Ski Travel: Crystal Mountain

Crystal Mountain, which is situated below Mount Rainier in Washington State, has a vertical drop of 3,102 feet, and a 7,004 foot top elevation. It is well worth a visit if you are in the area and interested in ski travel. Between November and April there are a lot of cold cascade storms which are experienced in this region, and this means that during this part of the year there is likely to be plenty of fresh snow.

This is not an easy slope for beginners, the trails being on the tough side. Covering an area of some 2,300 acres, and with 50 trails, this is Washington State's largest skiing region. There are 10 ski lifts, which include two high speed quads and six high speed passenger ski lifts. There are also two triple chairs, three double chairs and a surface lift for children. Ski equipment is available for hire and you can also have ski lessons here.

High season for ski travel is from November to mid April, which is when most of the snow falls, and there are plenty of places to stay, as well as places to eat or be entertained in the evening.

On weekends between mid December and mid March there is the Crystal Mountain Express bus service, which collects you from your lodge and takes you to the base plaza to start your day of skiing. In the evening a good place to go is East Peak Massage and Fitness, where you can relax away your aches and pains in a hot tub or sauna, or with a blissful massage (which you have to book, of course). There are also game rooms available.

If your children are not experienced or old enough for black diamond trails, then there is the Kids' Club available, which is open from 8 AM until 4 PM daily. Register first and you can leave your children (aged 4 to 11) there for the day while you go out on the slopes. The children will be supervised on 'child friendly' slopes and given ski lessons. For the 7 to 11 year olds snowboarding is also offered. It is a great fun way for kids to learn skiing. The cost of the club includes lift ticket, lunch, four hour lesson plus care and supervision. Equipment hire is extra, if you need it.

Although the slopes at Crystal Mountain are mainly for intermediate skiers, beginners and experts can have fun here too. In fact it is a great spot for a family vacation, as long as you don't go on any slopes which are beyond your level of expertise. Overall, this is a great fun spot for a ski travel.