Crystal Peak stands out among the surround area when hiking the Southback of Crystal Mountain to the King. Being at the end of the Crystal Lakes area it has some of the biggest lines around. From all aspects there are great terrain and numerous different styles of runs. From chutes to open tree skiing you are only limited by how much you are willing to skin. After a deep storm we made our way out there to get a few different aspect. Once happy with our riding we made a final run all the way down to 410 and a hike back to the Crystal Road.

The storms had been raging out in Washington and it has been going off. With foot after foot of new snow snow it seemed that the front would never end. Knowing it would be epic almost anywhere we decided to head over to Crystal Peak. We wanted to make the most out of the day and end it off with a final descent down to 410.

Ski Touring up Silver Basin at Crystal Mountain

Leaving in the early morning we were shocked to see clear skies. It had been so long since I had seen the sun that I was started to forget what it looked like. Starting at 7a.m. to take advantage of the daylight we broke trail up Silver Basin. Passing some tracks from the previous day even the ski resort area looked to be in great conditions.

We skinned up to the low col of Silver Basin and soon were on the edge of Crystal Mountain Ski resort. In the distance we could see Crystal Peak with Mount Rainier sticking out in the distance. While we transitioned for our first run we chatted about the lines we wanted to ride. It seemed that any spot we rode would be fun and there was no going wrong.

Snowboarding into Crystal Lakes Basin

Soon enough if was time for our first line of the day. By the time we were ready the clouds had lowered making it a bit of flat light. From the first turn we were dealing with bottomless powder all the way down to Crystal Lakes Basin. For what we lost in visibility it was more than made up by the perfectly gladed trees,

Once in Crystal Lakes Basin we started heading towards the south side of Crystal Peak. Breaking trail was a challenge working for ever foot with over a foot of snow. As we started gaining elevation we would occasionally look back at our previous line. We had scored at choosing the best line for our visibility linking up the loosely spaced tree.

Skinning up Crystal Peak

Before long we were at the base of Crystal Peak and making our way towards the steep south face. Looking around we had spotted numerous potential lines around. Within a few minutes we were doing a long traverse over to the southeast face.

At the base of Crystal Peak we started putting switchbacks up the mountain. Every kick turn was an additional 50 feet as we made our way up. Before long we were 20 feet below the west col of Crystal Peak. Being too steep to keep skinning we top our skis off and boot pack up to the col.

The line that had grabbed our attention was the south east swath. From the summit we planned to ride down the ridge before dropping next to the cliff band. From what we could tell it would be a great lap that would take us right back to the skin track.

Our Second Run of the Day off Crystal Peak

As we rode off the summit of Crystal Peak we made sure to stay on the skiers left side. We knew that the right side was a massive cliff so we cautiously made our way down. After a few minutes we had made it to the top of our line and were ready to ride to our skin track.

Scott dropped in first and was gone in a world of white. From my vantage point I could see him riding all the way to the skin track. Once he was in a safe spot I made my way down to him and we quickly transitioned to skinning. It was a great second run we were happy that we started early in the day. There was more than enough time for another lap.

Heading up Crystal Peak for Another Lap

Skinning back up we noticed that it looked like the north facing slopes were looking good. The whole area around Crystal Lakes seemed to have some fun terrain to ride. Though the blue sky was just a tease in the morning the snow was more than making up for it.

While skinning up our previous lap we had noticed what seemed like a small cave above us. With a little bit of time to spare we decided it would be a perfect spot for a break. As we skinned up to check it our we realized that we could both fit in it.

Though it wasn’t windy it was a nice spot to find. Knowing if there was ever a bad situation we could use it for shelter. Although this definitely wasn’t one of those days it is always good to know about spots like these if weather changed for the worse.

After a quick break we were making it back up to the col. The photo below shows our route with the boot pack starting when the trees stopped.

Spotting our Next Run

From the ridge we spotted this couloir on the opposite side of the ridge. By now the sun was coming out and it was glowing in the distance. We felt that it was a sign to head over that way traversing across the ridge.

Finding the Best Powder of the Day

Standing on top the line looked as good as from the opposite side. With it having a Y up top both Scott and I could take different lines before meeting up in the middle. Both of were excited about the line as it was still glowing in the sun.

Scott dropped in first and before long he was at the bottom of the Y were both lines connect. Once I could see him I dropped in to find the deepest turns of the trip,

The rooster tails rose above my head with every turn as I charged down the line. Though our last two runs were good this was on another level.

After the main chute we rode down the lower apron in similar conditions. Soon we were right back at our skin tracks and preparing to climb our final run of the day.

Exiting Crystal Peak for Highway 410

Following our skin track and boot pack we were back on the low col of Crystal Peak. This time we would be riding down the west side to Highway 410 below. While most of the area was covered in trees we found a spot that was over. Riding to the side of a slide path called Kemper we were down on the road. From there we were able to ride a few miles before arriving at the flats.

The last mile to the Silver Springs parking lot I walked while Scott was able to ski. Soon enough we were back at the Crystal Mountain road and hitch hiking back up. It took about 10 minutes before we got a ride up to our car. It had been a great trip and it was fun to explore the area around Crystal Peak. This would be an area I would tour at often in later years. With terrain like that no matter where you go it’s going to be a great day.

Thank you for reading this trip around Crystal Peak. If you want to see more ski tours within Crystal Mountain Backcountry check out this link.