Crystal Mountain Resort WA

Closed
Jack Lee
SnowPak Local Insider
Jack Lee

Build your Crystal Mountain Resort WA Ski Trip

Learn more about Crystal Mountain Resort WA

Pros
  • Hands-down the easiest to get to from the southern suburbs
  • Diverse terrain, including in-bounds backcountry
  • Unbeatable views of Mount Rainier
Cons
  • Relatively expensive and sometimes crowded

Overall

3.6

Crystal Mountain has the most lift accessed vertical in Washington and offers up a variety of terrain as well as breathtaking views of Mount Rainer volcano. Lodging-wise, there are a few hotel options at the base and nearby Greenwater is a cute little town. For après ski, don't look past Snorting Elk. It's a super authentic ski bar and pretty much the only nightlife on the mountain.

Save up to 39% when you book a Crystal Mountain Resort WA package!

View Crystal Mountain Resort WA packages

Crystal Mountain Resort WA Reviews

Very Good 3.9 / 5
based on 25 reviews

How well the resort caters for beginner skiers / boarders

Beginners

How well the resort caters for intermediate skiers / boarders?

Intermediates

How well the resort caters for advanced skiers / boarders

Advanced

How accessible and convenient it is to get to this resort from a major destination

Accessibility

Quality of the off-piste terrain

Side/Backcountry

Overall value for money of the resort

Value for money

Quality of lifts, lift speed and lift layout in the resort

Lifts

Quantity and quality of the snow

Snow

How uncrowded is the resort

Uncrowded

Après ski and dining options

Town

Services and facilities e.g. child care, tubing, health care, equipment hire

Facilities

How family friendly is this resort?

Family Friendliness
Average!3.4 / 5Oct 11, 2020
Crystal Mountain Resort WA ReviewsRoslyn W.
expert skier
Lots of side country terrain and decent lifts. The two lifts that service the steepest terrain develop long lift lines on powder days. Parking can be a challenge for day trippers.... More
Very Good!4 / 5Oct 11, 2020
Crystal Mountain Resort WA ReviewsAlex N.
advanced snowboarder
Great for beginner /intermediate riders. Lots of fresh snow and great views. Parking is also great and usually there aren't any issues with it. The resort is a little bit far from major cities and can be about a 2 hours drive from Seattle... More
Average!2.8 / 5Dec 02, 2019
Crystal Mountain Resort WA ReviewsBrian B.
expert skier
The gondola is amazing and the views are unforgettable. It feels like there’s endless ski runs and tree skiing. This is my go to ski area every chance I get!... More
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Nov 19, 2019
Crystal Mountain Resort WA ReviewsAmber V.
advanced snowboarder
Crystal Mountain is one of my favorite local resorts. It’s got great runs and fast lift that keep the lines moving and plenty of challenging run not to mention the gondola which will get you from the bottom to the top quick. There is a great restaurant at the top and a fun bar at the bottom. I think it’s a first class resort.... More
Average!3.2 / 5Aug 08, 2019
Crystal Mountain Resort WA ReviewsColin C.
expert skier
Great terrain, it's not a destination resort at all. The best of the local mountains near Seattle. Lift lines get long on the weekends, midweek is awesome. This place get lots of powder days and has steep fun terrain everywhere. Hike the king if it is open, the 40 min climb is very much worth it.... More
Superb!4.6 / 5Apr 29, 2019
Crystal Mountain Resort WA ReviewsJordan G.
advanced skier
I have been to crystal multiple times and have never had a bad day. Even when busy it is a great mountain and on days when it is open it is heaven.... More
Good!3.7 / 5Apr 29, 2019
Crystal Mountain Resort WA ReviewsChris H.
expert skier
This mountain brings it. Inbounds and slackcountry is the real deal yet it continues to be off the national radar - likely because there is very little infrastructure. If you are fortune enough to be there when the PNW is dropping the goods, grab the first chair or gondi to the top, go get the honey holes (I wont tell you) until you are a... More
Average!2.9 / 5Feb 18, 2019
Crystal Mountain Resort WA ReviewsEvan A.
expert snowboarder
It's a great mountain to ride the Backcountry and side country are amazing the snow is usually great and not the typical wet heavy snow that Washington is used to. Weekends and holidays are literally the worst even with fresh powder most everything will be torn up by midday. There are so many people good luck being able to call or text or... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Nov 28, 2017
CChris
intermediate skier
Crystal is the best resort to visit in WA State, with the best slopes for all levels of skiing. A perfect destination for any family weekend outing if you're in the South Sound area.... More
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Nov 23, 2017
MFMitchell F.
beginner snowboarder
Fantastic first time boarding with friends and staying at the resort made recovery a great experience. Would do it again as soon as I recovery from a recent injury. Hopefully this coming season will bring fresh wonderful snow to lighten the impact.... More