Thursday, August 6, 2009

Skiing In Washington State On Crystal Mountain

by Kerry Devere

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.

There are breathtaking views of Mount Rainier from the summit of Crystal Mountain. The area positively bulges with 2,300 acres of fabulous skiing and here you will find every kind of skiing you can imagine, making this the largest ski area in the state of Washington.

Of particular appeal to advanced and intermediate skiers who will enjoy 87% of all runs, there are some 7 runs for beginners which amounts to a generous variety for all levels. Intermediates are best catered for with 57% of all runs and of all the runs the very longest is called Northway and stretches for 2.5 miles or 4km.

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.

Operating from 8am to 4pm every day there is a Kids Club which is aimed at 4 to 11 year-olds. For the slightly older children between 7 and 11 years old snowboarding is available for those who would like to give it a try. The benefits of the Kids Club are many. Children are able to learn in a safe and supervised environment at a level which is suitable for their progress and older members of their party are able to enjoy the more challenging trails which would not otherwise be possible with young children to take care of who may not be advanced enough in their skiing to take part safely.

In addition to the main regions of the resort, Crystal has two back country areas which are accessible only by hiking. It is extreme terrain and the ski patrol has some rules and restrictions for these areas. North Backcountry is mostly covered with thick trees but some trails are cut through the trees.

The season runs from the middle of November to the middle of April, when the best snow fall is experienced. There are many places to choose for lodging, meals and evening entertainment. After a day of skiing, you should definitely head over to East Peak Massage & Fitness to take advantage of the hot tub, sauna, showers and even the games room. Massages are available with a reservation. In the summer of 2004, Crystal built the Campbell Basin Lodge, a Cascade-style lodge serving pasta, pizza, soups, teriyaki, burgers, salads, Mexican food and more.

The whole family will be able to enjoy a great skiing vacation in Washington State. Although the slopes are more suited to skiers of intermediate and advanced abilities, beginners can still enjoy themselves providing care is taken to choose a trail which is not beyond their capabilities.

About the Author:

Kerry Devere is a great fan of ski trips and in particular thrashing the red runs. Before you plan your next ski safari, read more of her ski destination reviews.

Get all the information and photos:: http://coringa.info/sports/skiing-in-washington-state-on-crystal-mountain

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