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ON THE MOUNTAIN

At Crystal Mountain, your safety is our top priority. Please view the information below to ensure your visit is a great and safe one!

Important Phone Numbers

Ski Patrol: 231-378-HELP (4357) Security: 231-631-0581 Operator: 888-968-7686 ext. 0

AERIAL DRONE POLICY

Out of safety concerns for our guests, employees, and resort property, Crystal Mountain Resort prohibits the operation of unmanned aerial systems, or aerial drones by the general public, including recreational users and hobbyists, without prior written authorization from the Resort. This prohibition includes drones for filming or videotaping, as well as any use by media or journalists operating above Crystal Mountain property. Please contact Joe Bolduc, Director of Risk Management and Resort Safety at 231-378-2258  if you have any questions or if you seek prior approval to operate any aerial drones. Any authorized operation of aerial drones will be governed by Federal Aviation Administration rules and regulations, as well as policies established by Crystal Mountain Resort, which may include certification, training, insurance coverage and indemnification. 

SUMMER SAFETY

Know the code.

When Mountain Biking, please remember that your knowledge, decisions and actions contribute to your safety and that of others.

• Stay in control. You're responsible for avoiding objects and people.
• Know your limits. Ride within your ability. Start small and work your way up.
• Protect yourself. Use an appropriate bike, helmet and protective equipment.
• Inspect and maintain your equipment. Know your components and their operation prior to riding.
• Inspect the trails and features. Conditions change constantly; plan and adjust your riding accordingly.
• Obey signs and warnings. Stay on marked trails only. Keep off closed trails and features. Ride in the direction indicated.
• Be visible. Do not stop where you obstruct a trail, feature, landing or are not visible.
• Look and yield to others. Look both ways and yield when entering or crossing a road or trail. When overtaking, use caution and yield to those ahead.
• Cooperate. If involved or witness to an accident, identify yourself to staff.

WINTER SAFETY

Safety is everyone's responsibility. The Skier's Responsibility Code is a code of ethics for all skiers and snowboarders on the slopes.

• Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
• People ahead or downhill of you have the right of way. You must avoid them.
• Only stop where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
• Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
• You must prevent runaway equipment.
• Read and obey all signs, warnings and hazard markings.
• Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
• You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely.
• Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski employee.

AVOIDING COLLISIONS

The best way to avoid a collision is to follow the steps of the Skier Responsibility Code.  It is also important to obey signs designating slow zones and intersecting areas.  Also, minimize distractions (avoid headphones, loud music, texting and phone use) in order to maintain total awareness of your surroundings.  It is recommended that all skiers and snowboarders share the slopes and always show respect for others.

National Ski Areas Association

Our friends at the National Ski Areas Association have plenty of great tips for staying safe on the slopes this winter!

Discover Snow with a Pro »

Discover more Mountain Safety Tips »

Uphill Skiing Policy

ALL UPHILL TRAVEL IS AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Crystal Mountain Resort allows uphill skiing (skinning) during winter season one hour prior to chair lift hours of operation. For the safety of everyone on the mountain, anyone participating in these activities must adhere to the following guidelines:

1. You must have a valid season pass (and a signed waiver on file) or a current day ticket.  Uphill travel equipment is required to have metal edges, a restraining device or brakes and an industry approved binding. (AT skis, Telemark skis and Split Board snowboards only, - CROSS COUNTRY SKIS ARE NOT ALLOWED .)

2. Contact Ski Patrol at (231) 378-4357 to let them know your intentions before ascending the trail. 

3. The route of uphill traffic is, ascending HOOT OWL to the top of the CHEERS/BUCK complex.  Uphill travel is only allowed on this designated route. 

4. You must ascend and descend prior to lift operation hours.

5. You must travel down BUCK, GIGGLES OR THE CHEERS/TUCKS RUNS. All other trails and terrain parks are CLOSED outside of operating hours, with the exception of the designated uphill route, one hour prior to opening. 

6. You must be visible to all traffic at all times, and follow the SKIER RESPONSIBILITY CODE.

7. No dogs are allowed on the mountain, except service dogs, which must be on a leash. 

8. Overnight outside stays on the mountain, or surrounding areas, are not permitted.

9. Management reserves the right to close the mountain at any time. SLEDDING IS NOT PERMITTED ON ANY PART OF CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN SKI HILLS AT ANY TIME. 

10. The mountain is closed and cleared of guests and staff at the end of each operation day.

If you access the mountain during the one hour prior to operating hours, you do so at YOUR OWN RISK .  Conditions may be variable, due to weather, ungroomed surfaces and limited visibility.

Uphill skiers are warned that snowmobiles, snowmaking, snow grooming, winch cables and other equipment may be encountered at any time and that YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE to stay clear of such equipment. Use extra caution and always remain aware of your surroundings.

Stay to the side of the authorized uphill route and avoid spots where you may not be visible.  When descending, avoid grooming operations, hill opening personnel and equipment. 

Please be aware there are NO SKI PATROL services outside of operating hours and ski area buildings are closed and off limits.  In case of an emergency, call the resort operator at (231) 378-2000 Ext. 0. They will dispatch 24 hr. SECURITY (231) 638-0581 or SKI PATROL (231) 378-4357 when on duty.   

Winter Downhill Equipment Policy

Crystal Mountain Resort reviews our equipment policy periodically and this policy is in effect as of February 2023. You are responsible for obeying the Michigan Ski Area Safety Act regardless of the equipment you chose to use. Our lifts and trails are designed for use by guests on a wide variety of skiing and riding equipment incorporating an array of different binding systems that must be attached to at least one foot or the lower torso. Each guest shall have a device on their skiing and riding equipment that is capable of restraining or stopping it in the event the equipment becomes detached from the user. The Director of Risk and Resort Safety or The Mountain Managers retain the right to prohibit any type of equipment at their discretion.

Crystal Mountain Resort prohibits skiing or snowboarding while carrying a child or pet in a backpack or other suspension device.

Crystal Mountain Resort prohibits sleds of any type on our skiable terrain.

Allowed Equipment: • Skis • Snowboards • Telemark • Carving Boards • Mono skis • Ski skates • Sit skis (adaptive) • Alpine Touring equipment

National Ski Patrol

Are you interested in joining our Ski Patrol? We'd love to hear from you! Give us a call at 231-378-2258 .

Thank you for contacting us!

Our group will review and follow up within 72 hours. Thanks for your interest!

Crystal Mountain Southback Complete Traverse

With the end of the lift accessed resort season coming up fast I decided to make the most out of the powder and daylight. It had been a few days since it had last snowed but conditions were still good if you worked for it. Seeing that there were skin tracks everywhere I decided to link them up. I would do a full traverse from 3 Way Peak all the way to East Peak and ride the main lines along the way. It was ambitious but time and energy was on my side as I set a goal to ride all the lines in the Crystal Mountain Southback.

Three Way Peak in The Crystal Mountain Southback

Three Way represents the avy-controlled boundary for the Crystal Mountain Southback. It’s name comes from the fact that it drains into three separate basins. The ascent route was a quick skin up to the eastern col, and then a bootpack up to the summit. Fortunately, someone had already put in most the work by the time I had caught up to him. Arriving near the summit I just to put in the final steps. The descent was fun and I threw myself into the white room with every turn. The clouds of snow only lasted for only a few seconds, but it felt like several minutes. Soon I was back in the basin and heading for my next summit.

Joe’s Badass Shoulder in The Crystal Mountain Southback

This is the first true backcountry line past three way peak and outside of the avy-controlled resort terrain. It’s easily accessible with a quick traverse and bootpack from either Three Way Peak or the Silver Basin Area. Fortunately, most of the work breaking trail had been already done. Yet, as I arrived near the summit, I only encountered a few like-minded locals. Together, we divided up the many untracked lines to be had. One at a time we dropped in and found deep blower conditions before once again arriving at the Silver Basin.

Gunbarrel Peak in The Crystal Mountain Southback

Gunnbarrel is one of the single most consistent lines within the Silver Basin. It runs over 1000 vert running all the way down to Upper Hen Skin Lake. With a quick traverse and ascent up and around trees I made it up to the entrance. There were already two tracks heading down the gut so that was out of the question. Instead I decided to take a more sporty entrance off of the peak which is usually covered in rocks. Instead of heading into the gut I stayed high on the ridge. It was a good choice and I was surprised by how well the snow held up in the trees.

Dog Legged Peak in The Crystal Mountain Southback

The dog-legged chute and peak area has always seemed to be the training ground for local. You can find cornices, rock chutes and glades all from the top of the peak. It can be accessed with a 20 minute of bootpacking from the Quicksilver lift to its base. The best part of all is that the area is north-facing, and therefore holds snow late into the season.

Someone had already put the skin track in so I followed it up to the now-deserted bowl. I had originally planned on doing Dog Legged Chute heading to the summit. From my vantage point I notice 8 tracks down the gut and only 1 track into the bowl proper. It was an easy decision to go for the bowl. Following the solo track I made my way down the open bowl all the way to Henskin Lake. Once there I and into another well-made skintrack heading east.

Pickhandle Peak in The Crystal Mountain Backcountry

With terrain comparable to the inbounds “Powder Bowl” the basin off of Pickhandle Peak is another Crystal Slackcountry Classic. Situated directly uphill of the Gold Hills chair, this side of the mountain boasts a colorful history. The name is in reference to its old mining claims and an abandoned mining community. Pickhandle Peak is a yo-yo skier’s dream, since its wide-one north facing bowl. The terrain’s littered with mellow chutes, spines, and terrain features. In deeper years the whole thing into one big bowl. On my way out to Pickhandle I ran into 3 people heading in the same direction. After taking turns breaking trail we arrived on the peak proper. There was more than enough snow for us to share, as we each funneled down own chute. Before long I said goodbye and rode all the way to ski-area base for some some food and water.

Bullion’s Peak in The North Backcountry

Bullion’s Peak is another classic intro-to-skinning area with a mellow summer trail leading nearly to the summit proper. By the time I had reached the summer trail it was worn in by skinners, snowshoers, and the occasional boot-packer. As usual, I took advantage of this easy uphill travel. Once on top of the peak, however, I was surprised that I’d have my pick of untracked lines. I made my way down the main Northwest gully in sun-affected pow. Keeping speed I made my way down the drainage all the way to the base of Bullion’s Basin.

East Peak in The North Backcountry

East Peak is the first line that many might notice on the drive up to Crystal. With its long and wide-open terrain it’s situation directly across the way from the ski resort. The day was getting late as I skinned up the summer trail and quickly gained the ridge. Once there, I found myself engulfed in an all-out windstorm. Carefully finding some sheltered terrain, I transitioned and followed a sheltered bit of the nose of East Peak. Soon I was dropping into a north-facing roller, with spring-like conditions quickly deteriorating as I lost elevation. At the base of the line I made it to a groomed run for the final 500 feet. Soon I was at the base nearly 2400 feet below my starting point. It was a long day traversing the Crystal Mountain Southback backcountry but well worth the effort.

In sum, you can see a synopsis of my tour on the TOPO below. Red lines are descents; Yellow-Orage, ascents and traverses.

Thank you for reading this trip completing a traverse of the Crystal Mountain Southback Backcountry. If you want to see more ski tours within Crystal Mountain Backcountry check out this link.

Mount Rainier Backcountry

Snoqualmie Pass Backcountry

Stevens Pass Backcountry

the Highway 20 corridor

Mt. Baker Backcountry

and for a full and text only list of all Trip Reports Click Here

Crystal Mountain Uphill Travel

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• [ Randito ]

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• Kneel Turner
• [ Kneel Turner ]

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• jeremyallyn
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Question:  I was touring outside the permit boundary a few weeks ago (1st day the lifts were spinning actually)   My party checked in with Ski Patrol in the morning. When we stopped by the ski patrol office at 3:45pm I discovered that the Crystal Ski Patrol had tried calling my and my ski partner's cell phones several (20?) minutes earlier.  Since the phones were in airplane mode to conserve battery, we didn't answer.   Crystal Ski Patrol then called my emergency contact -- which freaked her out. So I'm wondering if calling the cell numbers of backcountry parties is now something that is part of Crystal's "sweep" procedure?   

Crystal Patrol - I think it would be very helpful if you post a USGS topo map (1:24,000 scale with the line drawn on it) on your website in addition to the FatMap screen shot. Your description of Southback vs. Silver Basin is good, but it would be even better if it was accompanied by a topo. A lot of folks have a hard time placing local names and runs once they get in the terrain (especially in bad vis, or if they're new to the area) and I'm sure they would appreciate a real map plus the aerial shot. Thanks!

Here's what I believe patrol is saying

So no uphill travel within south Back? No more Throne/King/Threeway access? What a shame.

Southback vs. Silver Basin Southback sits within Silver Basin, but does not take up the entire basin. It is still okay to skin up into the section of Silver Basin that is not within our ski area boundary. Before getting to the "airstrip"-the long flat section at the base of Southback-turn left as you travel uphill (marked above with the red star), and skin along the climber's left flank of the airstrip, heading towards the base of Chicken Head and Triple F. Joe's Badass Shoulder and the climber's left flank of Threeway are outside of our ski area boundary. It's still okay to tour into these areas.

Currently, you can hike up Powder Pass to top of Chair 6 and across to Southback. The key is that you have to enter through our gates and read our signs. It's a liability thing. Thanks for understanding.

So to confirm current policy -- one may skin up along the edges of "Arwines" (lower and upper) , along "Lucky Shot" to "Powder Pass" and then right along the eastern edge of "Kempers permanently closed area" to the summit of "Silver Queen" and then follow the normal lift assisted skier's route over to Southback?    If so -- can one start skinning before the lifts start spinning or does one need to wait until the area is open and control work on powder bowl is completed ? What about skinning up "Queens Run" to base of "Chair 6" and then working up "Hamburger Bowl" to access "Southback Gate #1"  (Names from the FATMAP application) Thanks in advance.

The route up Little Shot to Powder Pass is not always open. This is why you must check in with patrol to see the approved route of the day. On weekends and busy days, we usually don't let people travel uphill due to crowding. Right now Lucky Shot is the only way off the upper mountain, and so it's closed to uphill travel. Hiking up to Campbell Basin is not a route we ever approve. It's simply too crowded on those runs. We also want people to hike up from Powder Pass right now so that they read the signs. This is how we manage all of our avalanche prone terrain. You have to go through a gate and read the signs. This configuration should only last a little while longer. To access Southback without being a customer of Crystal, you'd need to head over to Morse Creek, then to Crystal Lakes and drop into Southback from the top. On certain non-busy days in the spring, when the avalanche threat below Powder Bowl is non-existent, we will allow uphill travel up Little Shot. But it isn't the norm.

• Doug Hutchinson
• [ djhutch ]

• flowing alpy
• [ flowing alpy ]

• Platinum Member
• Posts: 1272
• BCSchonwald
• [ BCSchonwald ]

Does crystal punish all its paying customers when one of its paying customers ignores the ski area policy

• [ Good2Go ]

A liability waver is not a legal get out of jail free card. If negligence can be proven it's not worth the paper it's written on. Welcome to the "real world"

Could you elaborate on your statement with some actual facts? If what you were saying is true, sounds like the patrol is closing areas that are extremely hazardous, however they're obviously still leaving areas open that are relatively safe. I have no problem with actual safety concerns being implemented and hazardous areas closed. ....

• [ snoqpass ]

If a ski run is closed to uphill traffic because of extreme crowding on that run, maybe the problem isn't the uphill skier. Maybe the ski area is just selling too many tickets and overcrowding is occurring that is leading to safety concerns. A good example of greed taking precedence over safety is using Ski Patrol folks to toss bombs instead of spending the money for ava-lanchers. Every time an explosive charge goes off near the human body, the concussion causes the brain to rattle just a bit. long-term exposure leads to brain damage. www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/sh...les-brain-180957396/ Are the patrolman being fairly compensated for the risks that they incur?  or are they just cannon fodder for the corporate world?

maybe you should enlighten me as I'm sure you know more about Bubble brain then I do. Or is it a denial thing like the NFL?

• [ jim_oker ]

• [ cornRIDE ]

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UPHILL TRAVEL RESOURCES

Summit at Snoqualmie

Uphill travel policy ​

Patrol number: 425-434-6794

Crystal Mountain

Uphill travel policy

Patrol number: 360-663-3060

Mt. Baker ​​

Patrol number: 360-300-7070

Stevens Pass ​

Uphill hotline: 206-812-7847

Mission Ridge​

Uphill Travel Policies

If you choose to travel uphill at a ski resort hazards can still exist. You could encounter such dangers as avalanches, unmarked obstacles, snowmobiles, groomers, and snowmaking equipment. Make sure to check the uphill travel policy prior to heading into an open or closed ski area. Closed ski areas often present snowpacks and dangers that are more representative of backcountry hazards. You need to be prepared to make your own assessments and handle emergency situations.

Ski Area Information

New this year at Timberline: Westleg and Alpine uphill routes are now open downhill trails within permit boundary

No uphill travel is permitted in any part of the ski area when it is open to the public. Hurricane Ridge provides a marked, groomed trail outside and adjacent to the ski area for persons to access the backcountry.

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Crystal Mountain Resort — Cascades’ Hidden Gem

by Dan Giesin | December 3, 2021

If you like steeps, immense in-bounds backcountry terrain, massive powder dumps and kick-ass views, there’s one place you can go:

Crystal Mountain.

Just a quick glimpse at the trail map of Washington’s largest mountain resort shows a 2,600-acre playground full of chutes and bowls and trees and just about anything else you’d fancy at a ski hill.

“It’s a hidden gem,” says one long-time local. “There’s so much great backcountry-type skiing. … I can make any day a good day at Crystal.”

Double Diamonds Galore

Lookers’ right of the resort is the Northway lift, which provides access to a multitude of double-diamond terrain: bowls, chutes, trees, cliffs and glades. Because of the challenges it presents, the Northway lift is usually a quiet ride, with few people helping churn up the north-facing powder, generally more than 480 inches of it annually, that is found there. Suggested route: Take gondola to top, exit to right, follow ridge to Elk Pass, take 10-minute hike around Morning Glory Peak to Morning Glory Bowl, then pick your line all the down to Northways lift .

On the left side of the hill, is the 300-acre A Basin and Silver Basin complex that is another double-diamond playground of mostly open terrain, all of it hike-to. Suggested route: Take Chair 6, go left along ridge above Campbell Basin, take a 20-minute hike over the Throne to A Basin, pick a line to the near the bottom of the bowl, traverse right to SE Trees, then pick a line toward through the woods to Forest Queen Express lift.

And in the middle of the resort, between the gate-access-only terrain, are the runs that pay the bills, a generous mixture of green, blue and black trails, bowls and glades that will keep any skier or snowboarder satisfied for days on end. Suggested route: Take gondola to top, exit left, then take Lucky Strike down to the Rainier Express lift.

All of this is reachable by Crystal’s uphill lift system of 9 chairs — 4 of them of the high-speed variety — and a gondola, which takes passengers from the 4,400-foot elevation base area to the 6,872-foot-high summit.

Spectacular Vista

And that’s where Crystal really shines.

The resort, which is located about 2 hours southeast of Seattle, butts up against Mt. Rainier National Park, and from Crystal’s summit ridge the highest point in the Cascade range stands out in its full glory, towering nearly 8,000 feet above you to southwest.

Perhaps the best way to appreciate the view is to grab lunch at the sit-down Summit House restaurant or score a chair at the outside bar when the weather cooperates. Other great gawking points are at the top of the gondola and the exit areas of the Northway, Chair 6, Green Valley Express and Rainier Express lifts.

The Apres Scene

And when the lifts stop spinning for the day — or sometimes night, as Crystal lights up the trails on three lower-mountain lifts (Discover, Gold Hills and Quicksilver chairs) on weekends and holidays — head over to the Snorting Elk, where you’ll find the locals hanging out around the big fireplace making a small dent in the pub’s large selection of wine and beer choices.

Overnight lodging is somewhat limited in the base area with handful of condo and suites properties available, but Enumclaw, a 45-minute drive down the access road, has more availability.

Or you can shack out at the legendary B parking lot, where families and dirt-baggers alike park their RVs, trailers, camper vans and the like and spend the weekend (or weeks, for that matter) fully immersed in the Crystal Mountain vibe.

Featured Resorts

Killington Resort

Pico Mountain

Mammoth Mountain

Palisades Tahoe

Arapahoe Basin

Aspen Snowmass

Holiday Valley

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• Discover Crystal
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AUGUST: TOP THINGS TO DO AT CRYSTAL

Written by: Emma Brice

August on the mountain is our favorite time of the summer for wildflower viewing, hiking, and outdoor events. From our Mountain Music Series to disc golf, August is jam-packed with a wide variety of free activities for the whole family (dogs included!). Check off your summer bucket-list with these top things to do at Crystal this month.

MOUNTAIN MUSIC SERIES – FREE CONCERTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Mountain Music Series is coming to the base area meadow Sunday afternoons through the month of August! Presented by Elysian Brewing, these live music events feature some of our favorite local artists and are free for the whole family (dogs included)! Nothing says “summer” like listening to live music, and sipping a brew surrounded by mountain views. Bring the lawn chairs, blankets, sunscreen, and family for a festive summer activity. Check out the concert lineup and come support our local bands!

SUNSET TO MOONRISE EXCURSION

August 13th, join us for a sunset-to-moonrise experience at the summit after dark. Ride the scenic gondola up to the summit where live music and fun activities await! Walk along the ridgeline and enjoy marshmallow roasting, self-guided star tours, activity stations, and jaw-dropping views of Mount Rainier as the moon rises over the Cascades. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and whole family for this once-in-a-lifetime experience and witness the beauty of the mountains under the light of the full moon. Registration is $55 and includes a scenic gondola ticket, a goodie bag filled with Crystal Mountain swag, and a raffle ticket for chance drawings to win prizes from our event sponsors. Summit Fest only happens once a season and is an excursion you won’t want to miss.

SUMMIT HOUSE SPECIALTY DINNERS

While the Summit House is open daily for lunch and endless views, we have a few special dinner events coming up in August. The Perseid Meteor Shower dinner will be hosted on August 13th during one of the brightest meteor showers of the year, offering a front row seat accompanied by breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier. Guests will ride the scenic gondola after the summit is closed to the public, ascending 2,400 feet to Washington’s highest elevation restaurant where a spectacular viewing of the Perseid Meteor Shower and a gourmet dining experience await. Each dinner menu is crafted with locally sourced ingredients to highlight the fresh and unique flavors of the Pacific Northwest. In addition to the Perseid Meteor Shower dinner, the Farm to Mountain dinner series will continue every Saturday through September 3rd. The Farm to Mountain dinners are designed to showcase the talents of our local farmers and ranchers, and the talents of our Crystal team to provide a unique experience worthy of the mountain for our guests. Featuring ingredients from local farmers and ranchers, the dinner menu is specially crafted each time to provide the freshest flavors for our guests. Don’t miss out on these tasty mountaintop dinner experiences and reserve your table today on the Crystal Mountain website !

Free to play and fun for all skill levels, disc golf is back at Crystal Mountain! Take a ride up the scenic gondola to the summit and challenge yourself by playing the upper course along the Crystal Mountain trail or stay at the base area to play the lower course in the Discovery Meadow. You can play up to 36 holes between the two courses. Enjoy the fresh alpine air, scenic views, and spend some time with friends and family trying out a new activity. Trail maps can be found online or picked up at guest services upon arrival. As a bonus, the wildflowers along the upper course are now in full bloom. Check out our wildflower identification guide and see how many you can find! Whether you’re looking for a fun, leisurely activity with the kids or an exclusive mountaintop dining experience, Crystal Mountain has it all. Check out our August events calendar for more information.

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