Crystal Mountain opened in 1962 and is Washington's largest ski area, with more than 50 different runs on more than 2,600 acres. Take lessons from experience pros or test your abilities on the more challenging back-country trails. The weather at Crystal Mountain changes frequently--visitors should dress in layers and bring a water-repellent outer layer. Grab a quick bite to eat at the Campbell Basin Lodge or have a sit-down lunch in the Summit House restaurant. Lifts operate daily from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.---there is no night skiing. Stay just minutes from the ski area at Crystal Mountain Hotels, Crystal Mountain Lodging or Alta Crystal Resort all within a 15 minute drive from the ski area.
Crystal Mountain
33914 Crystal Mountain Blvd.
Crystal Mountain, Wash. 98022
360-663-2265
skicrystal.com
Loup Loup, in Okanogan, is a local favorite for cross country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. Choose from two trail systems in the foothills of the North Cascade Mountains. At the summit of Loup Loup Pass, the elevation reaches 4,020 feet. Crowds are rare and conditions are ideal for skiers of all levels. Loup's ski school provides private and group lessons, and a program for children between the ages of 4 and 5. Parking at the ski area is free. Loup Loup lodging partners range from mid-priced hotels such as the Best Western Peppertree Inn Omak to luxurious resort accommodations at Sun Mountain Lodge.
Loup Loup
P.O. Box 768
Okanogan, Wash. 98840
866-699-5334
skitheloup.com
Stevens Pass' base elevation is 4,061 feet; the mountain receives an average of 450 inches of snowfall annually. Ski or snowboard your way through more than 37 runs on 1,125 acres of land. Whether you're an experienced skier/snowboarder or just starting out, Stevens Pass offers trails to suit all skill levels. Stevens Pass is open daily from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and remains open until 10 p.m. for night skiing Thursday through Monday during the peak skiing season. Save up to $300, as of October, 2010, by buying your season pass before the skiing season begins. Stevens Pass provides several eateries on the premises, including Tye Creek Delis, Bull's Tooth Pub and Eatery, Cascadian Kitchen and the Foggy Goggle--a great après ski spot for skiers 21 and older. Stay near the mountain in one of the Skykomish Valley's hotels, inns or rental cabins.
Stevens Pass
Summit Stevens Pass
Skykomish, Wash. 98288
206-812-4510
stevenspass.com
