Article Advise

submitted: Jun 13th 2008 | by: KerryDevere | Total views: 3 | Word Count: 613 | |

Skiing in Washington State during the winter months creates the perfect opportunity to visit the ski resort Crystal Mountain. If you are in or near Washington State, you should definitely pay a visit. With a top elevation of 7012 feet (2137m) and a vertical drop of 3100 feet (940m), Crystal Mountain sits below Mount Rainier, which has a top elevation of 14,408 feet.

There is superb snowfall on Crystal Mountain between the months of November and April, when several feet of fresh powder can be relied upon to fall due to the cold Cascade storms common to this area and this makes a visit to this excellent Washington State ski area a wonderful treat.

Mount Rainier looks down 7,000 feet to the summit of Crystal Mountain and from this vantage point Mount Rainier can be enjoyed in all its magnitude. From Crystal Mountain an expansive pasture of 2,300 acres of all manner of skiing makes for what is undeniably the largest area of skiing in Washington State.

Less advanced skiers could be forgiven for feeling some trepidation about a ski area that has 30% of its trails for advanced skiers and 57% for intermediates. Despite offering just 13% of runs for beginners and novices, Crystal Mountain does offer a generous variety of skiing for all levels and offers a longest run of 2..5 miles (4km) which is known as Northway.

The lift provision on Crystal Mountain is 4 double chairs, 2 high speed sixes, 2 triple chairs, 2 high speed quads and a surface lift is provided for children. The nature of the terrain is such that the ski area is more suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers, however beginners are catered for with lessons available and a full complement of rental equipment available for those who need it.

For children aged four to eleven years old there is a Kids Club which opens from 8am to 4pm daily. This allows more advanced skiers in a family group to enjoy the rest of the resort and tackle trails that would not be sensible to undertake with younger members of the family in tow. For slightly older children in the 7 to 11 age bracket snowboarding is available should they wish to take part. This provision means that children are able to learn and have fun in a safe and supervised environment while older members of their party are able to partake in the more challenging skiing available.

For those who enjoy back country skiing, Crystal Mountain has two back country areas which can only be reached by hiking. This is extreme and unforgiving terrain and the ski patrol has specific rules for those looking to ski in these areas. Covered mainly in thick woodland, North Backcountry does have some trails which have been cut through the trees.

Crystal Mountain is able to rely on the seasonal predictability of the snow cover which which lasts from the middle of November to the middle of April. With a wide variety of establishments offering meals, lodging and entertainment, the visitor is also able to enjoy saunas, hot tubs, showers and games rooms at East Peak Massage & Fitness. For a massage it is necessary to make a reservation. Those who enjoy burgers, Mexican food, pizza, pasta and salad should enjoy a visit to the Campbell Basin Lodge which was built in the summer of 2004.

For a superb vacation skiing in Washington State this is a great place for the family. Everyone can have a great experience at Crystal Mountain, even though the slopes are more for intermediate and expert skiers. Novice skiers can have fun as well as long as careful attention is paid to the grade of slope attempted.

About the Author

Kerry Devere thoroughly enjoys skiing and snowboarding and specifically skiing on powder. Before you plan your next winter sports holiday, take a look at more of her ski destination reviews.

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