Ringing in the New Year at Crystal Mountain Resort comes with a fresh coat of powder and a promising start to 2026. Crystal Mountain Resort is a popular ski resort in the United States, located in Enumclaw, Washington.
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Humidity
Overnight temperatures hovered just below freezing at 29°F, preserving three inches of new snowfall that blanketed the slopes overnight. With a current snowpack depth of 38 inches—though still 44% below seasonal averages—conditions are firm but improving. Skiers and riders can expect a gradual refresh throughout the week with another 3 inches forecasted in the next 24 hours and close to 11 inches of snow expected by Sunday. The snow water equivalent sits at 13.5 inches, indicating denser, moisture-rich snow that should provide a solid base for the coming storms.
However, guests should remain alert as recent headlines report a fatal avalanche on Crystal Mountain, a sobering reminder of the need for caution in off-piste areas. Despite this, the resort is fully operational and has reopened for skiing and riding, with increased safety protocols in place. With new ownership from Alterra and whispers of major resort upgrades in the pipeline, the future looks bright for Washington’s largest ski area. As the mountain readies for more snow this week, it’s shaping up to be a dynamic start to the season—both thrilling and sobering in equal measure.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Morse Lake.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Crystal Mountain Resort.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Crystal Mountain Resort impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Crystal Mountain Resort is located in the Cascade Range in Washington state. The resort is situated near the northeast corner of Mount Rainier National Park and offers stunning views of the iconic peak. The ski area includes slopes on Crystal Mountain, as well as neighboring mountains such as Silver King, Gold Hills, and Campbell Basin. The highest point at Crystal Mountain is the summit of Silver Queen, which stands at 7,012 feet above sea level. The resort is known for its diverse terrain, including groomed runs, steep chutes, and tree-lined trails, making it a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.
It offers over 2,600 acres of skiable terrain and is known for its diverse terrain, with beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails. One of the best trails at the resort is the Green Valley, which offers incredible views of Mount Rainier. Interesting fact: Crystal Mountain Resort was established in 1962 and was originally a popular destination for Seattle-based skiers. A specific suggestion for beginner skiers is to take the Discovery chairlift to the Discovery Zone, which offers easy and wide trails for learning. For the best après ski bar, the Bullwheel Bar & Grill offers a cozy atmosphere with great food and drinks.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 10 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 20310 per hour |
Base Elevation | 1192 Meters |
Terrain Park | No |
Acreage | 2300 Acres |
Established | 1962 |
Run Count | 57 Trails |
The ski area received 3" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, a chance of snow between 9am and 1pm, then rain and snow. high near 35. wind chill values between 22 and 28. south wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. chance of precipitation is 80%. little or no snow accumulation expected.
Crystal Mountain Resort is expected to receive up to 11.62" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Washington's North Cascades are seeing the most significant snow totals this week, with Beaver Pass forecasted for 33 inches over five days and nearby Easy Pass and Brown Top expecting 32 and 30 inches respectively. These sensors are in proximity to Mt. Baker Ski Area, which is likely to benefit from this incoming snow. Marten Ridge and Thunder Basin, also ... Read more