Two days of powder, early ups and beers at the Snorting Elk Cellar is the short story of our trip to Crystal Mountain. Exploring the resort's terrain with pro skier Drew Tabke and freeski coach Wayne Grevey is the long side of things. In episode two of our trip around the Pacific Northwest, we take a wrong turn, find out Crystal is empty most of the time and fall in love with terrain we didn't even know was there.
Crystal Mountain is located on the border of Mt. Rainier National Park, and views from the summit include Mount Rainier, the 14,400-foot volcano. Nearly half of Crystal's terrain is "inbounds backcountry," meaning about a 1,000 acres normally out-of-bounds is opened by the ski patrol when conditions are right. The lifts don't operate in this area, but you access it from the top of inbounds lifts. Woods, chutes, and deep bowls challenge your inner-balance mechanisms and you eventually arrive at the Crystal access road where regular shuttles await to take you back to the base area. Crystal Mountain is popular with Seattle skiers and riders because of its comprehensive terrain, but you hear stories of Canadian ski hill employees taking their vacations at Crystal.
The Good Life Pacific Northwest Episodes:
Episode 1: Mt. Hood Meadows
• Mt. Hood Meadows Powder - The Good Li...
Episode 2: Crystal Mountain
• Deep Powder at Crystal Mountain - The...
Episode 3: Stevens Pass
• Deepest day of the year at Stevens Pa...
Episode 4: Mt. Baker
• Zack Giffin Tears Up Mt. Baker Ski Ar...
For more information on the Good Life and realtime snow reports check out: www.onthesnow.com/
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