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Turns All Year Trip Reports
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Topic: Very unscientific poll re: Crystal Mountain (Read 7746 times)
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cardog100
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Question: If there were another mountain with the same quality terrain, the exact same driving distance from your home as Crystal Mountain - we'll call this mountain "Ski Hypo" - would the way Crystal Mountain's management - Boyne USA - treats you, cause you to ski at "Ski Hypo" instead?
Phrased differently: Are you annoyed enough w/ Crystal's management style - or lack thereof - that you'd take your business elsewhere, if there was an elsewhere that was as good and as close to your home? Have at it.
Disclaimer. I LOVE CRYSTAL"S TERRAIN AND THE EMPLOYEES. THIS IS ABOUT CRYSTAL MANAGEMENT'S TREATMENT OF SKIERS AND RIDERS. Carry on.
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Team Wally
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OK Guys and Gals , can we please lighten up, CM has had the best snow year I can remember since 1970, I've been camped out here in B-lot since last Wed and have watched Crystal staff including John and Kim and every liftie, cat driver, patroler and busser bust their butts day after day to provide a great experience for their guests. Yes CM is a corp not a co-op, yes ticket sales and food pay the bills and spin the lifts, yes sometimes it is hard to concentrate on draining the swamp when you're up to your waist in alligators or the lift line is not 100% perfect, yes there are a limited amount of resources to allocate. CM is a Winter Wonderland not a workers paradise. If CM does not meet your expectations by all means try other venues, I've spent a lot more money for a lot less than I get at Crystal. I've spent three weeks at Whistler so far this year and still come back loving CM and feeling so very fortunate to have this wonderful resource in my backyard. These past two weeks CM has absorbed a ton of sliders and riders from Snoqualimie and Stevens and done a great job with all the new faces who perhaps don't know Crystal well or its best practices. I can't count the number of times I've had newcomers in the slack country ask for directions or an easy route out the past few days. Resort skiing and boarding are by their nature sports of personal satisfaction and accomplishment done in a multi person envioroment, just try and count the number of people it takes to plow the lots, groom the groomers, make the coffee and burgers, run the lifts, sell the tickets, drive the shuttles, tend the wrecks and throw the bombs. I understand there are a few job openings for those who would like to see how it works from the other side of the table, just ask Snow Girl for an application. By the way if you want to sit at Gary's table be sure and get a ticket. Peace
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« Last Edit: 02/07/08, 06:47 PM by Team Wally »
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Keeping the dream alive for Newbies and JONGs the world over.
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Larry_Trotter
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I have had my share of "Grrrrrr" moments at Crystal, but I love skiing there. Many times I am just curious as to how they could screw things up. And yes, I have been tempted to spread out my ski money a bit. Being that they also manage The Summit, it takes away that option.
I guess I have just gotten used to the peculiarities of Crystal. It makes it so much more enjoyable when I go to Park City or Deer Valley (not really a fair comparison).
Cyrstal is Crystal... a little strange. I can live with it.
Not all Crystal's fault. Washington State hates the ski industry. It is amazing that we have any skiing here. Crystal has been harrassed and hobbled by the objections and studies demanded for anything they want to do there.
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Lex
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First off, I'm a full-season pass holder, so take my comments with a grain of salt. Crystal has its lumps like any ski resort when you take a hard look. I can't and don't want to defend some of their decisions (like the BS with Big Sky/Pig Stye 10-days free lift tickets, or other read the fine print "pass holder deals").
I've skied the entire swath of western US ski resorts. I feel that Crystal offers the most challenging terrain in Washington. Compare this to lift-served terrain in neighboring Oregon. Mount "Flatchelor" IMO is the best resort in the state, but the summit is open maybe 50-60% of the time and frankly isn't that steep. But great views and lots of fast skiing! Your other neighboring option is Whistler which is no longer a deal with the strong $Loonie, involves an international border crossing, and 2010 Winter Olympics construction delays. Or drop some cash on a plane flight to Bozeman to ski Big Sky which has some good terrain but gets less fresh than Crystal.
I've been with or have seen skiers wank about the cost of a Crystal lift ticket. Please! Have you been to the Sierra Nevada or Colorado resorts lately? You will pay $80-90 a day for a lift ticket. Yes, those places typically have longer vertical and lighter snow. I feel Crystal as the best deal in the PNW if you want to take an unscientific poll...
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cardog100
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Now class, you've got to answer the question to get any credit at all. Remember, no hijacking the topic.
"Good grief!" said Charlie Brown. "Can anyone stay on topic?" "Get off the soapbox. and answer the question!"
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3pinz
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What follows is an e-mail drafted to Crystal's Marketing director after suffering from either negligent or purposeful lack of information about operations yesterday.
I left a message with you the other day in regards to the updates on your website and snow phones. I have been a loyal customer since moving to Seattle in 1990 from Snowbird, Utah, where I worked and lived for 10 years. Since Crystal is the largest ski resort in the NW and the only real big mountain skiing destination (which is the way you're marketing yourselves), the people looking for that experience look to you to be the role model for the type of experience and product that you present. Part of the package for a big mountain resort is its responsibility to its customers to provide up to date information on the factors that will determine it's operational capacity on a day to day basis in a timely fashion.
Yesterday (2/7) whomever was in charge of updating your website and snow-phone failed miserably. Neither the 5 AM website update (which got updated again between 6:30 and 8 while people are already on the road) nor the snow-phone message made any mention about a wind closure, although they did take time to talk about the wind. The snow-phone stated there would be a 7:30 update which was still not accomplished when I was in Guest Services @ 8:30. Due to your location most of your clientele have a 1.5 to 2.0 hr drive to get to your resort and with the current cost of gas I'm sure would like some type of accurate information about the conditions and operation schedule before they get in their cars and start your way. It would also be nice if you could update the snow phone @ 7 AM so you could call enroute and change plans accordingly.
Today (2/8) was unfortunately more of the same. While the 5AM website update had new snow totals the message at the top still had yesterday's disclaimer that the upper mt. was on wind closure (that wasn't posted yesterday until after 7 AM) . The snow-phone once again made no mention of wind closure or a change in status from yesterday.
To the objective observer it looked as if you were trying to play it both ways by getting people to come up and then use the wind clause and discounted lift passes to provide 1/3 of the skiable terrain at 2/3 the price (where's the value there?). I believe that is referred to as the bait and switch technique. I know that you don't control the weather and last minute things happen, but that was not the case yesterday you had all the info you needed @ 5 AM to make the call. Crystal did not live up to its marketing of a big mountain resort and instead reverted to the backwoods podunk ski hill of years past. Which one is it going to be??
Bottom line Crystal is great, Boyne Resorts SUCK!!!!! Ski Hypo!!!
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« Last Edit: 02/08/08, 09:44 AM by 3pinz »
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Scotsman
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Cardog100, althings being equal ( terrain especially) I would Ski Hypo rather than Crystal due to the management style.
I love skiing Crystal and have been a full season pass holder for two years . I think the resort is reasonably well run and has it's operation issues same as any other business and any othe resort so that's not my main gripe.
However, where Crystal falls down IMVHO is in the impression they give , or their vibe.
Let me try to explain what I mean.
The snow report and current conditons page, snow phone etc is a major problem. Be honest tell it the way the condititons are. Study how Mt.Baker does it. Whomever looka after that part needs to be moved elsewhere and the complete snow report, snow phone operation upgraded.
Patrol has a real bad attitude. They are too good skiers obviously to talk to the rest of us. I was recently on a trip in BC at Smithers and two members of Pro Patrol took me under their wing and showed me some staches because I had never skied there before. That would never happen at Crystal as many of the patrol are extremely arrogant. Recently I skied into avy basin and there was a young male patroller there. I tried to engage him in a conversation regarding an avy crown I had seen and he ignored me. I had my son Stewie with me and he commented " what's up with that guy, too good to talk to us", unprompted by me.The damage that patrol does with this arrogant attitude is very damaging .
It's the vibe Crystal somehow portrays. Baker is a skier's mountian and give the vibe they care more about the skiing than the money. Somehow Crystal's ineraction with their public gives the vibe that they care more about the money than the skiing. They need to work on showing they care and start with the locals. First tracks program; honest informative snow report. Helpful patrollers. etc.etc.
All that being said, I'm going to Crystal as much as possible over the next few days while we have these tremendous conditions.
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3pinz
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Scotsman definitely hit in on the head. I actually got a call back from the marketing director about my feed back on the conditions update and although she was very apologetic she didn't seemed too concerned with the potential problems and certainly won't be making any changes to help people make better informed descisions about giving them their business.
I definitely get the feeling it all about the bottom line and they are promoting the business way more than the lifesyle. It's definitely all about the vibe, they are selling an impression of themselves that's not based in reality. In the end I think the lifesyle would be more profitable to both parties involved.
We all know that people and companies you do business with come and go but when you find a lifestyle that works for you, you are more apt to go the extra mile to make that work.
I just hate posers............................................
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cascaderider
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The only thing I don't like at Crystal is the fact that I HAVE to wear a leash. I've been all over the western states and lived in the tahoe region for 3 years and never once was asked to have a leash.
I do like the fact that the patrollers super experienced so if I ever need some assistance I'm in good hands. I used to get upset when they would tell you to slow down but over the years I understand that safety is actually a good thing.
I lived in Tahoe, Salt-lake, Brec and rode everywhere in between. Be happy to have a mountain like Crystal in your backyard  .
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GerryH
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Hi All
I can't resist weighing in on this one. A little perspective is in order I think. Having skied around the west for 45+ years, helped run mountains in Colorado, Idaho and Alaska, I've got to tell you that you don't know how good you've got it! I finished my skipro career at Alyeska, where I managed the Propatrol and Avalanche Safety. There too, Alyeska is the big dog in town, offering the most vert, best terrain and best snow. And because of that we were looked at through the microscope; no activity went uncommented upon, critiqued or dissed. And we did our best to respond, make things better, improve the services. It was only when I left and started skiing again in Washington and other western resorts that I realized how good a mountain I'd left behind. My experiences at Crystal Mountain the last few years suggest the opposite of what 3piner suggests - better maintenance on existing lifts, gradually expanding and improving facilities, better staff, a dedicated and hardworking professional and volunteer patrol, etc. I can still remember those weekend days in the 70's, 80's and 90's, before the old guard sold the area, when one could expect any chairlift to at random breakdown - the sheve wheel that had been squeaking for two weeks finally lost its bearing due to delayed maintenance and shut down a lift at 1:00 pm, or something similar. So personally I'm darned appreciative that someone has the capital, experience and vision to buy a ski area in these days of potential warming, economic uncertainty, litigation and difficulty drawing employees to entry level paying and seasonal jobs. I say kudu's, and thanks, to Crystal Mtn, their ownership, management, staff and hard-working employees.
As for ski reports, well hey guys, you're reading TAY. That's what NWAC telemetry's for. We used to have to read between the lines of those morning radio ski reports. Now we have reasonably good area reports, and can double check against telemetry. If the winds aloft are gusting over 40-45 mph, is it reasonable to think the upper lifts might not run? Or, if it is at 5:30 or 6:00 AM & still dark, you check the upper weather conditions, and make a decision then? Maybe, maybe not. How many times have you gone up to Crystal expecting the weather to suck when it turns out to be superb? I'm happy Crystal is doing the job its doing and trying to improve the condition. Now if we want Deer Valley, Vail or Sun Valley, I'm sure CM can give it to us - as soon as they're sure we'll pay the $80 lift tickets mid-week and weekends. Given the growth of the Puget Sound area, I can tell you for sure that those days are coming! Everytime we whine, complain and protest about another 10 or 100 acres of nearcountry 'backcountry' that is threatened when a ski area asks to grow and install another lift within their developable area, delaying the process, we can add another $5 bucks to lift ticket prices. We can't have it all ways. Some us still remember the old Riblet double chairs, with lift lines at every terminal on the mountain, averaging 20 minutes long on the peak weekends, with 50+ buses in the parking lot. Now, most kids are either too lazy to ski/snowboard, or sadly, can't afford it, so the PTA ski schools are becoming a wonderful memory (and a great start for many of us). I'd encourage anyone having a hard time with Crystal to start skiing Mt Hypo, I heard they're much better over on that side of the range!
Gerry H
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Scotsman
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Hey GarryH, thanks for your input but every time we start a discussion about Crystal we get somebody telling us to stop whining and how good we have it.
I know how good we have it and I think Crystal does a reasonable job of running a ski area. However, as customers spending an average of over 200 dollars per week( tickets and food) I think we have the right to try and make it even better. I spend more time at Crystal than I do home in the winter so I want it to be really good not average.
Crystal could be one of the premier "skier's" mountains in the US( note I use the word "skier's" not resort). It has the terrain but not the commitment. It wants to be a resort but is really a skiers mountain but can't seem to accept this.
I have skied Alyeska a lot and it had a similar problem to what Crystal has now and a lot of the local skiers are hopeful that the new owner ( who is an avid skier), will implement some changes to make it a more rewarding experience for the locals( pay the lifties more, get the North Face open more than it was in the past , etc, etc.) ALyeska was not thought of as a very well run ski area in the nlast few years.
If Crystal offered sharholder stakes similar to Mad River Glen, I would buy so I could have input. Other than that I can offer input via TAY and hope they read it.
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Chief Etiquette Officer of TAY and TAY's #1 Poster
Poet Laureate of TAY.
Chairman and Founder of FOTAY( Friends of TAY)
Moderator of the moderators.
"Most Brilliant Move" of the 11/12 ski season
" Knows what he is talking about"
Expert Typist.
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SnowGirl
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So I'd really like to know, what are the top 5 things that Crystal management can do to make Crystal a better place? As a local who learned to ski at Crystal, and as the marketing director, I have a lot of pride in the area, the improvements Boyne has made and the hard working staff. Since 1997 Boyne has spent over $20 million dollars on capitol improvements and Crystal is better now than it has ever been (not an option but a fact).
3pinz....you forgot to mention the fact, which I took time to explain to you today, that we had a power outage and no internet hence the reason why the update on Thursday was late. So yes, power outages and no internet are a potential problem. And I did give you info about the NWAC telemetry links, did I not?
Bottom line is Crystal management does care. I'm committed to this great mountain and to the skiers/riders who love it as much as I do.
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Yesterday is History. Tomorrow is a Mystery. Today is a Gift.
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Bandit
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What follows is an e-mail drafted to Crystal's Marketing director after suffering from either negligent or purposeful lack of information about operations yesterday.
I left a message with you the other day in regards to the updates on your website and snow phones. I have been a loyal customer since moving to Seattle in 1990 from Snowbird, Utah, where I worked and lived for 10 years. Since Crystal is the largest ski resort in the NW and the only real big mountain skiing destination (which is the way you're marketing yourselves), the people looking for that experience look to you to be the role model for the type of experience and product that you present. Part of the package for a big mountain resort is its responsibility to its customers to provide up to date information on the factors that will determine it's operational capacity on a day to day basis in a timely fashion.
Yesterday (2/7) whomever was in charge of updating your website and snow-phone failed miserably. Neither the 5 AM website update (which got updated again between 6:30 and 8 while people are already on the road) nor the snow-phone message made any mention about a wind closure, although they did take time to talk about the wind. The snow-phone stated there would be a 7:30 update which was still not accomplished when I was in Guest Services @ 8:30. Due to your location most of your clientele have a 1.5 to 2.0 hr drive to get to your resort and with the current cost of gas I'm sure would like some type of accurate information about the conditions and operation schedule before they get in their cars and start your way. It would also be nice if you could update the snow phone @ 7 AM so you could call enroute and change plans accordingly.
Today (2/8) was unfortunately more of the same. While the 5AM website update had new snow totals the message at the top still had yesterday's disclaimer that the upper mt. was on wind closure (that wasn't posted yesterday until after 7 AM) . The snow-phone once again made no mention of wind closure or a change in status from yesterday.
To the objective observer it looked as if you were trying to play it both ways by getting people to come up and then use the wind clause and discounted lift passes to provide 1/3 of the skiable terrain at 2/3 the price (where's the value there?). I believe that is referred to as the bait and switch technique. I know that you don't control the weather and last minute things happen, but that was not the case yesterday you had all the info you needed @ 5 AM to make the call. Crystal did not live up to its marketing of a big mountain resort and instead reverted to the backwoods podunk ski hill of years past. Which one is it going to be??
Bottom line Crystal is great, Boyne Resorts SUCK!!!!! Ski Hypo!!!
Come on! Any one who spends time in the mountains, knows that the weather can change by the hour, minute, or instantly. By the time you leave home, and then arrive at the mountain, I would bet that some weather has made a change from what reports you may have heard.
Do some independant checking, (NAOO) or other good sites, not just CM Website or the snow phone.
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The world is a dangerous place to live - not because of the people who are evil but because of the people who don't do anything about it.
- Albert Einstein
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Bandit
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So I'd really like to know, what are the top 5 things that Crystal management can do to make Crystal a better place? As a local who learned to ski at Crystal, and as the marketing director, I have a lot of pride in the area, the improvements Boyne has made and the hard working staff. Since 1997 Boyne has spent over $20 million dollars on capitol improvements and Crystal is better now than it has ever been (not an option but a fact).
3pinz....you forgot to mention the fact, which I took time to explain to you today, that we had a power outage and no internet hence the reason why the update on Thursday was late. So yes, power outages and no internet are a potential problem. And I did give you info about the NWAC telemetry links, did I not?
Bottom line is Crystal management does care. I'm committed to this great mountain and to the skiers/riders who love it as much as I do.
To be honest, I wouldn't change a thing. I have skiied Crystal since I learned when I was 17. I am now 50. Have had a season pass since 1995. Taught my daughter to ski there. Have great memories, made friends and shook Warren Miller's hand at the Campell Basin Rest opening.
I took lessons from an Argentine, Laura B, a few years ago. She had taught at Vail, JH, Taos and Squaw V. She told me that she returned to teach at Crystal because of the terrain, good skiiers, and friendly people.
"Crystal Mt has more good skiiers per cap than any other ski area I've taught at, plus the terrain is fantastic and the people are so friendly."
Quote from Laura B, Crystal Ski Instructor 1998
I love Crystal, love the terrain and love all the people I ski with !!
Thank you. That is all !!!!!
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« Last Edit: 02/09/08, 07:20 AM by Bandit »
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The world is a dangerous place to live - not because of the people who are evil but because of the people who don't do anything about it.
- Albert Einstein
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AndyMartin
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SnowGirl,
Well today (Feb 8, 2008) was an epic "Top 3" day of all time at Crystal! See “Crystal DEEP thread”.
I've had my challenges with Crystal management (not mountain) over the years. Here are my "Top 5" suggestions to improve things:
1. Accurate snow, weather and terrain reports, ESPECIALLY relating to possible wind closures. Serious skiers are forced to look at the NWAC telemetry sites because the ski area propaganda is usually laughable. Most casual skiers are not going to do this and are frequently disappointed by the reality. BTW - the chairs used to run in much stormier weather than now, apparently a puff of wind is now enough to shut down.
2. Ski patrol's mission should be to open the entire mountain, all the time. (Kudos today, but frequently we have to stand in line as bleary-eyed patrollers stagger out of bed at 9:30 am with cups of coffee to start "work"). Patrol typically seems more interested in keeping areas closed unnecessarily and policing them, rather than just opening the mountain. (This aspect does seem to have improved this season). Remove all of the arbitrary and unnecessary ropes and closure signs littering the mountain. Use signs urging caution instead of roping off whole sections (the new signs under Chair 6 are a welcome improvement). Check out a well-run mountain like Alta UT, where terrain closures are infrequent, credible, well publicized and of short duration, despite much greater avalanche hazard. Mid-week skiers should expect the same commitment in these areas as the weekend crowd. This has not been the case in the past. Personally I would accept a lower level of effort Mon-Thurs for say a $35 ticket.
3. Load chairs properly when there is more than a one minute wait. See separate thread on this topic. IMHO the 6 pack chairs are a waste of time, they run far less efficiently than a properly loaded quad. Check out Armstrong Express at Alpental if you doubt this. If every chair was filled they would certainly be better.
4. Train chair operators properly. I've never been to an area which "crash" stops chairs like Crystal does. I'm sure that can't be good for the mechanics! In the rare event a chair actually stops at Whistler, it will gently slow to a crawl, then slowly pick up speed again. Crystal has the worst record of chairs stopping of any area I have skied.
5. Serve skiers! It is great that you are finally asking for input, but what about the previous multiple emails and letters over the past 10 years which have gone unanswered? See multiple comments on other threads addressing this complaint. It’s great that you’re asking for input, but is this just “Boyne-washing” or will we actually see changes on the hill?
At least for this skier, if the above changes were implemented consistently ticket prices would seem fair value and parking, food prices etc. are relatively minor issues.
Having said all that Crystal does have great terrain and on a day like today is incredible. It would just be nice to have the management match the potential of the mountain.
Thanks.
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cardog100
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So I'd really like to know, what are the top 5 things that Crystal management can do to make Crystal a better place? As a local who learned to ski at Crystal, and as the marketing director, I have a lot of pride in the area, the improvements Boyne has made and the hard working staff. Since 1997 Boyne has spent over $20 million dollars on capitol improvements and Crystal is better now than it has ever been (not an option but a fact).
3pinz....you forgot to mention the fact, which I took time to explain to you today, that we had a power outage and no internet hence the reason why the update on Thursday was late. So yes, power outages and no internet are a potential problem. And I did give you info about the NWAC telemetry links, did I not?
Bottom line is Crystal management does care. I'm committed to this great mountain and to the skiers/riders who love it as much as I do.
We are way off topic - again - Snowgirl, but your apparently honest attempt to do your job well is admirable. If you go to my post in "Why Crystal Sux" you'll be able to read my issues w/ Boyne, in some detail. Please do so and feel free to respond there. I'm honestly interested in reading your response.
As for this post/thread, PLEASE at least try to include a response to the question posed in the very unscientific poll. Thanks for Scotsman, 3pinz, et al. for staying on or returning to, the topic. Also, PLEASE READ THE DISCLAIMER AT THE BOTTOM OF THE INITIAL POST RE: TERRAIN AND EMPLOYEES. Thanks to you all. Cardog
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kneel turner
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The assumption here is that Hypo has better customer service than Crystal, right? So, the basic ? is "Would you rather ski @ Crystal and have a better customer experience?"
Obvious answer: Yes.
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No, I'm not a telephone solicitor. I ski with my heels free.
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Scotsman
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SnowGirl thanks for the questions. The fact you asked it means a lot.
I think ANDY MArTINS post about sums it up for me.
I would also like a first tracks program similar to Whistler. Breakfast in the summit house at 6.00am and first tracks. I would pay a wee bit extra for that occasionaly.
Concentrate on getting terrain open.
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Chief Etiquette Officer of TAY and TAY's #1 Poster
Poet Laureate of TAY.
Chairman and Founder of FOTAY( Friends of TAY)
Moderator of the moderators.
"Most Brilliant Move" of the 11/12 ski season
" Knows what he is talking about"
Expert Typist.
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Bandit
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Question: If there were another mountain with the same quality terrain, the exact same driving distance from your home as Crystal Mountain - we'll call this mountain "Ski Hypo" - would the way Crystal Mountain's management - Boyne USA - treats you, cause you to ski at "Ski Hypo" instead?
Phrased differently: Are you annoyed enough w/ Crystal's management style - or lack thereof - that you'd take your business elsewhere, if there was an elsewhere that was as good and as close to your home? Have at it.
Disclaimer. I LOVE CRYSTAL"S TERRAIN AND THE EMPLOYEES. THIS IS ABOUT CRYSTAL MANAGEMENT'S TREATMENT OF SKIERS AND RIDERS. Carry on.
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Are you saying the management treats you in a bad way?
I'm not sure I understand your question?
The "management" sell a product to you, you buy it, use it, and have a choice. To buy or not to buy. It's pretty simple.
If you don't like Crystal Mt's product , then you'll have to go buy another mountains product.
There is no hypothetical in skiing. You either ski or you don't.
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If you don't like paying for lift skiing services, go to MRNP, pay $30 for a season pass, and use your leg power to get you up the hill. That is if MRNP opens the road.
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The world is a dangerous place to live - not because of the people who are evil but because of the people who don't do anything about it.
- Albert Einstein
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Bandit
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Now class, you've got to answer the question to get any credit at all. Remember, no hijacking the topic.
"Good grief!" said Charlie Brown. "Can anyone stay on topic?" "Get off the soapbox. and answer the question!"
If you think "Boyne" is treating you bad, then go buy your lift ticket at Alpental, Mission Ridge or Mt Baker. You have a lot of choices. No one is forcing you to ski Crystal.
Oh, maybe the terrain is pulling you there........................
What do you want? A $20 lift ticket and free hot chocolate?
This is 2008, not 1971, when gas used to be 15 cents a gallon.
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The world is a dangerous place to live - not because of the people who are evil but because of the people who don't do anything about it.
- Albert Einstein
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HD
1Member
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Posts: 3
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AndyMartin sums this up perfect.
Snowgirl- Please try to push the discounted tickets during weekday off weather conditons. I just can't take much more 5 dollar of tickets when 45% of the mountain is on windhold.
thanks
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Squakmtn
5Member
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Posts: 54
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I vote to Ski Crystal. They do the best they can with what they are given, though I will say sometimes they leave me with mixed impressions.
Good - adding a fixed lift to more terrain. I wish every resort would take that route instead of adding higher capacity lifts to the same terrain.
Bad - I was there for the wind closure on Thursday, and while I was smart enough to expect it base on telemetry, I was not impressed with 30% of the terrain open with 60% lift price. I think 50% would be much more reasonable...
Ugly - conditions reports. Though in 40 years of skiing the western US I don't remember a single resort that was accurate or completely honest on their reports 
As far as the arrogant patrol: that is a cultural vibe issue with Crystal in general, though I don't believe it's the staff's fault. Skiing there on powder weekends ends up being a microcosm of working in the city during the week; too many skiers competing for too few tracks. That and the continual flaunting of money has driven the resort "upscale" with the odious pay parking which has expanded to take over the whole upper lot. What a bunch of crap!
And I'm sorry, but a first tracks program just reeks of more elitism where only the "in" people with big bucks get first tracks!
The removal of any substantial kid discount makes family skiing there out of reach for the average Joe (though I suspect now that Snoqualmie has been added to the mix the plan is to make that the entry level skier zone and price Crystal for the rich and hopelessly committed skiers only)
OK, off of my soapbox for now...
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Squak MountainEars
"We hear there's powder up there"
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DB_Cooper
5Member
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Posts: 16
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My biggest gripe with Crystal is how unpredictable they are about opening terrain. As a mid-week only skier it does seem that they save it for the weekends. As others have pointed out, you just don't see that happen at other big resorts in the west. Here, it's an almost everyday occurrence.
I was there yesterday (Feb. 8th) and it was about as good as it gets. Campbell was on wind hold at the start, Northway was closed, no bombs going off, and wind not that bad at the top of Rex. Standing in line I hear a Crystal employee on her cell phone saying she had an associate editor of Powder Magazine with her. Within an hour Campbell and Northway are open. Coincidence? I think not. If it was a typical Thursday I doubt that terrain would have gotten opened by noon.
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Kyle Miller
Member
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Posts: 535
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I would also like a first tracks program similar to Whistler. Breakfast in the summit house at 6.00am and first tracks. I would pay a wee bit extra for that occasionaly.
SADLY WE DO ITS 100 DOLLARS AND YOU GET TO START RIDING AT 8 AM AND YOU GET TO RIDE WITH A GUIDE LIKE MYSELF AROUND THE MOUNTAIN FOR TWO HOURS
AND AS LONG AS HYPO CAN GIVE ME GOOD TERRAIN AND THE SKIERS HAD LESS OF A SNOWBOARD PUNK ATTITUDE LIKE CRYSTAL IS INFAMOUS FOR THEN i WOULD BE THERE
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Ditch the splitboard, bring skis and some guns then we'll invite you!
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SnowGirl
5Member
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Posts: 11
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I wonder if Ski Hypo would even be open? Or if the road to get there and back would close without notice due to avalanche danger.
Hmmm. It sure is nice having a mountain you know you can get to especially when there's several feet of fresh snow blanketing the slopes.
Don't get me wrong....I feel very sorry for all the skiers/riders/employees who have been affected by the pass closures and weren't able to take advantage of the new snow. For those who came to Crystal instead we hope you enjoyed your expereince.
I hope our friends up North are all haning in there and will recover from the avi mess. I know patrol at Alpental and Stevens sure have their hands full.
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