Discussing the travel challenges facing our guests
Parking At Crystal
January 11, 2020
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After the delayed arrival of winter; the snow showed up in full force over the past several days, bringing phenomenal conditions to Crystal.
Recent snow offered a release to a collective pent-up excitement, bringing thousands of skiers and riders to the mountain. Unfortunately, it also brought with it traffic challenges and park-outs that limited access to the mountain for many. I know many of you have been able to enjoy outstanding snow conditions, and I know many of you have been frustrated, and I apologize for any disappointment.
Crystal does have limited parking and we do park out during extreme peak periods and last night’s perfect storm brought over a foot of snow to Crystal. At the same time the storm closed mountain passes and completely cut off access to other resorts, driving extraordinarily high volume.
After last weekend’s park-out we took several steps to better communicate and help improve access to the mountain.
We added additional mobile messaging in Enumclaw to warn skiers when lots are full
We added State Patrol to assist in messaging and traffic control
We added five additional buses in Enumclaw to provide free service up to the mountain on high-volume days. (The bus is an easy, comfortable option, equipped with WiFi, and drop-off right at the plaza… it’s really a great way to get up to the mountain)
Despite planning several additional measures to communicate and accommodate more skiers and riders, a total park-out still occurred by 9:00 AM, and traffic was backed up for miles early in the morning. This proves we still have more work to do and I am committed to finding solutions to service and infrastructure problems to alleviate these constraints, particularly with parking.
There is much talk about the Ikon Pass. Yes, we’ve seen robust pass sales, but most of our Ikon Pass holders are primarily still Western WA skiers and riders. We also reduced the sales of other products, as skiers and riders moved to the Ikon. The simplest truth is that we’ve seen truly outstanding conditions, and great conditions result in more people wanting to ski. I’m proud of the fact that once on the mountain, our skiers and riders have been able to enjoy the classic Crystal experience – great mountain conditions, reasonable lift lines, uncrowded slopes, and a lot of fun; but I know that doesn’t help those who couldn’t join in on the fun.
We do have opportunities to expand parking this summer, and we’ll do so, but we also have to be smart in our growth and ensure that adding new guests doesn’t hurt the experience that makes Crystal stand head and shoulders above any other local ski experience.
If you’ve been turned away due to traffic issues, I am very sorry that you couldn’t join us. If you purchased skiing in advance but couldn’t use it, please know that any unredeemed vouchers with a 1/11/20 date will be valid any time over the rest of the season.
Throughout this winter, we will continue to gather feedback and ideas from you, we’ll continue to add bus service, and we’ll continue to improve our communication systems. Big powder days will always be at a premium and harder to get to, but making our skiers and riders happy is critical, and we know it.
Please send your ideas and feedback to gservice@skicrystal.com
We will listen.
Thank you for your loyalty and passion.
Frank DeBerry
President & COO
rich-text, responsive-table
Recent snow offered a release to a collective pent-up excitement, bringing thousands of skiers and riders to the mountain. Unfortunately, it also brought with it traffic challenges and park-outs that limited access to the mountain for many. I know many of you have been able to enjoy outstanding snow conditions, and I know many of you have been frustrated, and I apologize for any disappointment.
Crystal does have limited parking and we do park out during extreme peak periods and last night’s perfect storm brought over a foot of snow to Crystal. At the same time the storm closed mountain passes and completely cut off access to other resorts, driving extraordinarily high volume.
After last weekend’s park-out we took several steps to better communicate and help improve access to the mountain.
We added additional mobile messaging in Enumclaw to warn skiers when lots are full
We added State Patrol to assist in messaging and traffic control
We added five additional buses in Enumclaw to provide free service up to the mountain on high-volume days. (The bus is an easy, comfortable option, equipped with WiFi, and drop-off right at the plaza… it’s really a great way to get up to the mountain)
Despite planning several additional measures to communicate and accommodate more skiers and riders, a total park-out still occurred by 9:00 AM, and traffic was backed up for miles early in the morning. This proves we still have more work to do and I am committed to finding solutions to service and infrastructure problems to alleviate these constraints, particularly with parking.
There is much talk about the Ikon Pass. Yes, we’ve seen robust pass sales, but most of our Ikon Pass holders are primarily still Western WA skiers and riders. We also reduced the sales of other products, as skiers and riders moved to the Ikon. The simplest truth is that we’ve seen truly outstanding conditions, and great conditions result in more people wanting to ski. I’m proud of the fact that once on the mountain, our skiers and riders have been able to enjoy the classic Crystal experience – great mountain conditions, reasonable lift lines, uncrowded slopes, and a lot of fun; but I know that doesn’t help those who couldn’t join in on the fun.
We do have opportunities to expand parking this summer, and we’ll do so, but we also have to be smart in our growth and ensure that adding new guests doesn’t hurt the experience that makes Crystal stand head and shoulders above any other local ski experience.
If you’ve been turned away due to traffic issues, I am very sorry that you couldn’t join us. If you purchased skiing in advance but couldn’t use it, please know that any unredeemed vouchers with a 1/11/20 date will be valid any time over the rest of the season.
Throughout this winter, we will continue to gather feedback and ideas from you, we’ll continue to add bus service, and we’ll continue to improve our communication systems. Big powder days will always be at a premium and harder to get to, but making our skiers and riders happy is critical, and we know it.
Please send your ideas and feedback to gservice@skicrystal.com
We will listen.
Thank you for your loyalty and passion.
Frank DeBerry
President & COO
rich-text, responsive-table