The Crystal Mountain Backcountry ski tours were the catalyst that changed my perception of what is snowboarding. On this page is 41 separate trips around the area.
My obsession with the backcountry originally started in the Crystal Mountain ski resort Northback before the ski resort put in the Northway chair. Lapping powder snow with relatively few people. Places like Northway Peak and Morning Glory Bowl had the backcountry feeling within the ski resort.
My obsession with the backcountry originally started in the Crystal Mountain ski resort Northback before the ski resort put in the Northway chair. Lapping powder snow with relatively few people. Places like Northway Peak and Morning Glory Bowl had the backcountry feeling within the ski resort.
Heading to the Crystal Mountain Southback
If the backcountry to the North wasn’t open you could always head towards the Southback. Places like the King and Silver Basin were something special days after a storm still providing powder conditions. As time went on Crystal Mountain was getting more and more popular. Our ski resort backcountry was now lift accessed when they opened the Northback chair. With the crowding of the ski resort I started focusing more on the surrounding Backcountry.
If the backcountry to the North wasn’t open you could always head towards the Southback. Places like the King and Silver Basin were something special days after a storm still providing powder conditions. As time went on Crystal Mountain was getting more and more popular. Our ski resort backcountry was now lift accessed when they opened the Northback chair. With the crowding of the ski resort I started focusing more on the surrounding Backcountry.
Moving to the Backcountry surrounding Crystal Mountain ski resort
I knew nothing about ski touring at first but I had a taste of the backcountry. This is when my perception of Crystal Mountain really started to change. All of a sudden we had endless amounts of ski tours and backcountry in all directions. It you were willing to take the time to figure out a tour you had the backcountry all to yourself. For the next 15 years we would park at the ski resort and get into the backcountry via the Southback or skin from the parking lot. As time went on we were finding ourselves further and further away from Crystal Mountain getting more creative with our ski tours. It is in the Backcountry near the ski resort that I learned everything I could about the backcountry.
Since you are on a Mobile Phone I have the trips listed above the Images.
Sorry about the headache and a full version can be seen on desktop
Backcountry Ski Tours From Crystal Mountain East to North
The Crystal Mountain Backcountry Ski tours to the North and East start from the resort parking lot before heading towards Bullion’s Basin. Once in the basin the Backcountry really starts opening up. You have destinations like East Peak, Crown Point, Cement Basin and beyond. If you are willing to get deeper into the backcountry you will have the area to yourself.
The Crystal Mountain Backcountry Ski tours to the North and East start from the resort parking lot before heading towards Bullion’s Basin. Once in the basin the Backcountry really starts opening up. You have destinations like East Peak, Crown Point, Cement Basin and beyond. If you are willing to get deeper into the backcountry you will have the area to yourself.
What Type of Terrain do These Ski Tours Offer
Most of these tours offer not only great skiing but amazing views of Crystal Mountain as well. Whether you are interested in North facing or South facing slopes this zone has you covered. Be it tree skiing or open chutes once you start understanding the layout of the backcountry you can get numerous different styles of slopes within a single ski tour.
Lake Basin Gullies and Neck Deep Snow
Crown Point South and Amazing Tree Skiing
Bullion Basin Failure and Ride in an Avalanche
Crown Point Milking the Different Aspects
Norse Peak finding good snow on the South Slope
East Peak Powder Frenzy Near Crystal Mountain
East Peak Storm Riding near Crystal Mountain
East Peak Multilap riding the Best Lines
Cement Basin and East Peak Powder Link Up
Ski Tours Beyond the Normal Backcountry
Backcountry Ski Tours From Crystal Mountain South to West
As I write this Crystal Mountain ski resort has changed its policy now not allowing people to ski tour in Silver Basin from 3 Way Peak to the King. This makes it a bit more of a challenge to get into Crystal Lakes Basin but still possible and there is great backcountry back there. If you want short tours the North facing slopes of Silver Basin are a great option. Once going further in the Backcountry you can get out to places like Morse Creek and Sheep Lake Basin, these places offer great snow and great ski tours.
As I write this Crystal Mountain ski resort has changed its policy now not allowing people to ski tour in Silver Basin from 3 Way Peak to the King. This makes it a bit more of a challenge to get into Crystal Lakes Basin but still possible and there is great backcountry back there. If you want short tours the North facing slopes of Silver Basin are a great option. Once going further in the Backcountry you can get out to places like Morse Creek and Sheep Lake Basin, these places offer great snow and great ski tours.
Ski Tours inside Silver Basin
Gunbarrel Ridge in Silver Basin Storm Day
Gunbarrel Area and DogLeg Peak
Dogleg Bowl and Dogleg Chute Ridiculousness
Pickhandle Point South Face Corn Conditions
The Stormtrooper in Crystal Mountain Backcountry
Pickhandle Point West Trees via Bear Gap
Dogleg Peak Winter Base Camping Mission
Pickhandle Point North Swaths by Crystal Mountain
Ski Tours Past the Crystal Mountain Southback
Southback Tour Beyond the Gates of Crystal
Cayuse Pass to Crystal Mountain Ski Tour
Paradise to Crystal Mountain Ski Resort
Mount Aix and Nelson Ridge
Sourdough Gap Chutes into Morse Creek
Crystal Lakes Basin and 3 Way Peak
Sheep Lake Camp and Chinook Pass
Crystal Peak and the Surrounding Terrain to 410
The Desperate Search For Powder in Morse Creek
Sheep Lake Chute and A Epic Sunrise on the King
Sheep Lake Couloir near Crystal Mountain
Morse Creek Ski Touring Outside Crystal
Thanks for Checking Out This Page for Crystal Mountain Backcountry Ski Tours
As you look at these backcountry ski tours near Crystal Mountain you can watch our progression in Splitboarding. It was amazing getting into the backcountry and learning about touring one trip at a time. I hope that this list has given you an idea of the potential within the Crystal Mountain Backcountry. Thanks for visiting the website.