Seattle Advice?

[surf88]

Going out for a long weekend this week to visit family. I only have one day to ski. I'ld love to earn some turns but looks like I'll have to settle for Mcskiing since I'm completely unfamiliar with this area. Whats the best lift ticket in driving distance of Seattle. Crystal? Baker? Other? Thanks.

[wooley12]

Ticket prices and distances can be had off the web. Summit East has a new lift setup that goes over the mountain into the BC and new trails this year. Alpental has a great side country off the top of the lift and inbounds avalanches too. You'll need AWD to be sure to get to most places and keep tuned to pass reports by the DOT Here's one link, there are others.

http://i90.atmos.washington.edu/roadview/i90/

When are you going to be there?

[surf88]

Thanks for the link my brother has an xterra so we should be ok for traction.
I guess a better way to put what I'm looking for is: I'm willing to drive 3 hours from Seattle, lift ticket price isnt really a factor, and I only have one day to slide. Anybody who has experience with this area, what place would you choose? Right now I'm leaning towards Baker on Friday.

[skiyak777]

I'd look at the snow conditions when you get there. Baker is good but the snow can be wet and heavy. Sometimes Crystal or Stevens can be better. Crystal also has a backcountry area that you can access from the lifts and a lot of good terrain. Lots of good terrain on the back side of Stevens as well. If you want BC partners go over to turns-all-year and you should have no problem finding someone. (I spent 5 years in Seattle in grad school.)

[wooley12]

If both skiers are double black lovers, Baker or Crystal would be better than Summit for sure. Link to the TAY lift served TR's.

http://www.turns-all-year.com/skiing_snowboarding/trip_reports/index.php?board=3.0

[surf88]

I've been lurking on TAY for a while. Love the vibe on that site. Thanks for pointing me to Alpental that place looks fun. I would love to hit some BC, but the focus of this trip is more family oriented, and my brother is more of your typical resort skiier/snowboarder type with no BC training or experience.
Baker is good but the snow can be wet and heavy
Heavy wet snow sounds fun too, I'm not as much of a snow snob as some people would make me sound. I just like snow that isnt made by machines better on principle.

[wooley12]

Sounds like you need to make a game day decision. I'm sure you'll enjoy either mountain but factor in road conditions and the latest snow beta on the eve of your departure. I'm partial to Summit but a free bed with a hot tub 200 yds from the lift and my struggling intermediate status factors in. I'll be there for 10 days in January yet my host wants to drive 4 hours to Bluewood for powder and no lift lines.

[winters2short]

Pack some little cinnamin sugar donuts from Pike Place market for the ride.
Can't go wrong with that part of the decision.

[Bannick]

Always love Baker but can be wet. Lots of B/C and slack country options all over that place. You could even hike up Baker proper from the south side via Shrieber's Meadow depending on conditions and river flow.

Stevens is fun and there are BC options if conditions permit. Most involve some walking or hitching back out.

I have been to Crystal a couple of times and love it too. They often get it when Baker doesn't.

If Alpental is open that is a decent option too.

Then there is also skinning options a Mt. Rainier. If the weather and conditions are good that would be my bet.

Everything is within 3 hours of Seattle.

You could have a lot of fun

[pulverschwein]

Can't add much to what's been said. I've had a blast at Crystal in all conditions, including whiteouts and the few times I've been to Stevens it's been outstanding.

Most of my time in WA has been spent at Baker, where I was pretty much shut down due to high avy danger and non-existent viz during my last visit about a year ago. If they shut down chairs 1 and 6 in poor visibility (which they do pretty frequently), your options can be very limited. That having been said, for its size, it's one of my favorite resorts anywhere and they do get more snow than just about any place where people ski on the planet (> 10' so far this season).

If you go to Baker, bear in mind that samtheman lives and skis nearby and accordingly may offer you some valuable, real time advice. Also, be sure to stop at Grahams in Glacier for delcious brews and grub apres Baker.

Enjoy.

[wooley12]

Just spoke with my son who has about 500 days of sking in the PNW

Baker - 1000 skiable acres- They groom narrow trails on the slopes. Mostly ungroomed. Snow can be heavy and wet crud. BC type snow inbounds

Crystal - 2600 skiable acres - Well groomed, coloser to Seattle, nice bars.

[surf88]

I'm getting butterflies in my belly. So excited dont think I'll be sleeping much tonight. Its setting up real nice right now. Looks like its gonna be Crystal.

[Bannick]

You better post some pictures!!!! Have fun.

[Telemark]

If it's a clearish day, go for Crystal. The view of Rainer is worth it.

[surf88]

Just got home. Crystal was fun. Fluffy friday mornig, and then wet and heavy in the afternoon.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5244/5260139368_7dcde0e4e5_b.jpg
PS- Check out my new coat. Columbia contacted me through my blog about being a gear tester. I'm field testing this omni-heat coat right now. Free stuff is always good.
If it's a clearish day, go for Crystal. The view of Rainer is worth it
Crystal was pretty whitted out once you left the base No views until I got on the Plane to go home.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5045/5260482919_3e72e9160b_b.jpg

[RR]

Nice Jan!
At this distance the jacket looks good too! Beat the hades out of it and let'em know how it went.

[Bannick]

More photos please!!!!
I love Rainier....we were out there in late october and got chased of the mountain while hiking by the first major storm of the season. I am told the stevens canyon road was closed soon after our departure.