CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN RESORT GUIDE
Crystal Mountain Overview
This no frills mountain is a powderhound's dream with steep terrain, a vertical drop of 3,100 feet and deep snow. Crystal Mountain is located less than two hours from Seattle and 90 minutes from Tacoma. Seattle-based shredders have been honing their skills here for years. Nestled in the Northeast edge of Mt. Rainier National Park, Crystal benefits from large storms that tend to hang over its volcanic neighbor. The weather can be variable though and gore-tex is a must as base temperatures can be balmy and even rainy.
The drive to Crystal leads visitors through a scenic forest with stunning views along the White River. When the storms break, there are several après spots to enjoy unspoiled views of Mt. Rainier. Parking lot B has a neighborly culture where you can pack your cooler and relax alongside RV neighbors. The scenic Summit House also has tasty bites and drinks with stunning views.
Following the resort's acquisition by Alterra in 2018 and subsequent addition to the Ikon Pass, it has become more crowded. For the 2021-22 season, the Ikon Base Pass will offer 5 days only at Crystal. The Full Ikon Pass is unlimited.
Snow Reliability
Snow-Making & Grooming
Ski School
Travel Convenience
Accommodations
Terrain Variety
On Mountain Dining
Extreme / Off-Piste Terrain
Quick Take
Let's Go
Huge amounts of patrolled "backcountry" are accessible with quick bootpacks
Soak in amazing views of Mt Rainier and its sourrounding peaks including Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Baker and Glacier Peak
An easy day or weekend trip from the Seattle-Tacoma area; enjoy the charm of a local mountain with the feel of big mountain terrain
Big storms roll in and stick around. Snowfall averages ~485 inches annually, though can be a little heavy
Excellent lift infrastructure and Altrerra continues to invest in upgrades
Hesitations
No longer under the radar screen, Ikon Pass has brought huge crowds resulting in several bottleneck spots and long lift lines
Few true beginner runs, first timers should look to other local mountains such as Snoqualmie
Remote location; there is not much of a base village and lodging and après options are limited
Temperatures can hover around the freezing level and rain is not an uncommon in the parking lots
Insider Tips
Arrive early to avoid crowds which cause traffic and a long drive up the mountain road and result in parking in far away lots, especially on the weekends. Leaving Seattle before 6 am is NOT crazy!
If the Mt. Rainer Gondola line is long, take Chinook Express from the base and then get onto Rainier Express for stunning views along the way to the top
Don't be intimidated by the descent from the summit. Advanced beginner and intermediate shredders can enjoy the views from the top and then follow Blue rated, Lucky Shot or even take the Mt. Rainier Gondola to return to the base
The Snorting Elk Cellar is a rock'in place to grab an adult beverage, check out the local favorite Snorting Elk Frost beer from Elysian
Trail Map
For an in-depth breakdown of Crystal's terrain, head to our Mountain Guide. Top trails and mountain stats included.
Getting To & Around
Crystal Mountain is ~90 minutes driving, Southeast from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. A car is essential to reach Crystal; buses and shuttles are not avaliable. Make sure to leave early on weekends to avoid traffic on the mountain road and score a good parking spot.
Getting To
Closest Major City: Seattle-Tacoma
Distance: ~85 miles North West
Travel Time: ~ 2 hours drive
Closest Sizeable Town: Enumclaw, WA ~40 minutes drive
Neighboring Resorts
Crystal Mountain is relatively isolated in the Cascade Mountain Range in Northwestern Washington. There are a few smaller resorts nearby, but the closest major resorts are more than 5 hours away.
Closest Neighbors on the Ikon Pass
The Summit at Snoqualmie, WA (~95 miles, ~2 hours, 10 mins)
Mt. Bachelor, OR (~380 miles, 7.5 hours)
Other Washington Resorts on the Epic Pass
Steven's Pass, WA (~150 miles, ~3 hours, 40 mins)
Other Washington Neighbors:
White Pass, WA (~140 miles, ~3.5 hours)
Travel by Plane
Closest major commercial airport: SEA (Seattle-Tacome International Airport)
~75 miles Northwest, ~2 hours drive
Travel By Bus
As of April 2021, shuttle bus service from the Seattle-Tacoma area has been suspended. A car is essential to travel to Crystal Mountain.
Travel by Car
Having a car is essential here. It is otherwise very difficult to get here get here or get around
The A Lot is closest to the base, and reserved for pass holders until 2 pm daily ($1099 for the season). Daily parking is not availabile
Don't fear though; other lots are accessible and Crystal provides free, easy to navigate shuttles to the base
