Guided Snowshoe Tours

Alpine Wilderness Snowshoe Tours

Ready to step right into a true winter wonderland? Join us for a snowshoe tour through Crystal Mountain’s beautiful Alpine Wilderness during the winter season (December through mid-April).

We begin our 2 1/2-hour tour by taking a scenic ride on the Mt. Rainier Gondola to the summit of Crystal Mountain at 6872’. Once at the summit, we take in the beauty of the Cascade mountain range, strap on our snowshoes and head north along the ridgeline. We frolic out past Green Valley and Snorting Elk into our Northcountry where we hydrate and fuel up with a nutritious snack. We then depart the backcountry, head back up the ridge to the gondola and download to the base area lodge for an incredible cheese fondue dinner with a selection of vegetables, salad and homemade apple tarts for dessert. Alcoholic beverages available for purchase.

Gondola Tour notes: It can be windy so please plan accordingly. The alternate route will be chosen when the winds along the ridgeline are too strong to enjoy the great out of doors, or if the Gondola is not running. The alternate route up the Quicksilver Chair and into the Southback country is much less weather dependant and is an equally beautiful hike through the woods.

Alternate South Backcountry route description: Ride up the Quicksilver chairlift to the entrance of the South Backcountry. We enter the alpine forest by walking towards Lower Henskin Lake, and up the frozen drainage bed to Upper Henskin Lake nestled at the bottom of 3-Way Peak ridgeline. Here we rest, take in the beautiful views of the peaks above us, and fuel up for the downhill walk with some snacks and water. We then make our way to the run out road and depart the alpine wilderness by walking down the Quicksilver chairlift line to reach the Base Area Lodge for fondue dinner and dessert.

Suggested Gear: ankle-supporting shoes that fit well and are not sloppy around the foot, goggles, winter coat and condition-appropriate outerwear. Creature Comforts if you have them: backpack with water, poles, headlamp, gators (if big powder days), balaclava.

Reservations
Reservations are required and the credit card used to secure your reservation will be charged the Friday before your tour date. Please stop by or call Guest Services at 360.663.3050 to reserve your spot. For more information email us guestservices@skicrystal.com or swing in the Rental Shop. Minimum age is 11. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. All tours are weather permitting and subject to cancellation if fewer than 8 guests sign up. All cancelations must be made by Thursday at 4:30 pm to avoid a $15 cancellation fee.

Tours are offered every Saturday. December 10th to mid-March or April (weather permitting). No tour on December 17, 24, February 25, March 3, March 10 and April 21. Minimum of 4 participants for tour to run.
Special tours can be arranged by reservation for groups of 10 or more.
Ask about availability for group tours midweek.

Schedule
3:15pm: Check in at the Rental Shop
3:45pm Depart Rental Shop for the Mt. Rainier Gondola
4pm: Load Gondola together as a group (each cabin can seat up to 8 guests)
4 – 4:10pm: Group rides up the gondola
4:15 – 6:15pm: Tour
6:15-6:25pm: Ride the gondola down
6:30pm: Return to the Base Lodge for dinner

Cost
$35 includes complimentary gondola ride*, tour with cheese fondue dinner, steak bites, salad, and dessert. Alcoholic beverages available for purchase (does not include snowshoe rental).
$55 includes complimentary gondola ride*, snowshoe rental, tour with cheese fondue dinner, steak bites, salad, and dessert. Alcoholic beverages available for purchase.

Gondola operations are subject to cancellation due to weather. An alternate route or cancellation of the tour will result depending on weather.