crystal mountain resort

Have been going here for years to snowboard. Lots of runs and chairs to explore, and the views of Mt. Rainier are spectacular. Prices are a bit steep and snow conditions unpredictable. After a good dump the mountain gets skied out very quickly so don't expect to find much fresh powder unless you're willing to hit the back country.

Crystal Mountain Resort is trying to salvage a winter that has nature pitted against them. There is no snow at the base of the mountain. However, with the addition of the Gondola, they can take people up to the summit and they can ski some trails about half way down the mountain. Then everybody must take the Gondola back down. The conditions look awful from the base, but once you reach the summit, it is skiable. There are not too many people on the mountain, so it is nice. However, they have cut back on employees. So, the wait at the Summit House was super long as there were only 2 waiters. There were plenty of seats available, but no servers. And they ran out of items on the menu. Lift tickets can only be purchased inside at guest relations. The lower lodge looked completely shut down. There were only 2 or 3 people working at the rental shop. Crystal mountain resort is trying to make it work with limited resources and unpredictable weather.

Was there weekend before superbowl. No new snow. Runs closer to the top was good but to get to the bottom was horrible. Lots of exposed dirt patches and it was like skiing on ice. Food is very pricey. Staff is very friendly and helpful.

What a great place in the heart of the Cascades and looking straight at Mt. Ranier. At the base are two restaurants and hotels and plenty to keep you busy for many days. Take the gondola from 5,000 ft up to the summit at 7,000 ft. and you are looking right at Mt. Rainier like you can almost touch it at 14,000 ft. The restaurant at the summit is beyond delicious. The views unbelievable from the Pacific coast and the Olympic Mts. to the Cascades Mtns and looking towards Idaho and south to Oregon. and California. the many ski trails are all natural snow and groomed to perfection. Can't say enough about this place both in winter and in summer when the flowers are out on the mountain. Try it you'll like it!

This was my first visit to crystal mountain. I've always heard goods things and assume runs were to be seen. And they didn't disappoint. First and foremost parking was a easy and fast. They have directors to make it fast and easy in and out. They offer buses to go from the parking lots to the main lodge. The ticket buying process is fast and quick. They offer two options with or without gondola. The gondola takes you to the top with nonstop service. I however decided to forgo the gondola. It only takes two lifts to reach the top. The runs are well groomed and available to all levels. There are tons of runs and even with a packed park you don't see many people or overcrowded trails. This park is was assume definitely going again.

We had a great time! We went sledding.it was snowing so hard but it was fun! The lodge is big. It's been 10 years since I have been there. Really nice.

This seems to be the only lodging option in the Sunrise area of the park. it's an old ski resort, the room is quite small with a double bed and a bunk bed, for a family of four, there is hardly space in the room to move around. it's ok to stay one night for the location.

While the mountain has a lot of intermediate terrain, the part that really shines is the amount of difficult and expert terrain. Steep chutes, lots of rocks to drop, cornices, and a large variety of all that. Most mountains have this type of stuff, but not nearly as much as Crystal does. On a good snow day I suggest powder bowl to bear pits runs. It's a lot of vert per run on a north and then an east facing slope, all requiring avy control. Open at the top into dense trees at the bottom. You'll have to ride two chair to get back up. I could tell you about the food and lodging but if that's why you're traveling then I might suggest another place. Not that it's bad at Crystal, just that the terrain is the real reason to go. Check the weather, it does get warm here. But when it dumps, it DUMPS. Think waist deep pow.

The title says it all. Just be ready to shell out the bucks. But after a full day of skiing hang out at the snorting elk and relive all of your runs, just leave out the yard sales!

Since they have started the gondola rides I bring my out of town/country guests here for lunch/dinner and on sone rare occasions skiing. Ride in gondola nice and peaceful with beautiful view. Skiing is good as well.

We picked this resort because we wanted to spend as much time as possible on the Sunrise side of Mount Rainier. It was the perfect choice for a quiet evening. The furnishings in our room were "dated", fairly banged up and worn. Definitely could have been repaired or replaced. The beds were comfortable. Food in the restaurant was delicious. There was a pub downstairs, and seating outside for warmer weather. The fire pit was not operating. There is a charm and beauty in the alpine inspired main building. Our friends had a more modern room in one of the other buildings. There are no elevators. Our room had no TV, which did not bother me. Our friends had a TV in their room. The location was perfect someone who does not do camping!

Words can not do justice to this location. The view at the top of the gondola ride has to be seen to be believed. The food at the top is on par with the view. The hiker's wrap was really good. The soup of the day was as well. If you are going to see Rainer, here is the place to do it. One of the top sights I have ever been to.

The gondola to the summit of Crystal Mountain in the summer is thrilling. If you are of luck, you may see Elk beneath you on the journey up. What a view.

Small ski area with easy slopes ( for me , a blues skier) near the foot of the majestic Mt. Rainier. Plenty of lifts. Snowboarding and tubing available. Multiple parking lots with free transport to lodge. Food and beer available in snack area. Lockers, ski rental, etc. Everything needed for skiing without being too big or expensive. Child friendly.

Such a beautiful site to see Mt. Rainier - The gondola ride was nice - views spectacular. Restaurant at the top was pretty good as well - highly recommend the visit!!