Trail profiles: Crystal Mountain

From the top of "Rex" - the local name for the Rainier Express lift - skiers and snowboarders can access terrain for all ability levels, including the local-favorite Green Valley area. This medium-sized bowl faces northeast and shelters skiers from harsher weather. The bowl frequently has the best snow on the mountain - without having to hike into the backcountry or ski Crystal's steep Campbell Basin. Families of varying ability levels find Green Valley to be a great family run. The resorts' snow cats do a fine job laying down a smooth corduroy track for strong novices while leaving plenty of off-piste and tree skiing for more aggressive snowriders. Iceberg Ridge is probably the easiest way into Green Valley. The super-wide cat track stays above the bowl as it gradually drops in elevation. At the end of the ridge, the trail flows into Green Valley over a gentle pitch.

The largest amount of novice-friendly terrain is located on the other side of the mountain - Forest Queen provides access to nearly all of these slow-skiing areas. Queen's Run is the longest, and area groomers make sure it's velvety smooth every day. Beginners and lower intermediates love this run because of its rolling fall lines and wide-open spaces.

Another popular trail is Lucky Shot. Both speed junkies and intermediate skiers find Lucky Shot an exciting run. Lucky Shot faces north and is always carefully groomed. Early in the morning, before the crowds arrive, speed freaks carve up Lucky Shot with top-to-bottom runs that cover the 1,500 feet in less than three minutes. Strong novices and intermediates enjoy the gentle rolls and short, semi-steep pitches.

Intermediate skiers and boarders thrive at Crystal because they can explore nearly the entire mountain. From the top of every lift but one (Chair Six), there are seemingly unlimited options. From the top of Rex, snowriders can cruise wide-open runs like Green Valley or the ungroomed but not-too-steep Northway Ridge. Downhill, Mr. Magoo, and GMAC - each groomed with twists, turns, and undulating terrain - are accessed off Forrest Queen.

What Crystal is truly regarded for is its steep, stomach-in-the-throat chutes and big-air cliffs. Locals find it crazy that so many other Washington skiers and boarders spend hours driving to Whistler or Sun Valley when Crystal has all the big drops, rowdy chutes, and super G turns a snowrider could want. At the top of the High Campbell chair, skiers and snowboarders alike drop into the main chute of Powder Bowl. The steep and narrow line faces east and is usually filled with soft, forgiving snow. Still, riders have to make powerful, aggressive turns to navigate the encroaching sides of the chute as snow slides down around them. Taking a fall in Powder Bowl often results in a slide of its own, all the way to Lucky Shot, not to mention a messy yard sale.

Also accessible from the High Campbell chair is the super fun and super cool South Backcountry. Skiers and boarders willing to hike anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes will be rewarded with more than enough narrow couloires and cliffs to fix even the deepest addiction to adrenaline. Just for thrill seekers is Pinball, at the top of King Peak. It's a 50-degree pitch with a twisted dogleg about one-third of the way into the chute. The trail is aptly named for snowriders who have experienced falling and bouncing off the series of jutting rocks that poke out of the snow.

Crystal offers more than 1,000 acres for backcountry travelers. The North Backcountry, accessible off Rex and the Green Valley chair, is simply unbelievable. Laying tracks out here requires a ride back to the lodge via a shuttle service that runs every half-hour. Powder mongers can still find untracked snow days after the last snowfall. It's a good idea to consult with the Ski Patrol or a local before venturing into the backcountry. The promise of a beer at the Snorting Elk in the lodge often serves as payment for the consultation. An aerial map of the backcountry is available for purchase in the sport shop for $5.

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