CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN RESORT, WA

Area Profile
Winter Activities
Summer Activities
Après-ski
Transportation
Housing
Employment

• Ski areas: Crystal Mountain
• Population: Enumclaw10,000
• Road and weather conditions: (800) 695-7623
• Snow report: (888) SKI-6400
• Annual snowfall: 350" / 889 cm
• Ski season: November-April
• Chamber of Commerce: (206) 825-7666
• Cost of adult 1-day lift ticket: $58
• Local newspaper: The Enumclaw Courier-Herald, (206) 825-2555

Crystal Mountain Area Profile

Located at the foot of towering Mt. Rainier, Crystal Mountain has arguably the best scenery of any resort in the Northwest. Only seventy-six miles from Seattle and largely unknown outside the region, Crystal is actually one of the largest resorts in the country. At 7,012 feet, it is Washington's highest, and its vertical drop ranks second in the West behind California's Heavenly Valley.

Winter Activities

Intermediate and advanced skiers regularly make the drive from Seattle to enjoy this mountain's world-class runs and diverse terrain. Recent articles in industry magazines like Ski and Snow Country indicate Crystal has joined the ranks of some of the hottest resorts in the country.

Summer Activities

Summer is a spectacular time at Crystal Mountain, when snow melt means Mt. Rainier and other peaks are even more accessible.  Those with extreme stamina might consider attempting to climb Mt. Rainier; others will be content with the two-week traipse around the Wonderland Trail, which circles Mt. Rainier. Golf, fishing, and camping are other popular activities.

Après-ski

The closest major town to Crystal Mountain is Enumclaw, but even that isn't a booming metropolis. Because the mountain is so close to Seattle, most skiers simply head home after a day on the slopes. There are a few popular stops for day-trippers including the Black Diamond Bakery, in tiny Black Diamond, featuring a mouthwatering array of homemade bread and baked goods. Other places to go in the area include the Back Door Bake Shop, the Rainier Grill, The New York Restaurant, the Naches Tavern, and the Mint Tavern. The resort itself also features a few restaurants and bars.

Transportation

Crystal Mountain is an hour and a half drive from Seattle, where out-of-towners can arrive by air, train, or even sea. Crystal runs an express bus service four days a week, Friday through Monday, from six locations in western Washington. Call (206) 626-5208 for information.

Housing

Crystal is the only resort in Washington with slopeside lodging, and some employee housing is available on the mountain. Others will have to look for a place to live in nearby Enumclaw.

Crystal Mountain Ski Area Employment

A job fair is held in October; this is an excellent opportunity to find work. Those living off the mountain might be able to find work in one of Enumclaw's restaurants.

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