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Crystal Ridge Express Area

Map of the Crystal Ridge Express Chairlift area on Blackcomb

The Crystal Ridge area on Blackcomb.  Image Source: Whistler Blackcomb Trail Map

The Crystal Ridge Express Chairlift area is on the northern edge of Blackcomb and offers some great tree-lined Blue runs, Black runs, and Black glade skiing options.  Access to this area is via the Crystal Ridge Express Chairlift, which ends just into the open alpine zone of the mountain. Rumor has it that Crystal Ridge gets its name from the crystal-like powder snow that is often found here on a fresh snow day.   When visibility is low in the alpine zone on Blackcomb, the tree lined runs of the Crystal Ridge area are a good alternative to consider.

 

With its Blue and Black runs and off-piste and glade areas, this is a great area for intermediate and expert skiers. There are also challenging unmarked Black runs and glade areas for expert skiers.

 

Maps

 

Gondolas/Lifts
  • Crystal Ridge Express Chairlift: This is the four-person chairlift that services the Crystal Ridge Express Chairlift area. You can access the Crystal Ridge Express Chairlift area either via Crystal Traverse (Blue) from the top or at the bottom via Crystal Glide (Blue) from the Glacier Creek Lodge area.

 

Lodges/Huts
  • Crystal Ridge Hut: Crystal Ridge Hut is the small hut at the top of the Crystal Ridge Express Chairlift. It offers limited food, snack, and drink options but is famous for its waffles. This hut also has a small outdoor deck with amazing views on a clear day. Sitting on the deck in the afternoon sun is a wonderful way to take a break in the afternoon. There are washrooms in a separate building next to this hut.

 

Main Routes
  • Crystal Road: Crystal Road is the main and only Green run in this area. It starts behind the Crystal Ridge Hut, curves underneath it, and then continues to work its way around and down through the Crystal Ridge Express Chairlift area. Crystal Road ends at the Glacier Creek Lodge area where it connects with the top of Green Line.

  • Ridge Runner: Ridge Runner is one of the main Blue runs in the Crystal Ridge area. It starts at the top of the Crystal Ridge Express Chairlift and runs down to Blackcomb Glacier Road (Blue), which then leads over to the bottom of the Crystal Ridge Express Chairlift.

  • Rock’n’Roll: Rock’n’Roll is the other main Blue run from the top of the Crystal Express Chairlift down through the Crystal Ridge area to the bottom of the chairlift. It starts at the top of the Crystal Ridge Express Chairlift, curves back and forth across the front of this area and ends at the bottom of the Crystal Ridge Express Chairlift.

For more specific details about this area (and other areas) on Whistler Blackcomb check out my Whistler Blackcomb Guidebook ... 

View from the Crystal Hut Deck in the Crystal Ridge area of Blackcomb

View from the Crystal Hut deck in the Crystal Ridge Express area of Blackcomb Mountain.  Image Source: Nick Jones

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