One of the most popular winter sports areas is Crystal Mountain Ski Area. New this year, the Northway chairlift will give access to 1,000 acres of new lift serviced terrain with a vertical lift of 1870 ft. and an elevation of 6770 ft. In addition to this, Crystal Mountain has a new lodge in Campbell Basin, and the most varied terrain around. It's a world class ski resort, rated by SKIING magazine as the #7 ski resort in all of North America.

Don't know how to ski or snowboard? School is in session, Ski School, that is. Here you can learn and/or practice ski and snowboarding skills. The Rental Shop is located at the base of the lift for a selection of high quality skis and snowboards.

The White Pass Ski Area is the perfect place for a family reunion/outing, retreat or ski vacation. It is located just 12 miles from Mount Rainier National Park and 111 miles SE of Tacoma. (The White Pass Scenic Byway/Highway 12 is one of only two cross state highways that is kept open year round.) There are 32 miles of trails accessed by 5 lifts, a quad and a triple, 2 doubles, and surface lift. The summit is 6,000 feet and maintains a vertical drop of 1,500 feet. The lodge is at 4,500 feet with amenities, rentals, food, and a first aid station. Night skiing is a favorite on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as holidays. Kid Clinics begin after the New Year. Nearby are ample lodging and dining, from rustic mountain cabins and getaways to motel accommodations with all the amenities you'll need. For more information, call the snowline for conditions at 509-672-3100 or visit the website.

2008 Ben Tobin
Courtesy of Washington
State Tourism

There are numerous backcountry ski/snowboard areas that can be accessed from around the mountain. From Paradise and environs, Camp Muir, the Tatoosh, Mazama Ridge, Chinook Pass and Van Trump Park are outstanding trips while White Pass offers up the hogsback. The interglacier on the Sunrise side is another great ski/snowboard trip and let's not forget the Crystal Mountain backcountry. In the coming months, VisitRainier will be adding more information about these backcountry destinations: how to find them and what to expect when you do.