
Trip
Backcountry Ski/Snowboard - Crystal Mountain Backcountry
Explore the Crystal Mountain backcountry; M2 route
- Info
- COVID-19: Learn about our most up-to-date guidance for participants and leaders on our COVID-19 Response page. All participants and leaders must agree to the COVID-19 Code of Conduct before participating in this Mountaineers activity.
- Sun, Jan 12, 2020
- Foothills Backcountry Skiing Committee
- Backcountry Skiing
- Adults
- M2 Mountain 2 Ski
- Moderate
- Mileage: 8.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 5,000 ft
- 5 (5 capacity)
- 2 (2 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
Plaza just south of Crystal ticket windows at 8:30 am.
Intermediate or better backcountry skiing or backcountry boarding level expected. Skier oriented trip. Splitboarders must have sidehilling experience. No snowshoes. Skins, beacon, shovel, probe required; beacon must be a two or three antenna model.
Participants must have completed one of more of the following AIARE courses after January 1, 2015:
- AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course
- AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Course
- AIARE Level 2 Avalanche Course
Possible destinations include East Peak, the Pickhandle Loop (which includes Pickhandle Point, Blue Bell Pass, Crown Point, and Bullion Peak) or skiing the ridge southwest from Pickhandle Point.
Expect elevation gain of up to 5,000’. The destination is subject to change based on conditions.
Crystal Mountain now requires uphill travelers to carry a (free) uphill travel card. We will stop at the Ski Patrol office to obtain cards for those who do not already have them.
Leader permission required, which can be requested before the signup opening date by E-mail to the leader.
Crystal Mountain Ski Area
-
USGS White River Park
Green Trails Bumping Lake No. 271
USGS Norse Peak
Green Trails Mt Rainier East No. 270
Green Trails Mount Rainier Wonderland No. 269SX - See full route/place details.
Required Equipment
- The Ten Essentials
- Boots, skis/snowboard, poles
- Climbing skins
- Avalanche shovel (metal blade)
- Avalanche beacon - Two or three antenna version required
- Avalanche probe
- Ski crampons may be required, depending on conditions.