Crystal Mountain boasts 2,600 acres of rugged terrain, a new base lodge, gondola lift service, and plenty of snowfall each year, making it a favored ski area in the Pacific Northwest. Although harder to access from Seattle than other ski areas, its quality snow cover and unique terrain make this resort one that should definitely make the list for your PNW ski vacation itinerary.
Last Christmas Day, Kory Abercrombie of Bainbridge Island Fire Department in Washington state was skiing when he heard an emergency radio call for assistance for a man unconscious on a chairlift and slumped over. Without hesitation he grabbed his medical bag and headed straight away towards rescue site.
Once at the scene, he discovered the man had been saved thanks to a defibrillator provided at each lift station for ski patrol and first responders on the mountain. Thanks to it, the individual was able to ride back downhill on his lift back down to base before being transported by ambulance directly to a hospital for care.
Alterra acquired Crystal Resort in 2018 and has ambitious plans for Reimagine Crystal, such as building a new base lodge, slopeside accommodations, aerial adventure course, and upgrading the lift system. While these changes may cause some discord among longtime locals, most are excited by what this change brings for Reimagine Crystal.