Skier at Crystal
Skier at Crystal
Welcome to Crystal Mountain
We’re glad you’re here. With 2,600 acres of skiable terrain and some of the best views of Mount Rainier in the state, it will only take one visit to Crystal Mountain to fall in love. As the largest and steepest ski and snowboard destination in Washington, many think of Crystal as an expert mountain, but our diverse terrain is an ideal place for first-timers, families, and pros alike. Our beginner terrain and top-tier instructors make getting on the mountain easy for all ages and abilities. Read on to get the inside scoop on how to make your first visit to Crystal Mountain a breeze.
    • Winter


      FIRST TIMER TIPS

      • Purchase your lift ticket ahead of time for the best deals. You can print out your ticket at one of our Pickup Kiosks in the base area upon arrival.
      • Check the Mountain Report for important weather updates, current conditions, events and lift/terrain status.
      • Read about our Parking & Shuttle information prior to arrival and be sure to book reservations for Saturday – Sunday and Holiday seven days before your visit. Consider carpooling with family or friends for ease of parking on the weekends! Parking is free for all guests with reservations made within 7 days of the visitation date. Advanced reservations can be made for any weekend throughout the winter for a fee. Reservations are required Saturday-Sunday and holidays throughout the entirety of the winter season.
      • Make sure you have all the proper equipment you need to make your day a success. If you need to rent gear, you must purchase your gear online prior to arrival. Brand X Equipment is our rental shop and conveniently located at the top of the stairs, next to the chairlift for quicker access to the slopes. If something isn’t fitting right, stop by and swap out your gear throughout the day! Our retail shop located in Mountain Commons Lodge also has helmets, goggles, gloves and other mountain essentials.
      • Due to Washington State Department of Health Code we cannot allow outside food or beverage in any Crystal Mountain establishments (unless obtained at another Crystal Mountain outlet.)
      • We ask that you do not leave belongings unattended in our lodges. This includes stowing items in corners, on top of lockers, under tables, etc. or any other place. Crystal does offer day use lockers as well as daily and seasonal gear storage to help you store your gear or please, leave in your vehicles. Items left unattended will be moved to gear storage; daily rates apply.
      • Lose something? To reunite yourself with any lost gear please visit Guest Services in the Base Area Plaza.
      • Explore the variety of lesson options and develop your skills with a professional for a successful day on the hill.
      • Check out our Resort and Trail Maps.
      Frequently Asked Questions

      Preparation

      What gear should I bring?
      We recommend bringing or renting the following gear:

      • Skis/Snowboard
      • Poles
      • Helmet
      • Waterproof jacket and pants
      • Waterproof and insulated gloves or mittens
      • Boots
      • Warm, long socks (wool is best)
      • Goggles
      • Snacks
      • Water Bottle

      I don’t have all of these items, can I buy or rent at the mountain?
      Yes! We rent skis, snowboards, helmets, poles, jackets, pants, and boots. Check out Brand X Equipment to reserve your gear ahead of time. Our retail shop also offers all your mountain essentials for purchase.


      How do I get my tickets?
      When you purchase a new lift ticket or scenic gondola ride, you will receive an email confirmation with a "Print Voucher" link which brings up your barcode. Scan the bar code in your Print Voucher confirmation at one of our Pickup Kiosks. Your ticket will print out and you can proceed directly to the lift. Pick Up Kiosks are located near the ticket booths, retail shop, restrooms, and Brand X Equipment Center in the Cascade Lodge. If you have also rented equipment or registered for a lesson, your tickets will be printed during check-in at the rental pickup location or lesson registration deck, both located in the Cascade Lodge.

      Can I purchase my tickets online?
      To get the best deal on lift tickets, we always recommend purchasing lift tickets online in advance.

      I saw that lift tickets are RFID. What does that mean?
      When you enter the gates, your ticket will register, and the gate will open automatically. RFID cards must be kept in a pocket away from cell phones and credit cards. We recommend keeping your ticket in a pocket on the left-hand side of your body. Holes cannot be punched in your ticket, as that will damage the RFID circuit.

      I lost my ticket. What do I do?
      Please visit one of our ticket office locations with your purchase confirmation and a valid ID. There will be a $2 fee to reprint RFID media cards. Fee does not apply to reload existing cards.

      What non-ski activities can I do?
      We offer snowshoe rentals for the folks who want to enjoy the mountain at a slower pace. We also offer guided snowshoe tours offered on select days throughout the season. Please check our events calendar for more information.
    • Summer

      FIRST TIMER TIPS

      • Purchase your scenic gondola ticket ahead of time for the best deals.
      • Check the Mountain Report for important weather updates, current conditions, events and lift/terrain status.
      • Check out our events calendar for family-friendly free and paid events throughout the summer.
      • Book your Flying Raven Adventure Course ticket at least 24 hours in advance.
      • Visiting Mt. Rainier National Park? Hop on our Mt. Rainier Shuttle service. Upon arrival at the Sunrise Visitor Center, guests will have approximately 2-3 hours to explore the area. The shuttle will collect guests waiting at the pickup zone and return to the parking lots at Crystal Mountain. The cost of the shuttle includes the National Park entrance fee.
      • Make sure the Summit House Restaurant hours are not affected by a private event.
      • Check out our summer trail maps for hiking adventures!
      Frequently Asked Questions

      Scenic Gondola


      Are Scenic Gondola tickets round trip?
      Yes. Tickets good for 2 round trip gondola rides per day.

      What is the cancellation/refund policy?
      Tickets are non-transferrable and good for 2 round trip gondola rides. Please be prepared that identity of 2nd pass scan matches the original scanner's identity as verified by lift operators.

      How long does it take to get to the top?
      The Scenic Gondola ride is about 12 minutes.

      Can I bring my dog in the Scenic Gondola?
      Dogs are only allowed during the summer season. Dogs are not allowed on the Scenic Gondola during ski season.

      What kinds of things can I do in the summer?
      We offer a wide variety activities including our Flying Raven Adventure Course, Crystal Climbing Wall, hiking, events, and more! Check out our activities page for more information.

      Are reservations required?
      We do not take reservations, but walk-ins are welcome and subject to availability. Tables are first-come-first-served. Farm to Mountain dinners require a reservation.

      Can I make a group reservation?
      We can accommodate groups midweek (Monday-Friday) with 2+ week advance reservation, along with confirmed menu selections.

      Groups with 15-25 guests must email groupsales@skicrystal.com to make gondola and lunch arrangements. A $40 per person minimum (plus tax/gratuity) is required in advance to confirm a reservation.

      Private full restaurant buy-outs will be considered after hours only (6-9pm). Email events@skicrystal.com for more information.

      One bill will be provided to the group organizer in advance. Any additional charges will be due within 24 hours of event.

      What is your cancellation policy?
      Groups must cancel 48-hours in advance. No-shows and last-minute cancellations will be charged $30 per person.

      Are tickets required?
      Tickets are required to ride the gondola and can be purchased from the kiosk at the base of the resort. If you purchased a gondola ticket in advance, follow the walking path to the gondola entrance and present your ticket upon arrival.

    ALSO CHECK OUT

    Riding the chairlift at Crystal
    Lift Tickets

    Access the Mountain

    Go
    Gondola and Mt Rainier
    Scenic Gondola

    Breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier

    Go
    Brand X Skis
    Brand-X-Equipment

    Rentals + Demos all in one place

    Go
    Ski instructor at Crystal Mountain Ski instructor at Crystal Mountain

    GUARANTEED RESULTS, LASTING REWARDS

    Crystal Mountain’s Ski & Ride School offers adventurous experiences for skiers and riders of all ages and abilities. With some of the best instructors and coaches in the Pacific Northwest, we build your skills and confidence while deepening your connection to the mountain.
    View Lessons