At the top, stop for a snack or meal at Summit House restaurant while continuing to admire the views. Both skiers and foot passengers are welcome to ride the bright red gondola, which offers fantastic, 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains as well as the skiers and snowboarders descending the slopes below. Ride the Mount Rainier Gondola, traveling up almost 2,500 feet (760 meters) from the base area to the mountain’s summit. Visit on a sunny day to see wonderful views of the Cascade Range, Mount Rainer and the valley below. The resort’s varied terrain includes an excellent mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced runs. Arrange a weekend visit to see the resort at its liveliest and busiest or go during the week if you prefer more peace and quiet to explore its 2,600 acres (1,050 hectares) of terrain. With its excellent terrain and wonderful scenery, the resort is a popular daytrip destination for residents of Seattle and Tacoma. The experience has been reduced to 2-star.Hit the slopes in Washington’s largest ski area and admire the striking views of nearby Mount Rainier.Ĭrystal Mountain Resort is Washington’s only major ski resort, offering great skiing and overnight accommodations. As my wife (who has skied CM since it opened more than 60 years ago) says of the new owners, “They’ve cut the heart out of the Crystal Mountain community.” The terrain is still 5-star. Those got poured out with the new ownership. To get a beer requires climbing the stairs to the bull wheel bar, but don’t bother asking for a pitcher. Now the fireside cantina window closes hours before the lifts do. Here on the plaza on a sunny Friday afternoon enjoying the nonexistent après ski scene, where we used to dance to live bands. Now CM charges for parking and has raised the season pass rate by a staggering 70% since last year. The day lodge got a makeover with tagger art, decor suggestive of the I-5 express lanes through downtown Seattle. Then along came a corporate buyout by Aspen business gurus Alterra. In over half a century CM never charged for parking and offered a first rate ski experience adored by its faithful clientele.
![crystal mountain crystal mountain](https://localfreshies.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Crystal_Mtn_Kevan_Dee.jpg)
Continued use of GPS running in the background can decrease battery life. This app uses HealthKit and location services for tracking and replaying your runs on the trail map. You will spend less time Google-searching and more time experiencing all that Crystal Mountain has to offer. App users can also receive real-time resort operations updates and personalized experiences based on their likes and interests. With dependable cell service and WiFi around the mountain, you can count on the app to make Summit House reservations, put in take-out orders, and much more, wherever you are. You can quickly check current conditions, trail status, local weather, upcoming events, food options and more on the interactive map. The Crystal Mountain Resort Guide gives you the latest info and the current highlights all in one easy place. We are here to guide you through your ideal day on the mountain, from the tree-lined trails to the beers on tap, with our new app in the palm of your hand.
![crystal mountain crystal mountain](https://cdn-assets.alltrails.com/uploads/photo/image/20947058/extra_large_50404f9dbbcc2d10338d35d9af7b9c2a.jpg)
With open space, expansive terrain and powerful views, the largest ski resort in Washington can be a lot to navigate. Here in the high alpine, we are refreshing our minds and reconnecting with the true spirit of the Pacific Northwest.
![crystal mountain crystal mountain](https://snowbrains.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Crystal-14.jpg)
For many of us, the mountain has long been a refuge.