Latest news with #MatthewDarbous
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Washington's Largest Ski Resort To Replace Aging Chairlift This Summer
Washington's largest ski resort, Crystal Mountain, will replace its Rainier Express chairlift this affectionately as "REX," the high-speed quad chairlift was constructed in 1988, becoming the first of its kind in the state. It delivers skiers to an upper-mountain ridgeline with views of Mt. Rainier. Trails beneath the chair, namely Sunnyside and The Doors, are popular spots for local skiers on powder in June, REX will be replaced with a new high-speed quad manufactured by Leitner-Poma. Crystal Mountain anticipates completing the project in December 2025."Since the original chairlift's debut in 1988, Rainier Express has been a cornerstone of our operations—a symbol of innovation and commitment to our guests. As we look ahead, we're proud to continue that legacy with the investment in a detachable grip quad chairlift," said Matthew Darbous, president and COO of Crystal Mountain, in a press release shared Tuesday. Want to keep up with the best stories and photos in skiing? Subscribe to the new Powder To The People newsletter for weekly honor the departure of REX, Crystal Mountain is asking local skiers to submit their favorite photos of the lift. Every person who submits a picture will be entered into a raffle, and the winner will receive a REX swag bag and have a chance to win one of the REX chairs. "We want to see emotion and points for vintage photos!" a social media post from Crystal Mountain current iteration of REX will stop operating on May 4. The same day, Crystal Mountain is hosting The Last Riders of REX 1988, a retro-themed party at the Midway Yurt between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. that includes contests, live music, and other May, Crystal Mountain will also sell REX's chairs, with the proceeds benefiting the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC). Despite the planned construction of REX's replacement, summer operations at Crystal Mountain, like the Mount Rainier Scenic Gondola and The Flying Raven Adventure Course, will proceed as 2018, Crystal Mountain was purchased by Alterra Mountain Company, the conglomerate known for selling the popular Ikon Pass. The replacement of REX marks the first chairlift project undertaken by Crystal Mountain during Alterra's tenure, according to Lift isn't the only beloved ski lift in Washington scheduled for an upgrade this which hosted its final day of skiing last weekend, is replacing its Edelweiss two-seater with a three-person chairlift. The Riblet two-seater last spun on Sunday and drew quite a crowd of revelers who visited Alpental's slopes to bid it Mountain's final day of skiing this season is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend. Seven-day-a-week operations at the resort conclude on April 20
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Crystal Mountain will stay open through late May
With over 60 inches of snowfall in March so far, Crystal Mountain Ski Resort announced they are extending their ski season to May 26. In a release on Friday, Crystal Mountain says the resort's base reached 126% of the historical average. 'Spring is such an incredible time to be up on the mountain, if you haven't had a chance to check out Crystal Mountain in the spring, this is your season," President & COO of Crystal Mountain Matthew Darbous said. Crystal included the following dates for future openings: April 20th will be the last day for 7-days a week operation. Extended season operating dates: Friday-Sunday April 25-27 and May 2-4, Saturday and Sunday May 10-11 and 17-18, and Friday through Monday for Memorial Day weekend, May 23-26. March 30th is the final day parking reservations are required for the 24/25 season. March 30th is the final day the Enumclaw Crystal Express Shuttle will run for the 24/25 season. Kid's 12 years of age and under ski free in April through the last weekend in April. 3 Day Spring Passes and all 24/25 season pass products will continue to be valid for extended season access, as well as the 25/26 Ikon Pass! Crystal Mountain will build on its headliner spring events with snow beach DJ parties, The Return of the Bikini Downhill for 'every body' April 12th, Pond Skim April 19th and Verde Valley Banked Slalom April 26th-27th.
