Crystal Mountain (WA) - Community Reviews & Ratings

Fantastic local ski resort with a deceptive amount of skiable terrain. Everything from family-friendly groomers through alpine conifers to hike-out side- and backcountry terrain with plenty of space for fresh tracks. In-bounds you can find hidden stashes in the glades between marked runs, and gorgeous groomers between storms, thanks to a diligent cat crew.

Excellent mountain, great varied terrain for all skill levels and some great tree runs. The staff are great but the lodging/dining/parking situations are not great. Best ski resort in Washington, all things considered. The mountain itself is worth the hassle of parking etc

I have so much fun every time i go up there skiing with friends and family is also fun and the park is pretty cool too

Great views, ability to hit quieter runs even on the weekend, show up before 8/830 to be sure to get parking. Parking shuttles are quick.

Crystal is the most beautiful resort you can be at during a sunny winter day, even if those are a little rare in WA. Views from the top of Rainier, Helens, Adams and Hood on a clear day. A lot of the runs are wide open, so good for beginners to take up room but the east side has a lot of more technical off piste riding that is amazing when the snow is good! They are in the process of ramping up their accomodations and food scene, which is great in some ways but it will probably mean a little less of the remote vibe that can be found. Prepare to pay and reserve parking on the weekends too! And leave earlier than you think, cuz there will definitely be a lot of traffic on an even moderately good day.

Crystal is a solid mountain but has its limitations. The runs are fun, but there's a slight lack in elevation that limits it's powder levels, lightness of snow, and overall quantity. If Crystal got a little more consistent snow this place could be a 5 star resort. When the snow does hit though, it's great. I still very much like this resort and its definitely my go-to in Washington.

Crystal is a great resort, offering spectacular views of Mt. Rainier on a clear day. They get a lot of snow, and theres ton of great terrain. Southback is great with a little hiking. Otherwise love Bear Pits, Powder Bowl, and anything over in Northway (when they manage to open it).

This is my home mountain, I have skied here for 18 years. There are many options for terrain. There isn't the biggest park scene, but it does exist. There are solid groomers, with some good stewp ones being lucky shot from rainer express and rolling knolls from forest queen. I'm an off-piste and powder demon myself, so I find myself skiing chair 6 and the gates of northway most often. Chair 6 can get crowded depending on the day, but if conditions are good i'm booking it straight to northway and ripping pristine tree runs, which i highly recommend. The base lodge was recently renovated, so it's much nicer, and there are several food options. Its mountain prices, so nothing cheap, but there are good value options to shoot for. The backcountry is also wonderful. It's accessible with 0 hiking (traverse from chair 6 to avalanche basin) but with only 30 min of hiking and traversing you get access to the king, which is the peak you see looming to the left of the chair 6 summit when looking up from the base. That snow is always incredible. The backcountry is popular but not busy, so there's turns for everyone. Overall, 4/5 stars! Its not a big park location and there arent a ton of steep groomers, but the mountain has a wealth of beautiful off piste and powder options for pow skiers like myself.

The trail rating here is definitely higher harder than many resorts I have visited. Many blues feel like blacks, while single black feel like double blacks. If you enjoy off piste skiing or riding you will have a ton of fun.

Crystal mountain is a great option for anybody in the Seattle area. The view of mt rainier from the top of the gondola is possibly the best view Ive ever seen at a ski resort. Excellent off-piste and expert terrain offerings. Good selection of groomed runs but not what I go to Crystal for. Chair 6 and northway have a great selection of bowls, cliffs and chutes but the only downside is that some runs require hiking to get to. The staff are always super nice and helpful. Not a ton of lodging but there is some at the base of the mountain. Overall, I feel that Crystal is an underrated mountain thats off the radar of most people looking for a destination ski resort which makes it less crowded.