December 19, 2023

Crystal Mountain's new base lodge slaloms closer to finish line

Photos by Brian Miller [enlarge]

The building rises two levels above the lower plaza.

There's not much snow at Crystal Mountain Resort. And, as a result, there aren't yet any hungry crowds clamoring for more food options at the planned Mountain Commons, a 25,000-square-foot food hall that was supposed to open in time for the current ski season.

Demolition and construction began in the summer of 2022, with HHJ as the local builder and architect, working with national design firm Bull Stockwell Allen, of San Francisco.

The exterior and envelope for the two-level building are certainly done. Its handsome CLT mass timber elements are very prominent outside and inside the glassy structure. Crescent-shaped rooflines face the upper and lower plazas — where, on a freakishly warm visit last weekend, people were enjoying the outdoor seating with lunch from the temporary food trucks. The overhead heat lamps weren't working, but neither were they required.

Crystal, which was purchased by Alterra Mountain Co. in 2018, announced last year a phased $100 million investment program. The Mountain Commons, which has replaced the old rental operation, chapel and Right Angle shop, was then estimated to be a $26 million effort. The foundations were in place last season, with the structure peeking above the snow.

HHJ says on its website that, “This project's challenges have mostly been posed by the large amount of snow, which complicated the framing process. Working around the resort's operating hours and cutting beams under the shelter, we've been able to utilize creative solutions while working on this project.”

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Outdoor seating is in place, while restaurant equipment awaits installation.

Crystal says on its website, “We know you are all curious about the opening of the new base area lodge, the Mountain Commons. We are still undergoing construction, and currently plan on opening by the spring of 2024. However, we are working with our crews and Mother Nature to open as soon as we can.”

Behind the construction fencing, kitchen equipment was stacked on palettes outside, awaiting installation. Most of the remaining work looks to be interior-focused. Ceiling fans and HVAC systems look to be done inside. And the lights are on, which is always a promising sign.

The big white yurt, a temporary structure at the base, remains for snacks and boot-tightening. The small Rafters restaurant remains atop the old west Cascade Lodge. (The ski shop has replaced the larger, lower old cafeteria.) The outdoor espresso stand is gone; look for your morning coffee up in the Rafters. And the outdoor Fireside area is newly offering breakfast fare.

Not yet open last weekend, there's also a new yurt for snacks and cocoa at the base of Rainier Express, similar to that on Quicksilver. Also, wherever you eat or graze, Crystal has eliminated cash payments. So make sure to bring a card, or phone with payment app.

On the lower plaza, a new row of kiosks awaits to print pre-ordered tickets. And the new RIFD system for tickets and season passes does work as advertised, meaning a gentle left hip check at the gondola gates — with no more fumbling to remove your gloves and find your pass in some forgotten pocket.

The Mountain Commons team also includes KPFF, civil and structural engineer; DLDT of Georgia, owner's rep; Stantec, MEP, fire and lighting; Berger Partnership, landscape architect; and Jedrziewski Designs of Salt Lake City, kitchen consultant.

Future phases of redevelopment are slated to include a new hotel at the base, and a replacement of the venerable Summit House. There's no announced schedule for that.