ENUMCLAW, Wash. — It’s going to cost you a lot more to both park and ski at Crystal Mountain next season, as season passes have gone up to $700.
Some passholders are saying that Crystal Mountain is becoming a mountain for just the wealthy.
Crystal Mountain says there are benefits to making the ski area a “premium experience.”
Crystal Mountain spokesperson Vivika Stimolous told KIRO 7 that the increase is not intended to gouge skiers, but to thin crowds.
“So, that when you’re at Crystal – you’re not waiting in line. You’re not trying to find a parking spot,” Stimolous said.
Stimolous added the steep increase is not a far cry from prices past. Before Alterra Mountain Company bought the resort, passes cost near $1200.
“We saw overwhelming demand,” Stimolous added, referring to this season’s passes.
Ski buddies Cheri and Kristie have their own theories. “I think what Crystal found out is that they were getting tons more skier hours, but not more revenue,” Cheri said.
Kristie said she wishes the rate hike was more gradual.
Crews will break ground on a five-year expansion project in three weeks, but at a cost.
The $100 million dollar investment will consist of a 100-room hotel, lift and trail upgrades, more employee housing options and 700 additional parking spaces.
Season passes go on sale Thursday morning at 8 a.m.
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