Crystal Mountain Sets Early Opening Date This Month

MOUNT RAINIER, WA — An exceptional start to the winter snow season will allow Crystal Mountain to welcome skiers and snowboarders back to the mountain in time for Thanksgiving. The resort announced early opening plans over the weekend, thanks to a headstart on winter and cold temperatures that continue to allow for snowmaking.

Though was weather has trended calmer recently, an active start to November lent to bountiful snow at higher elevations, even setting a new record for early season snowfall at Snoqualmie Pass. As KING 5 reports, mountain snowpack is currently ranging between 211 percent and 441 percent above average for this time of year, according to state data.

While forecasters expect things to stay sunny and clear up on the mountain this week, overnight lows remain plenty cool enough for snowmaking, and Crystal Mountain will welcome Crystal Legend and Ikon pass holders back this weekend for the resort's 60th season.

Lower mountain runs will be open to visitors with season passes between Friday and Sunday before lift tickets go on sale to the general public on Monday. In addition to the lifts, tickets for scenic rides on the Mt. Rainier gondola will be available for online orders.

Here's what's opening early at Crystal Mountain:

Lifts

• Discovery
• Quicksilver
• Chinook Express
• Mt. Rainier Gondola (scenic rides only; no equipment allowed)
• Terrain Park Features on Discovery

Scenic Gondola

• The Mt. Rainier Gondola will be open from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm (last download 4:00pm). No walk-up scenic gondola tickets will be available, purchase online in advance.

Dining

• Base area dining will include:
  • Rafters Smokehouse
  • Alaskan Fish Shack
  • Fireside Cantina (mobile ordering only)
  • Hop Hut
  • Quicksilver Coffee
  • Summit House

Retail

• Tower 16
• Right Angle Sports

>> Learn more about what to expect this year on the resort's website.