Crystal Mountain
Believe it or not, Crystal Mountain, 76 miles Southeast of Seattle, is Washington State's only destination alpine ski resort, with base area lodging that accommodates 700 visitors.
When the sun is out, the snow is deep, and avalanche danger is minimal, hard-core skiers from all over the west coast beam themselves to Crystal for unparalleled skiing. The terrain is steep and thrilling, and there's enough of it to keep the adrenaline rushing all day. There's enough snow too, often 12 feet of base at the 7,000-foot summit.
Expert runs comprise nearly half of Crystal's terrain, but a lot of that is due to the 1,000
skiable acres in the back country areas, both north and south. It's the kind of terrain that is out
of bounds at most ski areas— woods, chutes and steep bowls. The back country isn't always open, nor
is it regularly patrolled, but it's a major attraction for expert skiers when the ski patrol opens
the gates.
| Crystal Mountain |
 Address:
1 Crystal Mountain Boulevard, Crystal Mountain, WA 98022 |
 Phone:
(360) 663-2265 |
|
Website:
http://www.crystalmt.com |
The Summit (formerly The Pass)
The Summit is four alpine ski areas under one parent company. It also operates cross country
trails and a tubing park, complete with rope tows. Most adventurous skiers head directly to the
region called Alpental, which is narrow, high and steep, with some imposing double-black diamond
runs from the top. The International run is widely considered the steepest, longest (2,200 feet),
and most exciting run in the state.
| The Summit (formerly The Pass) |
|
Address:
7900 SE 28th St, Ste 200, Mercer Island, WA 98040 |
|
Phone:
(206)236-7277 |
| Website:
http://www.summit-at-snoqualmie.com |
Stevens Pass
Stevens Pass is a regional favorite of snowboarders, especially on powder days. There are plenty
of trees to challenge technical turning skills, plus lots of open terrain and bowl boarding. The
favorite areas for adventuresome skiers are Mill Valley, served by the Southern Cross Chair, and the
chutes reached by the 7th Heaven Chair.
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Mount Baker
Mt. Baker is one ski hill whose boundary signs command respect. It's set in steeply rugged wilderness country blanketed by a few hundred inches of snow on the shoulders of Mount Shuksan. The actual Mount. Baker, a 10,778-foot volcano, is a few miles to the west.
The 1000-acre resort contains plenty of ungroomable terrain, a natural playground for snowboarders and adventurous skiers. It's become something of a Mecca to the booming board culture. Young snowboard pilgrims aim to descend these slopes at least once in a their lifetimes— many get here and never leave. During the annual Legendary Banked Slalom, in late-January , snowboarders achieve blinding speeds as they run the gated halfpipe, a winding narrow creekbed under 20 feet of snow.
Mt. Baker's 1,500 foot vertical drop offers all-day possibilities for beginner, intermediate and
advanced skiers and snowboarders alike, with plenty of gently groomed slopes plus steeps, chutes and
woods that bring out the pioneer spirit.
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Washington State Mountain Pass Road Report:
A winter report
of conditions on WA state Mountian Pass highways.
Washington * Ski Reports * OnTheSnow.com
Up-to-the hour
weather and 5-day forecasts for local, national and international
ski areas and mountain resorts.
Mt. Washington on Vancouver Island
Experience the thrill of Mt
Washington's Snow Zone. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned veteran,
the mountain has a wide variety of runs to meet your skill level.......
