Editor’s note: The following is a press release from Crystal Mountain Ski Resort.

Crystal Mountain Ski Resort opens daily for the 25/26 season with limited operations on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with access to Green Valley Express via upload on the Mount Rainier Gondola with download required, as well as Chinook Express and Discovery. Skiers and snowboarders are asked to ride with caution as early season conditions exist and, as always, follow the Skier Responsibility Code.

The upper mountain has received over a foot of snow over the last two days, and the forecast calls for continued snowfall into the weekend. Refer to the Mountain Report page for the most up-to-date information on operations and conditions.

As reported by Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Highway 410 has sustained significant damage due to erosion from this week’s historic precipitation, and is operating via a single-lane gravel shoulder, controlled by a traffic light, where Boise Creek has cut under the road. Because of this, WSDOT has requested limited access until Highway 410 is repaired to maintain the safety of travelers and integrity of the road. Therefore, in collaboration with WSDOT, Crystal Mountain capped the number of parking reservations offered to reduce the number travelers on Highway 410 while the interim solution is in place, which is expected at least through January and is subject to change.

Guests should not attempt to visit Crystal Mountain without a parking reservation. Guests without a parking reservation will be turned around, in addition to creating unneeded stress on the interim plan.

Crystal Mountain expresses sincere appreciation to WSDOT for their collaboration in maintaining access to Highway 410 as well as for their heroic efforts across the state for all those impacted by the flooding. Their partnership has been instrumental in ensuring safe and reliable travel for our guests and community.

We encourage everyone, visitors, residents, and partners, to work together to keep this access open. By following guidelines, planning ahead, and respecting the efforts of WSDOT and local stakeholders, we can preserve this vital connection for all.

Reservations are now required seven days a week, all times, including afternoon arrivals, during this interim solution. Only guests with parking reservations will be able to park and ski at Crystal Mountain. Parking reservations through January will be available immediately, free of charge within a 7-day window and $10 for bookings outside of 7-days.

Guests who have already purchased mid-week or weekend daily tickets but no parking reservation must book parking here, or carpool with another guest who has a reservation via SP+ Carpool App, available for download from the App Store. The Enumclaw Expo Center parking lot will continue as Crystal’s park and ride location. Once daily tickets are sold out online, guests with a parking reservation, or carpooling with someone who has one, can buy tickets on-site at Guest Services.

The Crystal Mountain Express Shuttle Service from the Enumclaw Expo Center will not be running at this time. Existing shuttle reservations for this weekend will have a first right of refusal for parking reservations. SP+ will reach out via email approximately 4 p.m. today.

“We’re so excited to get the season rolling” said Peter Dale, Senior Director of Mountain Operation at Crystal Mountain. “While it has certainly been a rocky start with this unprecedented weather, Pacific Northwest skiers are well aware of how much this lifestyle hinges on the unpredictability of the weather. We know how much this mountain means to our community and we’re deeply grateful to those who have stepped up to support community members during these challenging times; especially the Greenwater Fire Department and the Washington State Department of Transportation for their tireless efforts.”

Crystal Mountain is committed to return to regular access as soon as Highway 410 repairs are completed. Safety is the top priority, on the mountain and on the road.

MOUNTAIN OPERATIONS

Guest Wi-Fi and some cell phone carriers may continue to be offline due to storm damage.Regardless of cell provider and signal availability, guests should call 911 for on-mountain emergencies, or speak directly to a Crystal Mountain Employee. These calls will get relayed to Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol Dispatch.

SPECIAL EVENTS

The new Rainier Express chairlift will make its debut on Sunday, Dec. 21st with music at the Midway Yurt and a special limited-time retail capsule collection available in Crystal Mountain Outfitters. To bring together the ski community in advance of opening, Crystal Mountain is hosting a Drop-In event from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 at evo Seattle for first-come freebies, sweet lift access deals and a chance to score a brand-new pair of Atomic skis.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

For this weekend, the Summit House Restaurant will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a limited menu, along with Brew 62 Cafe, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Mountain Commons Lodge Food Hall will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

BRANDX RENTALS AND TUNE SHOP

Select rental options will be available and the Tune Shop will be open this weekend. For the latest updates on future bookings, please visit the Crystal Mountain website.

SKI AND RIDE SCHOOL

Due to limited terrain Ski and Ride School will not be available this weekend, but check Crystal Mountain website for updated information on future bookings.

For additional updates on What is New at Crystal Mountain this season, please check out our seasonal update here.

ABOUT CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN SKI RESORT

Founded by local skiers in 1962 outside of Enumclaw Washington, Crystal Mountain is Washington State’s largest ski resort with 2,600 acres of terrain to explore. Located on the northeast corner of Mt. Rainier National Park, Crystal offers a wide variety of groomed and off-piste runs, with expansive views of the Cascade Range. It is out of this world yet easy to reach from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Home to Washington’s highest elevation scenic gondola and the highest-elevation restaurant, Crystal Mountain offers year-round outdoor activities that appeal to lifelong adventurers, weekend warriors and beginner mountaineers alike. For more information please visit: www.crystalmountainresort.com