Crystal Mountain is Washington’s only real ski resort and is set in the stunning Mount Rainier National Park, to the southeast of Seattle. An abundance of snow throughout the season, coupled with some terrific runs and some particularly challenging off-piste terrain, is sure to keep skiers and snowboarders happy.

Crystal Mountain is a purpose-built ski resort town with a sports shop, post office, grocery store, first-aid room, rental and repair shop, and classes in ski racing, moguls,
powder, telemark and snowboarding. There is childcare for 4- to 11-year-olds in skiing and 7- to 11-year-olds in snowboarding (full day $75, half-day $55); there is no childcare for non-skiers.

Accommodation-wise, there are three hotels, 96 condominiums and 21 hook-ups for overnight parking at area. Telemarking, saunas and swimming are part of the range of other activities; while après-ski is found in a combination of restaurants, cafés, deli-espresso bar, complete day lodge, two full service bars and a pub.

There are 50 major runs at Crystal Mountain ski resort, with some great expert slopes as well as outstanding off-piste, a deluge of intermediate runs and separate novice areas. The 10 lifts have an hourly capacity for 19,000 people and run up a near 1,000-metre vertical to supply all pistes, the longest of which is the Northway, at four kilometres.

Away from the slopes, the closest town of Enumclaw is beautifully situated in the foothills of Mount Rainier and has retained its small town character; while the emerald city of Seattle has spectacular views, particularly from the top of the Space Needle. Seattle is also known for its sparkling and exciting nightlife.

Crystal Mountain ski season runs from mid-November to mid-April, with night skiing available Friday and Saturday (16:00-20:00), from January 7 to February 5. Discounts are available for children under 11 years, and the most convenient means of transport is to fly to Seattle and transfer by shuttle bus.