Big mountain powder shot
Big mountain powder shot
WELCOME TO CRYSTAL
Washington’s largest ski resort stretches across 2,600 acres of terrain with over 2,400 vertical feet to explore. Located on the northeast corner of Mt. Rainier National Park, Crystal offers a wide variety of groomed and off-piste runs, with expansive views of the Cascade Range. All five of Washington’s volcanoes can be spotted from the summit on a clear day. It’s out of this world yet easy to reach from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport; home to Washington’s only scenic gondola and the highest-elevation restaurant open winter and summer. From B-Lot tailgates to first tracks, family shred sessions to scenic gondola rides, Crystal is a place to escape and explore. We invite you to drop in and experience true Pacific Northwest at our mountain home.
CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN'S STORY
Crystal Mountain started small in 1962 with just two double chairlifts and a few rope tows. Now, after six decades, Crystal has grown to become the largest ski resort in Washington with 11 lifts, 2,600 acres of terrain, and over 80 named runs. With over 400 inches of annual snowfall, Crystal is known for its steep and deep lines, PNW storms, and the variety of terrain that is accessible to pro skiers & riders, and beginners alike. From the early years to future expansion plans, read on to learn more about the history of Crystal Mountain below.
    • The Beginnings

      THE BEGINNINGS OF CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN
      After investigating other locations in the region, a group of passionate skiers decided on Crystal Mountain for its reliable snowfall and variety of terrain. A proposal was presented to the Forest Service in 1955 and three years later, the Crystal Mountain Winter Sports Area was created. Funding for initial development was raised by stock sales to about 200 people, and Crystal Mountain opened for business in the winter of 1962. The ski area first received national attention in 1965 when the National Alpine Championships were hosted at Crystal. The event drew legendary skiers from Europe and North America including Jimmie Huega, Billy Kidd, and Jean Claude Killy. Over the years, Crystal has shaped several pro skiers and snowboarders and is the home mountain of dedicated winter enthusiasts throughout the region.

      GROWING PAINS
      Over the next few decades, Crystal Mountain grew quietly. In 1988 the area was the first in Washington to install a high-speed, detachable quad chairlift, Rainier Express.

      In the years that followed, development stalled. After experiencing a couple of poor snow years in a row, Crystal Mountain found itself deeply in debt and unable to finance new capital improvements.


      BOYNE COMMITMENT
      But in March of 1997, Boyne USA purchased Crystal Mountain. This family-owned corporation had been interested in the area for more than a decade and made a commitment to invest significantly. Under the terms of the sale, Boyne USA has already spent over $15 million on capital improvements.

      Under the ownership of John Kircher, a Seattle-based Boyne family member, Crystal Mountain has added two new high-speed six-passenger chairlifts, one high-speed quad, and a 12,500 sq foot mid-mountain restaurant, expanded the rental shop, paved the parking lots, added five new grooming machines and upgraded many facilities.
      ALTERRA MOUNTAIN COMPANY
      In October of 2018, John Kircher sold Crystal Mountain Resort to Alterra Mountain Company. Alterra Mountain Company is a family of 15 iconic year-round destinations, including the world’s largest heli-ski operation, offering the Ikon Pass, the new standard in season passes. In October 2018, Frank DeBerry was appointed President of Crystal Mountain. DeBerry hails from Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia where he served as Resort President for 7 years. Alterra Mountain Company owns and operates a range of recreation, hospitality, real-estate development, food & beverage, and retail businesses. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado with destinations across the continent, Alterra Mountain Company is rooted in the spirit of the mountains and united by a passion for outdoor adventure. Alterra Mountain Company’s family of diverse playgrounds spans six U.S states and three Canadian provinces: Steamboat and Winter Park Resort in Colorado; Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, and Big Bear Mountain Resort in California; Stratton and Sugarbush in Vermont; Snowshoe in West Virginia; Crystal Mountain Resort in Washington; Tremblant in Quebec, Blue Mountain in Ontario; Deer Valley Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort in Utah; and CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures in British Columbia. Alterra Mountain Company honors each destination’s unique character and authenticity and celebrates the legendary adventures and enduring memories they bring to everyone. For more information, please visit www.alterramtnco.com.
    • Master Development Plan

      Crystal Mountain MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN
      In 2007, Crystal Mountain’s Master Development Plan called for the addition of six new chairlifts, a year-round tram from base to summit, new lodging, an on-mountain restaurant, and additional service and maintenance facilities. The approved plan's implementation began in the summer of 2007 with the Northway chairlift. The Mt. Rainier Gondola was installed during the summer of 2010 for $6 million, and a new waste-water treatment plant was installed in the summer of 2012 paving the way for a new hotel and additional base area infrastructure.
      Crystal Mountain Master Development Plan
      Crystal Mountain Master Development Plan
    • Development Milestones
      • 1962 - Crystal Opened
      • 1965 - Held National Alpine Championships
      • 1987 - Celebrated 25 Years
      • 1988 - Added Rainier Express - 1st high-speed detachable quad in Washington
      • 1997 - Boyne Purchased Crystal & Founders Club was formed
      • 1997 - Added Forest Queen Express Detachable 6-pack (Replaced fixed grip quad)
      • 1998 - Added Chinook Express Detachable 6-pack (Replaced fixed grip quad), shortened Quicksilver eliminating the mid-station
      • 2000 - Added Green Valley Detachable Quad (Replacing original double)
      • 2004 - Campbell Basin Lodge was built & MDP Approved (Process began in 1995)
      • 2007 - Northway Lift added & Summit House remodeled
      • 2010 - RFID Ticketing installed, Gondola Construction Began (Opened January 1st, 2011)
      • 2011 - RDL Test Center was created & East Peak Plaza was added
      • 2012 - Celebrated 50 years. Added 3 new Piston Bulley Snowcats
      • 2013 - Fireside Cafe was added. Waste Water Treatment Plant Completed. Quicksilver fixed-grip quad added replacing original double, chairlift was relocated and extensive re-grade to Quicksilver trail was completed. Gazex installed in Powder Bowl. Two PB600 E+ snowcats added (First in North America)
      • 2014 - Chair 6 replaced after being destroyed by avalanche on March 10th, 2014. Phase 1 snowmaking on Quicksilver, Meadow & Broadway, including pond.
      • 2017 - John Kircher trades Boyne shares for full ownership of Crystal Mountain.
      • 2018 - Phase 2 snowmaking added to Lower Arwine's, Deer Fly & the Burn.
      • 2022 - Construction of the Mountain Commons begins.
      • 2024 - Mountain Commons opens in the base area
    • Mountain Commons Lodge
      In March 2022, Crystal Mountain announced it's most recent expansion plan; starting with a new base area lodge called the Mountain Commons. This new 25,114 square foot building will provide more capacity for family-friendly dining, mountain retail, and smoother guest arrival experience. Construction began in April of 2022 and opened for business summer of 2024. The first level of the open concept lodge is now open, with the second floor scheduled to open by winter 2024.

    ALSO CHECK OUT

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    Mountain Report

    View conditions and weather
    Winter trail map of Crystal
    Trail Maps

    Navigate over 2600 Acres
    Riding the chairlift at Crystal
    Lift Tickets

    Access the Mountain
    Gondola and Mt Rainier Gondola and Mt Rainier

    Scenic Gondola Rides

    A ride on the Mt. Rainier Gondola will take you almost 2,500 vertical feet to the summit where you will find breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier and the Cascade Range. You’ll also be just a few short steps away from the Summit House, Washington’s highest elevation restaurant.
    Buy Gondola Tickets