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

Oh, and I always heard the Elk migration/mating thing was determined by local tribes. Could be wrong, just one more rumor to add in.

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 ???

"Crystal" responds:

Like most larger ski areas, Crystal has a website (skicrystal.com) with a “Safety Page” found under “The Mountain” drop-down list. (It’s almost like a conspiracy or sumthin’!) A number of things you mentioned are explained there, including closures and boundaries. (And keep in mind that some things in the ski biz seem inconsistent, because they’re based on the weather and the behavior of other people, both of which are tricky to predict.)

Basically, a Closure is an area made off-limits due to safety concerns. A Boundary is the edge of ski area operations—beyond it, hazards aren’t marked, avalanches aren’t controlled, machinery may be operating without warning, etc. Since Crystal has a policy of open boundaries, people confuse “outside of boundaries” with “out of bounds”. In sports, out-of-bounds refers to area where play is “illegal” according to the rules of the game. But going outside of Crystal’s boundaries isn’t “illegal” except at the Kemper’s avalanche path Permanently Closed Area. And skinning inside the ski area isn’t “illegal” either, as long as you stay off to the side of ski trails, safe from downhill traffic and skiers exiting from the trees, and out of closed areas.

I’m not going to address your concerns exhaustively here….that’s what the referral to the website is for. I’m sorry you cornered a patroller who thinks Damn Fine Forest is in the National Park (Seriously? I hope it’s one of the brand new volunteer candidates!) but if our publicized policies aren’t making sense to you, stop by the patrol office and we’d be happy to chit-chat with you.

Bummer - I was expecting the new post was a date-and-time for CF 2011

So anyone has suggestions?

Cheers
Ivo

It's pretty clear from Crystal's response:
"And skinning inside the ski area isn’t “illegal” either, as long as you stay off to the side of ski trails, safe from downhill traffic and skiers exiting from the trees, and out of closed areas."

Crystal fest can happen... on schedule... in bounds... during operating hours.

I bet if we comunicated with Crystal/Patrol, and TAYer's behaved themselves, : this could be fun, and provide a great opportunity to discuss, and clarify each side's opinions and concerns regarding access.

Just stopped @ Safeway to pick up a shrimp platter for Sunday. I plan to start up sometime around 10a w/ shrimp, Fireball, and hopefully a bunch of other silly people walking uphill. For anyone wanting to stay away from crowds - Boondoggle, TLC (area), Damn Fine Forest could be an option and a prettty walk.

Oh heck, ill even grab a baby keg of Heiniken so we have a keg.

One more reason to be there... the Tiki Bar will be @ the top of the king from noon on. The "fest" can migrate up hill.