There was an error with your log in
Options
Summary
Checkout

Backcountry Skiing at Crystal Mountain

Guide(s)
Shane Robinson, Graybird Guiding
Trip options
Select date
/ /

People
1 Person
Date(s)
--
Duration
1 day
Guide(s)
Shane Robinson, Graybird Guiding
  • Crystal Mountain is the perfect getaway destination for all those who don’t prefer skinning up the mountain, as it offers a total of 11 lifts leading to 57 named trails. Join your guide and head off to the boundless backcountry terrain with various runs well suited for all abilities. Put your goals for the day in your guide’s hands and let them plan out the perfect adventure, taking into consideration both your safety and fun.

    • 57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

      We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures at Crystal Mountain, please refer to the official Washington State website.

      Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

    • What you get in this adventure: 

        • An experienced, certified ski guide with extensive knowledge of the area
        • A full day of backcountry ski touring

      What’s not included:

        • Technical backcountry ski touring equipment
        • Trip insurance
        • Food and snacks
        • Transportation
        • Lift tickets
    • In order to enjoy this backcountry adventure, you need to have a moderate level of fitness. You will be on your feet for a full day. While there is terrain for all skill levels at Crystal Mountain, you will need to manage controlled descents in variable conditions. All participants should feel comfortable on challenging blur or black level resort runs and be able to carry a loaded daypack while skinning up variable degrees of terrain.

    • Backcountry skiing isn’t just for pros looking for the ultimate thrill ride, it’s also beginner friendly, meaning anyone with challenging blue or black level resort experience can have fun in the backcountry. If you’ve never backcountry skied before, heading out with a guide is your best bet. They’ll take care of the planning, introduce you to the basics, like skinning uphill, and teach you how to manage the terrain. They also have the experience and avalanche training to keep you safe.

    • For technical backcountry ski touring gear, you will need to bring:

        • Alpine touring skis, telemark skis or splitboard with skins (can be rented)
        • Touring boots and poles (can be rented)
        • Avalanche safety equipment (can be rented):
          • Digital, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver or beacon
          • Lightweight snow shovel
          • Avalanche probe

      For personal items, we recommend bringing:

        • Helmet
        • Sunglasses or ski goggles
        • Gloves and hat
        • Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex recommended)
        • Ski pants (Gore-Tex recommended)
        • Down jacket or vest
        • Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear and socks
        • One triple-action locking carabiner or two conventional locking carabiners
        • Repair kit and Leatherman for your equipment (can be shared between several people)
        • Water bottle and 1L of water
        • Thermos with a warm beverage — optional
        • Food you can eat on-the-go
        • First-aid kit
        • Sunscreen
        • Daypack large enough to carry all items listed (around a 30-40L backpack)
        • Camera — optional
    • All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent: 

        • Avalanche safety pack, including backpack, beacon, shovel and probe from REI
        • Alpine touring or telemark skis, touring boots and poles can be rented from Crystal Mountain Resort or REI
        • Splitboards can be rented from REI

      REI is in Seattle and Crystal Mountain Resort is at Crystal Mountain, WA. Rentals should be picked up the night prior to your outing. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.

    • Group sizes and pricing:

        • For this adventure, the max client-to-guide ratio is 4:1. All prices are per person.
        • Costs per person decrease as the group grows for private lessons, so it’s the perfect opportunity to ski with friends and family.

      Ski touring at Crystal Mountain, WA can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

      Min. age requirements:

        • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
        • Minors may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis.

      If your group has skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

    • To get to Crystal Mountain, most people fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service. Crystal Mountain is only two hours away.

      Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location. From there, you’ll head to your tour. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ski ability of the group.

Have more questions? Read our FAQ
Saved to bucket list
Removed from bucket list

Choose a currency

  • USD - $
    US Dollar
  • EUR - €
    Euro
  • AUD - AU$
    Australian Dollar
  • CAD - CA$
    Canadian Dollar
  • GBP - £
    British Pound Sterling
  • CHF - CHF
    Swiss Franc
  • JPY - ¥
    Japanese Yen
  • SGD - S$
    Singapore Dollar
  • HKD - HK$
    Hong Kong Dollar
  • DKK - Dkr
    Danish Krone
  • NOK - Nkr
    Norwegian Krone
  • SEK - Skr
    Swedish Krona