Good things take time, energy, and passion
History of Crystal Mountain Resort
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THE BEGINNINGS OF CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN
After investigating other locations in the region, the group 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 a sale of stock to approximately 200 people. Crystal Mountain opened for business in the winter of 1962.
Crystal Mountain first received national attention in 1965 when the fledgling ski area hosted the National Alpine Championships. The event drew legendary skiers from Europe and North America including Jimmie Heuga, Billy Kidd and Jean Claude Killy. rich-text
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.
rich-textBOYNE 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. rich-textALTERRA MOUNTAIN COMPANY
In October of 2018, John Kircher sold Crystal Mountain Resort to Alterra Mountain Company. Alterra Mountain Company is a family of 14 iconic year-round destinations, including the world’s largest heli-ski operation, offering the Ikon Pass, the new standard in season passes. In October of 2018, Frank DeBerry was appointed President of Crystal Mountain. Frank DeBerry hails from Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia where he served as the President for 7 years. Alterra Mountain Company owns and operates a range of recreation, hospitality, real-estate development, food and 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; Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain and Big Bear Mountain Resort in California; Stratton 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. rich-text -
Crystal Mountain MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN
The 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 implementation of the approved plan began the summer of 2007 with the addition of the Northway chairlift. The most recent addition was the $6 million dollar Mt. Rainier Gondola which was installed during the summer of 2010. 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. rich-textcarousel-component -
- 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.
