137 m) provides skiers with some of the most easily accessible backcountry terrain.
For more backcountry routes, skiers can also drop off the south side of the ski resort. The steep forested terrain drops down to the frozen and snow covered Crystal Lakes region.
Just north of the resort lies a vast network of peaks and basins ideal for backcountry skiing. Those wishing to explore the region can park in the C lot at the resort and begin climbing up towards East Peak. Near this region also lies Cement basin and Norse Peak (6,857 ft / 2,090 m).
Anyone entering these backcountry regions, including Northway and Southback in the resort boundaries, should be equipped with the knowledge, tools, and skill set for entering avalanche terrain.
Crystal Mountain is on the Ikon ski pass, with pass holders being able to ski 7 days at the resort with no blackout dates. The Ikon Base Pass provides pass holders with 5 days at Crystal Mountain.
The resort also offers a Crystal Legend Pass, providing unlimited access and no blackout dates for skiing at the resort. For an adult, the Crystal Legend Pass costs $1,849. For those looking to ski during the middle of the week, there is a Crystal Roots Pass. This pass provides access throughout the week with holiday blackouts and no access on the weekends, costing $699.
A single adult day lift ticket ranges in price from $149 to $189. Through the Ikon website, visitors can also purchase a 3-Day Wild Card costing $300, helping to reduce the per day cost of lift tickets. Throughout the year, visitors can ride the Mt. Rainier Gondola, which leads to the summit lodge. During the winter an adult gondola ticket is $44.
Looking for some new gear? Want to sign up for a ski lesson? Crystal Mountain Ski Resort is full of services.
For example, there are at least three good ski equipment stores: Right Angle Sports Shop located along the skiers walkway at the base of the resort, and Brand X on the fourth level of the Cascade Lodge, which offers repair and demos for testing out new gear.
Or there is at least one good ski school in the resort, Crystal Mountain Ski & Ride School. It offers both group and private lessons for skiers of any age. The school also has an All-Mountain Freeride program, Freeride Development, and Competition Freeride program.
Before or after skiing, visit the resort’s official tourist office, located at the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort:
Crystal Mountain Guest Services
33914 Crystal Mountain Blvd, Enumclaw, WA, 98022, United States
Crystal Support: 833-279-7897
Ikon Support: 888-365-IKON
WSDOT Road Conditions: 800-695-7623
General inquiries: gservice@skicrystal.com
Throughout Crystal Mountain Ski Resort lie numerous spots to grab a bite to eat or a hot drink to sip. The most iconic spot is the Summit House Restaurant. Situated at the resort’s main Summit ski area at 6,872 ft (2,095 m) the restaurant features locally sourced ingredients with stunning views of Mount Rainier (14,411 ft / 4,392 m).
The Campbell Basin Lodge and Restaurant is located mid-mountain. The lodge offers a variety of food ranging from burgers and fries to Greek Gyros. At the base of Chinook Express lies Fireside Cantina offering breakfast burritos and coffee as well as tacos. Raven Hall lies at the base of the resort and is the designated spot for those with pre packed lunches.
Throughout the three main lodges lie other crowd favorites such as the Fish Shack, Double Diamond Dogs, Quicksilver Coffee and Frontside Waffles.
For those looking for après drink, both the Hop Hut and Tie-Breaker bar offer craft beers and ciders, ideal for winding down after a long day on the slopes.
There are multiple options for lodging at Crystal Mountain Ski Resort. The main four lodging options all share similar prices when comparing a one bedroom spot.
Each year Crystal Mountain Ski Resort hosts a number of local and international events.
Along the latter, it hosts an International Freeskiers & Snowboarders Association Junior Regional Freeskiing Competition and a IFSA Freeride World Qualifier event.
Among the first, for example, during the spring, it is Bikini Downhill day and an Egg Hunt day, where eggs are filled with a variety of prizes. At the end of the year, the resort hosts Return of the Pond Skim.
Crystal Mountain is unique in that there is no town surrounding the resort. The closest nearby city is Enumclaw, located along SR 410. Enumclaw is home to around 13,000 residents and lies under an hour drive from the resort. The quaint downtown features local shops and restaurants, ideal for relaxing after a long day.
The city of Tacoma lies an hour and half away from the resort, marking the closest major city. Situated on the banks of the Puget Sound, Tacoma is home to roughly 220,000 residents. Those visiting the region can also explore the Tacoma Art Museum, Museum of Glass, and the Washington State History Museum.
Seattle lies less than a two hours drive northwest of Crystal Mountain. The iconic city is surrounded by the Puget Sound, Lake Washington, and the western foothills of the Cascade Range. The city has a large tech industry and marks the most populous city in the state. The iconic Space Needle was constructed in 1962 when Seattle hosted the World’s Fair.
