An end to Crystal Fest as we know it...

From Scotsman:  "I believe that only the gondola and GV lift will operational"

You are assuming I know what I'm talking about( a valid assumption nevertheless because 98.37% of the time , I am). Somebody needs to check that this is correct with CM management.

Updated info posted yesterday:

www.crystalmountainresort.com/News/1233/...Go-On-Sale-April-1st

New info highlighted in bold:

Spring Skiing Schedule

April 21 to April 30 (Thursday-Sunday)
May 6 to May 22 (Friday-Sunday)
May 27 to May 30 (Saturday-Monday) Memorial Weekend
June 4 to June 12 (Saturdays & Sunday only)
Lifts will include the Mt. Rainier Gondola, Green Valley & Rainier Express. Possibly others too if conditions allow. All operations are weather and conditions permitting.

Starting June 17th we’ll be open daily for summer operations!

Season Pass Spring Special (rates valid until May 31st)
All 2010-2011 winter season passes expire on Sunday, April 17th. Purchase your 2011-2012 winter season pass during the spring special and it will include our new spring skiing season. Win-win!!


Spring Pass

Valid April 1, 2011 to June 12, 2011
Spring Special Rates: (valid until May 31)
Adult 18-69: $149
Youth 11-17: $139
Senior 70+: $109
Child 0-10: $29


Bronze Crystal Pass

Valid anytime at Crystal during the 2011-2012 winter season.
Includes Bronze Boyne benefits!
Gondola upgrade optional.
ADDED VALUE: Includes spring skiing (April 1, 2011 to June 12, 2011)!
Spring Special Rates: (valid until May 31)
Adult 18-69: $599 (no longer need to buy in groups of 4)
Youth 11-17: $499
Senior 70+: $299
Child 0-10: $50* *Must be purchased with an adult Bronze pass.


Gold Peak to Summit Pass

Valid anytime at Crystal & The Summit during the 2011-2012 winter season. Includes gondola access.
Also includes Gold Boyne benefits!
ADDED VALUE: Includes spring skiing (April 1, 2011 to June 12, 2011)!
Spring Special Rates: (valid until May 31)
Adult 18-69: $849
Youth 11-17: $749
Senior 70+: $449
Child 0-10: $79* *Must be purchased with an adult Gold pass.


Spring Hours & Operations

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Last upload 3:00 p.m.
Last download 3:30 p.m.

The Mt. Rainier Gondola, Green Valley & Rainier Express lifts will be in operation while conditions allow. Chinook Express & Forest Queen are also a possibility (depending on conditions). Operations will vary based on the snow pack. We would like to open as much as possible for as long as possible!

I don't want to assume, so I'll ask:
"Does the spring pass come with Gondola privileges, or will you have to pay extra for that?"

I can see it now.  "Sorry sir, your pass is only good for chairlift access.  You'll have to hike to mid mountain, or purchase a gondola upgrade.  BTW, hiking is not allowed due to high winds"   :-[

Crystal Fest can live on then...  As you all know, Crystal Fest is held in Campbell basin.

So the human powered elite, can still congregate unencumbered by the lift served glutants!  Long live TAY Crystal Fest!

So as I understand it, when the ski area is in operation they can say which runs are open/closed and if you ski in a closed area you get your pass pulled. With the Spring operation, technically skinning/skiing anywhere within the bounds of the ski area(in a closed area e.g. Campbell Basin, A-Basin or even Northback) would get you chased down by one of the Red coats?
I wish someone at Crystal could explain the rules and be consistent about it- we watched someone doing laps over in DFF on Monday (Southback closed) so this would be illegal correct? Well, we asked ski patrol and the guy said they couldn't do anything about it if we were crazy enough to go out there (not that we had any plans to, that was not the point, we were just curious) The ski Patrol said that was National Park ???

Hm, let's hear what Joe can say about this?

Ahhhh, I see many of you have already thought about the logistics of "Crystal Fest." This subject came up at the CM today. No one knows (not that I could find) what chairs will be open for the spring season. I say Crystal Fest goes on! (fist raised in the air)

There are plenty of options - If FQ is not open - I don't think anyone cares who skins up where and with what. Or there is always Silver Basin and Party Knoll (any knoll is a party knoll in Silver Basin). Or any other thoughts... We even thought of continuing at CB Lodge even if FQ is open. With everyone skinning up it would draw attention and it could be a fund raiser for NWAC or TAY. Take advantage of people with wallets. There are lots of options. I say we call it - Crystal Fest continues somewhere at Crystal to be determined. It is usually the 2nd weekend after Crystal closes, that would be Sunday May 1st. Who's with me? All that said - I may have to work that weekend 'cuz the mnt will be open. Jeez.