2008 Woodie Awards
Seeking spring skiing in Northwest
Travis McNamara
Issue date: 3/23/07 Section: A&E
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There is the sun in the sky and snow in the mountains, which can mean only one thing: spring skiing season is upon us. The Northwest is a veritable playground for skiers and snowboarders alike, and there is no better time than during this beautiful weather to get out and play.
With just under a month left before the mountains close their gates (on and around April 15), the time for t-shirts and sunburns is short. This handy guide presents some of Washington's finest spring skiing options - complete with ticket prices, directions and tips on the mountain - to get you out and having fun before anything melts.
Crystal Mountain
Crystal Mountain lays claim to being Washington's largest ski area, spanning 2600 acres and peaking out at a looming 7012 feet. Resting just north of Mt. Rainier, the peak at Crystal holds spectacular views of the mountain, especially on the clearer days of spring.
Crystal's terrain is varied: rolling groomers through the middle for intermediates, as well as exposed peak-skiing and cornices off its Silver Queen Peak for experts. On powder days, the upper bowls and chutes towards the top are large draws.
Crystal also offers 1300 acres of backcountry skiing, most of which is secluded, accessible only through hiking. On a nice day, its South Backcountry is worth the trip alone, dropping off the backside towards a gladed run in full view of Mt. Rainier.
Tickets are $53 for a full day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The food is stupidly overpriced, so always remember to pack a lunch. Also, refuse to eat this lunch in their "Brown Bag Area," located in the lodge's basement. It is full of kids, and smells like a hot sock. There is no shame in the brown bag.
At a mere hour and a half drive, Crystal Mountain is a winning bet for spring skiing. Check up on conditions on their website (www.skicrystal.com), slap on some sunscreen and go have fun.
To Crystal: Travel east on Hwy 512, or north on I-5 to Hwy 167 to Hwy 410. Thirty-three miles past Enumclaw, turn left onto Crystal Mountain Blvd.
With just under a month left before the mountains close their gates (on and around April 15), the time for t-shirts and sunburns is short. This handy guide presents some of Washington's finest spring skiing options - complete with ticket prices, directions and tips on the mountain - to get you out and having fun before anything melts.
Crystal Mountain
Crystal Mountain lays claim to being Washington's largest ski area, spanning 2600 acres and peaking out at a looming 7012 feet. Resting just north of Mt. Rainier, the peak at Crystal holds spectacular views of the mountain, especially on the clearer days of spring.
Crystal's terrain is varied: rolling groomers through the middle for intermediates, as well as exposed peak-skiing and cornices off its Silver Queen Peak for experts. On powder days, the upper bowls and chutes towards the top are large draws.
Crystal also offers 1300 acres of backcountry skiing, most of which is secluded, accessible only through hiking. On a nice day, its South Backcountry is worth the trip alone, dropping off the backside towards a gladed run in full view of Mt. Rainier.
Tickets are $53 for a full day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The food is stupidly overpriced, so always remember to pack a lunch. Also, refuse to eat this lunch in their "Brown Bag Area," located in the lodge's basement. It is full of kids, and smells like a hot sock. There is no shame in the brown bag.
At a mere hour and a half drive, Crystal Mountain is a winning bet for spring skiing. Check up on conditions on their website (www.skicrystal.com), slap on some sunscreen and go have fun.
To Crystal: Travel east on Hwy 512, or north on I-5 to Hwy 167 to Hwy 410. Thirty-three miles past Enumclaw, turn left onto Crystal Mountain Blvd.
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