12 Ways To Experience 'The Mountain' This Winter
Snow season offers diverse opportunities to experience Mt. Rainier
MT. RAINIER, Wash. -- November 20, 2007 -- In contrast to wildflower hikes of summer, winter activities show off a different side of Mt. Rainier. As freshly fallen snow blankets the rocky slopes, open meadows and evergreen forests, here are 12 diverse ways to experience 'The Mountain' during the snowy months:
1. Share a traditional family outing to find, cut and carry home the perfect Christmas tree. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest sells $5 u-cut permits;
2. Strap on snowshoes (rentals available) for a ranger-guided tour at Paradise on weekends beginning Dec. 22 or a packaged tour on Saturdays at Crystal Mountain;
3. Wax those runners on a Flexible Flyer and race down the slopes at the snowplay area at Paradise, opening Dec. 22, given sufficient snowfall;
4. Be among the first to access 1,000 acres of backcountry terrain from Crystal Mountain's new Northway lift (slated to open mid-December);
5. Glide along new trails in Mt. Tahoma Trails Association's expanded North District, off Forest Service Road 92, at Hwy. 706, one mile west of the Ashford;
6. Climb aboard Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad's Snowball Express and see Mt. Rainier in full winter glory while chugging along in a steam engine-powered passenger train;
7. Ride chairlifts to the newly-remodeled Summit House at Crystal Mountain and watch the sun set on Mt. Rainier while dipping bread in a cheesy fondue;
8. On Mt. Rainier's east side, watch herds of elk gather for winter feedings at the Oak Creek Wildlife Area;
9. Cozy in from a snowstorm or, if clear, view a spectacularly starry night from your window at a historic lodge, or reunite with old friends for a weekend at a ski resort;
10. Cross country ski on well-established trails through wooded areas and around a lake at the Nordic Center at White Pass. Afterwards, warm up with coffee or hot chocolate in a friendly yurt;
11. Indulge in a solo pre- or post-holiday retreat at one of three spas;
12. Bundle up for a tram ride and see native Northwest animals in their lush winter coats at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Eatonville. Afterwards, warm up by a roaring fire or at one of the park's heated discovery centers.
For details on this and more, please access www.visitrainier.com/winter.
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Snow season offers diverse opportunities to experience Mt. Rainier
MT. RAINIER, Wash. -- November 20, 2007 -- In contrast to wildflower hikes of summer, winter activities show off a different side of Mt. Rainier. As freshly fallen snow blankets the rocky slopes, open meadows and evergreen forests, here are 12 diverse ways to experience 'The Mountain' during the snowy months:
1. Share a traditional family outing to find, cut and carry home the perfect Christmas tree. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest sells $5 u-cut permits;
2. Strap on snowshoes (rentals available) for a ranger-guided tour at Paradise on weekends beginning Dec. 22 or a packaged tour on Saturdays at Crystal Mountain;
3. Wax those runners on a Flexible Flyer and race down the slopes at the snowplay area at Paradise, opening Dec. 22, given sufficient snowfall;
4. Be among the first to access 1,000 acres of backcountry terrain from Crystal Mountain's new Northway lift (slated to open mid-December);
5. Glide along new trails in Mt. Tahoma Trails Association's expanded North District, off Forest Service Road 92, at Hwy. 706, one mile west of the Ashford;
6. Climb aboard Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad's Snowball Express and see Mt. Rainier in full winter glory while chugging along in a steam engine-powered passenger train;
7. Ride chairlifts to the newly-remodeled Summit House at Crystal Mountain and watch the sun set on Mt. Rainier while dipping bread in a cheesy fondue;
8. On Mt. Rainier's east side, watch herds of elk gather for winter feedings at the Oak Creek Wildlife Area;
9. Cozy in from a snowstorm or, if clear, view a spectacularly starry night from your window at a historic lodge, or reunite with old friends for a weekend at a ski resort;
10. Cross country ski on well-established trails through wooded areas and around a lake at the Nordic Center at White Pass. Afterwards, warm up with coffee or hot chocolate in a friendly yurt;
11. Indulge in a solo pre- or post-holiday retreat at one of three spas;
12. Bundle up for a tram ride and see native Northwest animals in their lush winter coats at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Eatonville. Afterwards, warm up by a roaring fire or at one of the park's heated discovery centers.
For details on this and more, please access www.visitrainier.com/winter.
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