Written by Emma Brice
Setting the standard that Crystal Mountain is a safe and welcoming place for the LGBTQIA+ community to adventure and explore, we are excited to partner with Seattle Pride and QPOC Hikers to host our second annual “MTN Pride: Pride in the Pow” event. We have three days packed with fun for everyone. From beginner ski & ride lessons to lip sync contests and après parties, this is an event that the whole family can enjoy!
QPOC Hikers will kick it off on March 17th with a guided snowshoe tour through the tree-lined trails that neighbor the resort. With experienced guides at your side, discover the winter wonderland of the Cascades and enjoy the mountain in a supportive space while building your outdoor community! After gaining 2,000 feet in elevation up to beautiful Bullion Basin, warm up with tasty drinks and finish the evening with dinner back at the base area. The snowshoe tour starts at 2:00pm and advance tickets are required. 30% of each ticket purchased will be donated to QPOC Hikers. Snowshoes and poles can be rented at Crystal Mountain.
More information and registration: MTN PRIDE Snowshoe Tour, Wine Tasting & Dinner Tickets, Fri, Mar 17, 2023 at 2:00 PM | Eventbrite
Useful tips
- Bring your warm layers and an extra pair of dry clothes, as the weather can change quickly
- Bring a dedicated camera instead of using your phone, the cold can wear out your battery quickly. If you don’t have a camera, bring a phone charger
Gear to Bring
- Base layers (wool or polyester blend)
- Insulated layer (fleece or vest)
- Waterproof jacket
- Hat or beanie
- Warm socks
- Gloves or mittens
- Backpack to keep your essentials
- Waterproof hiking boots or winter boots
The fun doesn’t stop there! If you can’t make the snowshoe tour, join us all day Saturday, March 18th and Sunday, March 19th for a morning mix & mingle and ski and ride beginner group lessons. After skiing, don’t miss our guest Seattle performers Rowan Ruthless, Miss Monday Mournings, and Hoochie Papa when they perform for the drag show and lip sync contests at the Summit!
The beginner group lessons begin at 10am and will be oriented towards first-time skiers and snowboarders. Tickets include a half-day lesson, access to the chair lift, and full day rental gear. All levels are welcome!
We will also have free, daily group rides for people new to Crystal Mountain who want to connect with new ski or snowboard buddies. These groups will meet at 9:30am at Raven Hall and will be guided by volunteers. Skier levels will range from beginner to expert. Each group will ski/ride together for the morning, followed by lunch at the Campbell Basin Lodge.
If you want to enjoy the party but don’t feel like skiing or snowboarding, you can take the scenic gondola up to the summit and meet Mt. Rainier face-to-face. Gondola tickets will be available at Guest Services.
Useful Tips for the Weekend
- Purchase ticket in advance
- Carpool with family or friends!
- Bring your layers and be prepared for changing weather conditions
- If you need rental gear for the group lesson, arrive 60 minutes prior
- Check in 30 minutes early for ski & ride lessons and meet-ups
We are excited to invite everyone to experience this one-of-a-kind event and set the standard that the outdoors are for everyone. There’s no better way to spend a weekend than celebrating in the mountains with new friends, music, performances, and activities. Get stoked and we’ll see you on the slopes!
