Mountain Layout—Skiing

Experts may only see one-third of the trails designated for them, but they'll find their real thrills in the backcountry terrain here. Seven days a week (conditions permitting), a shuttle bus picks up at the backcountry return every half hour. And there's something to be said for skiing and riding a mountain dwarfed by nearby 14,410-foot Mt. Rainier. Here's a detailed trail map.

Expert, Advanced: Black-diamond runs are a whopping 30 percent of the terrain. That high percentage is because of the 1,300 skiable acres in the inbounds backcountry areas. It's the kind of terrain that is out of bounds at most ski areas—woods, chutes and steep bowls. With the new winch-cat groomers, expect to see corduroy on runs like Iceberg Gulch, Green Valley and Deer Fly. [TOP]

Intermediate: Blue runs make up another 57 percent of Crystal's 2,600 acres. However, runs are fairly short, such as Lucky Shot, Little Shot and Gandy's Run, all from Summit House. For a longer run, ski Green Valley from the right of Summit House to the base of the Green Valley chair and continue to the base area on Kelly's Gap Road. [TOP]

Beginner, First-timer: Beginners can have fun on Broadway and Skid Road, both served by the new base-area lift, The Chinook Express. First-timers have their own Meadow and Fairway runs served by Discovery chair. Child novices now have a "moving carpet" lift called the Kid Conveyor instead of a handle tow. [TOP]