Restaurants cater to both the white-linen and take-out crowds, with rustic dining, a cafeteria and apres-ski lounges in between.

Summit House ($–$$; left), a rustic dining lodge on the mountain, is at the top of the Rainier Express lift (6,872 feet). You'll find gourmet pizzas and pastas along with soups and salads, but the main attraction is the view of Mount Rainier, so close it looks as if you can touch it. If you happen to be at Crystal on an Easter Sunday, join the throngs of skiers and non-skiers alike who ride the chairlift up to the summit for a spectacular and unforgettable sunrise service. The newer Campbell Basin Lodge ($), near the top of the Forest Queen Chairlift, has a nice food court with stations for pasta, soup, grilled sandwiches, burritos and wraps, gourmet pizza and stir-fry.

Back down at the base area, the Alpine Inn Restaurant, (663-7727; $$–$$$), open for breakfast and dinner daily, is a Crystal legend serving fine foods and wines. It's across the wooden footbridge tucked into the woods. The Alpine also serves a great breakfast with traditional eggs Benedict, florentine, rancheros and even a tofu scramble.

The Bullwheel Pub & Grill ($–$$), upstairs in the main base lodge, has full cocktail service, the tastiest burgers at Crystal and a great view of the slopes. The Snorting Elk Cellar ($) downstairs in the Alpine Inn is like a Bavarian Rathskeller. It's always the place to gather after a great day on the slopes. Try to settle in near the cozy fireplace. Dance to the live bands on the weekends if you can squeeze your booty into the crowded, popular bar. The Elk has a terrific selection of microbrews, full cocktail service and expanded food service to the bar from its own Snorting Elk Deli.

Find all your essential grocery, bakery, beer and wine needs at The Market at Crystal Mountain. Bonus: The Espresso stand next to the Market not only serves espresso but every kind of gourmet hot dog you could ever imagine—king dog, queen dog, black dog, Chicago dog, ball park dog, Big Red—you get the picture. Pick your poison.

Dining Legend: $$$$–Entrees $30+; $$$–$20–$30; $$–$10–$20; $–less than $10