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Backcountry Ski/Snowboard - Crystal Mountain Backcountry

Trip

Backcountry Ski/Snowboard - Crystal Mountain Backcountry

Tour up to Bear Gap to ski some N aspects.

Contacts

Paul Brown
Paul Brown
Primary Leader
  • M2 Advanced Ski
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 8.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 3,500 ft

Behind where the chapel used to be, 8:45AM. 

We will skin up to Henskin Lake via the usual route that uses inbounds terrain at Crystal and then follow the usual skin track to Bear Gap to check out N facing ski lines. Note that a (free) uphill card is required to skin through the resort along the approved uphill route; getting one requires completing a waiver at Guest Services.

Skinning is typically steep close to the ridge line, so comfort with steep kick turns is essential.

The skiing will involve moderate steeps, variable snow, trees, and navigating around cliffs. 

Route/Place

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.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

  • The Ten Essentials
  • Boots, skis/snowboard, poles
  • Climbing skins (or other method to travel uphill on snow)
  • Avalanche shovel (metal blade)
  • Avalanche beacon (modern three antenna)
  • Avalanche probe
  • Pack that can carry your skis

Consider ski crampons or be willing to boot. 

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