At Crystal Mt. 17.3% of winter days see 6 inches or more of snow, 26% of winter months see 90 inches or more, and only 8% of months see less than 30 inches. This is top tier snow frequency, exceeded only by a handful of North American ski areas. The key risk to snow conditions is not drought but rain. This is a minor issue for the locals, who can sit out the wet weather and wait to ski the next week’s dump. It does, however, make planning a big trip involving air travel here more of a gamble. Crystal has some key attractions for powder skiers. Its peak is over 1,000 feet higher than other Washington areas, and the 1,000 acre avalanche-controlled South Backcountry can retain powder for several days due to the 15-20 minute traverse/hike required to access it. Be prepared with the fattest, most rockered skis you can get for the sometimes thick Northwest snow.

Accumulation and Preservation

Crystal averages 80+% open at Christmas and is less than half open in about 20% of holiday seasons. Crystal is a very steep mountain and likely to be rocky until the base is at least 4-5 feet. Snow preserves fairly well on the higher north facing steeps like Powder Bowl and the South Backcountry. Elsewhere melt/freeze conditions are common if it hasn't snowed recently. Crystal runs its upper Green Valley terrain with gondola access on weekends starting in May until the snow runs out.