- Big snow forecasted through Friday
- High winds will keep upper mountain closed until the weekend most likely
Although skier’s have been earning their turns for the past month in many parts of the PNW, the lift-accessed season is about to get underway as Crystal Mountain announced this morning they will open for the season starting Wednesday, 11/15/17.
Related: Baker/Crystal/Stevens Forecasted To See Up To 5 FEET Of New Snow By Friday!
The resort was hoping to spin lifts this past weekend but forecasts didn’t pan out and neither did their opening day plans. That said, it seems as though the real storm has arrived in the PNW and Crystal is currently reporting 8″ in the past 24 hours.
“The ski and snowboard season is officially here! We will open with 3 lifts on Wednesday, Nov. 15th. The Discovery, Chinook Express & Forest Queen Express lifts will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.”
According to the resort website, the base is measuring anywhere between 18-36″ deep but we have a feeling those numbers may be a day or two old. Stay tuned by checking out up to date conditions reports here. As of this morning, NOAA has Crystal forecasted to receive upwards of 40″ by Friday.
Crystal Mountain Forecast:
Schedule of Operations (Subject to Change & Conditions Permitting)
Wednesday, Nov. 15th & Thursday, Nov. 16th
Lifts Scheduled: Discovery, Chinook Express & Forest Queen Express. (MT. RAINIER GONDOLA CLOSED – NO SCENIC RIDES)
Hours: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Food & Beverage: Cascade Grill 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (breakfast & lunch), Chinook Cafe 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. & Bullwheel 10:30 a.m. to Close. There will be a limited menu available at these locations. Campbell Basin will be open for access to the restrooms. The Summit House is closed until Nov. 18th.
Ticket Rates: Adults 16-69 $45, Youth 11-15 $35, Senior 70+ $15, Discovery Only $39
Services Available: Ski Rentals, Bootworks & Right Angle Sports.
Friday, Nov. 17th – Sunday, Nov. 19th (T.B.D. Conditions Permitting)
Lifts Scheduled (Tentative): Discovery, Forest Queen Express, Chinook Express, Rainier Express, Green Valley & Mt. Rainier Gondola. We will re-evaluate the conditions and coverage on Wednesday and Thursday before making the final call for upper mountain on Friday. We are expecting more snow Tuesday and Wednesday so we are hopeful.
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Last chair for Green Valley & Rainier Express is 3:30pm, Last upload on the Gondola is 3:30 p.m., Last download is 4:oo p.m.). Skiers will be allowed to ski to the base (conditions permitting).
Food & Beverage: Cascade Grill (breakfast & lunch), Chinook Cafe & Bullwheel. There will be a limited menu available at these locations. The Summit House will open Saturday, Nov. 18th.
Ticket Rates: T.B.D.
Services Available: Ski Rentals, Bootworks & Right Angle Sports. Lessons T.B.D.
Monday – Friday Next Week (Tentative)
We plan to remain open daily however operations for next week are T.B.D. based on weather and conditions. Please stay tuned!
FAQ:
What if I don’t have my season pass?
We mailed all Tier 1 passes out over the summer. If you waited until the end of Tier 2 to purchase your season pass we are processing and mailing them daily so keep an eye out for it in your mailbox. If you don’t have your pass by this weekend please come to the will-call window next to Guest Services.
What if I don’t have my parking pass?
We are processing and mailing parking passes this week, however if you don’t get your pass by the time you need it simply come to A lot and an attendant will be there to greet you with a list. All parking passes will go out in the mail and will not be held in will-call.
What if I purchased a Cascadia Pass but don’t have my season pass yet?
You must have photo I.D. to redeem a Cascadia Pass ticket. Simply show your I.D. at the ticket window.
Winter Storm Warning
…WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON PST WEDNESDAY…WINTER STORM WATCH HAS ENDED…
* WHAT…Heavy snow at times, with additional accumulations of 18 to 36 inches likely today through Wednesday. Plan on difficult or hazardous travel conditions, as well as possible delays or road closures.
* WHERE…Cascades of Whatcom and Skagit Counties and Cascades of Pierce and Lewis Counties. This includes the Mount Baker Highway, the road to Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park, White Pass, and Crystal Mountain Boulevard.
* WHEN…Until noon Wednesday.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Be prepared for significant reductions in visibility at times.