THE CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE
FULL DAY TOUR

Beginner to Intermediate Ski or Snowboard

Advanced Backcountry Adventure


Activities: Beginner to Advanced Downhill skiing or snowboarding*, wildlife spotting and educational sightseeing Interests: Winter ecology, wildlife, alpine adventure, volcanoes, geology, local and natural history

Inclusions: Downtown Hotel pick up and drop off, highly qualified and knowledgeable naturalist mountain guide, travel in adventure outfitted luxury Mercedes van or crossover wagon, morning tea & fair trade hot cocoa on the return, Summit House lunch, refreshments, all park entry fees, avalanche safety gear (for back country program,) and comprehensive naturalist commentary. ***(Downhill equipment not included but rentals & demos are available at a discount in advance or at regular price up on the mountain)

Escape Plan:
Nearly all of our Escape Artist guides agree that Crystal Mountain is the top ski resort experience in the Pacific Northwest. The key word at Crystal Mountain is variety. You'll find 2,600 acres of everything from gentle groomed runs for beginners to challenging steeps, glades, chutes, bowls and expansive backcountry for the more adventurous. Crystal Mountain averages 367 inches of snowfall annually which gives powder enthusiasts plenty to smile about. Whether a beginner or intermediate level skier, your expedition begins high on the mountain, where you will explore the un-tracked slopes, secret runs and the best snow on the mountain, while learning about the area geology, winter ecology, birds and wildlife.

Your Escape Artist guide will share their knowledge of sustainability during the winter, introduce you to extreme weather wilderness and avalanche survival skills, and describe the forces that have shaped the land around you, from steep shouts and wide open powder fields, to well manicured, rolling groomers. Ride prolonged, uninterrupted powder runs through seamlessly spaced trees, incessant fall line runs through knee deep snow, and runs where you choke on powder, only to regain your breath between turns, before plunging back in the white froth that envelops you.

Midday we jump on board the new Mt. Rainier Gondola, whisking us to an elevation of 6,872 feet. We travel 2,500 feet from the base of the mountain to the summit in less than 10 minutes! Once we arrive at the summit you'll be greeted by quite possibly the most incredible view of Mt. Rainier found anywhere… your mind will be blown! We take in this breathtaking view while we enjoy our Northwest gourmet lunch at Washington's highest restaurant, the Summit House.

With our bellies full, we head outside and explore the ridgeline before leisurely descending back down the mountain. Whether on skis or boards, this unique Northwest experience will no doubt quench your thirst for an authentic winter adventure!

Advanced Backcountry Adventure
For the 2011/12 Winter Season we are offering a new program for the advanced skier! This program will access the North and South back terrain of the Crystal Ski Area, riding terrain that is double black diamond and usually great powder skiing! Some of the areas do not receive control work and require avalanche gear (provided). All the terrain is lift accessible, if people are looking for something beyond, we can include touring equipment.

This adventure is perfect for intermediate to advanced level skiers and snowboarders looking to improve their technique and experience new and challenging terrain. You'll explore nearby "slack country" skiing with your expert host. You'll meet up with your group, get transported to the mountain (your lift ticket and transportation are included) where you'll spend a full day carving through fresh powder, tracing deep lines in those giant white bowls and getting a serious work-out while you're at it. Need someone to push you to the next level? Your talented guide will offer individualized tips to help you reach peak performance (pun intended).

After your ski day, you and your fellow 'backcountry lovers' may stop to enjoy a brew or two, sit back, relax and rest those weary feet while you give your taste buds some lovin' and wax poetic about the day's feats on Crystal's famous powder.

*Snowshoeing, rather than skiing or snowboarding, is available at private request.

“This is the best place in the world! Trust me you'll never forget it...” - Mauricio Rendulich

Tour Length: 11 1/2 Hours
Pick-Up: Downtown Seattle & Bellevue Hotels
Departing: 7:30a | Fridays, Sundays and at Private Request
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Season: Winter
Adventure Cost:
- Ski/Board w/ Lift Ticket: $195.00 per escapist plus tax
- Advanced Backcountry Adventure: $295.00 per escapist plus tax

Click HERE for suggestions of what to wear and bring with you.