Crystal Mountain announces season kick-off | Crystal Mountain Resort

The resort will open Dec. 2, though season pass holders have exclusive access Dec. 1 - 9.

The following is a press release from Crystal Mountain Resort:

Crystal Mountain Resort is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated opening day for the 23/24 winter season, starting with a limited opening exclusively for Crystal Season Pass and Ikon Pass holders on Friday, December 1st. Despite warmer temperatures and challenging snow conditions, the Crystal team is proud of the hard work and dedication that has been put into preparing for opening day. Following the tradition of being among the first resorts in the state to open and one of the last to close its doors, Crystal Mountain is proud to offer one of the longest ski seasons in the Pacific Northwest.

Crystal Season Pass and Ikon Pass holders will enjoy exclusive access to the resort on December 1st from 9am to 3:30pm as a “thank you” for the loyalty and passion that passholders bring to the mountain each year. This passholder-only day sets the tone for the season and is just one of the many ways Crystal plans to give back to pass holders this year. Crystal will welcome skiers and riders back to the mountain with free hot cocoa, cookies and a DJ throughout the weekend as well as live music on Saturday afternoon. The full list of opening weekend festivities can be found on the Crystal Mountain website.

“Each season, our priority is providing the best-in-class experience for skiers and riders in the state. We have an incredibly passionate base of passholders and we are thrilled to build on our tradition of offering them exclusive access to the mountain on opening day.Mother Nature hasn’t made it easy, but our employees pulled out all the stops this year, working day and night to make opening day happen. It’s going to be an awesome winter at Crystal, and we can’t wait to see everyone up here on the hill,said Matthew Darbous, President & COO of Crystal Mountain.

Following opening weekend, operating details will be determined by snow conditions. Crystal Mountain will provide an update later this week.

Crystal Mountain will kick off the season opening the lower mountain lifts, including Discovery, and Chinook Express and will expand on-mountain operations as coverage permits. Scenic rides on the Mt. Rainier Gondola, complete with access to indoor dining at the Summit House, Washington’s highest-elevation restaurant, will add to the opening entertainment. Rental equipment and lessons will be available for those who book online.

Parking will be free and first come, first serve to kick off the season. Starting December 26th, all guests will be required to make a reservation on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Season passholders will park for free. More information will be provided in the coming weeks.

For more information about opening operations, lift ticket availability, and opening weekend festivities, visit the announcement on the Crystal Mountain website.