Industry News
A fundraising auction hosted by Crystal Mountain has brought in $116,000 to support avalanche forecasting and education in the Pacific Northwest, with proceeds donated to the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC), the ski area announced this week. The funds were raised through the auction of decommissioned chairs from the Rainier Express, a high-speed quad lift that was removed as part of Crystal Mountain’s ongoing infrastructure upgrades. Demand from collectors, longtime passholders, and ski history enthusiasts helped drive the total to six figures.
- Related: Killington, VT, Donates Closing Day Proceeds to Nearby Whaleback Mountain Chairlift Repair Fund
All proceeds will go directly to the NWAC, the regional nonprofit responsible for issuing daily avalanche and mountain weather forecasts across Washington and Oregon. The organization is a key partner for ski areas, guiding backcountry users, and helping outdoor professionals assess risk during the winter months. The NWAC operates a network of field observers and forecasters and runs seasonal education programs aimed at improving decision-making in avalanche terrain. Support from industry partners like Crystal Mountain helps fund both forecasting operations and outreach efforts.
“We can’t thank this team enough for the data they provide to keep us safe and in the know,” Crystal Mountain said in a statement shared on social media.
The auction comes at a time of renewed interest in backcountry travel and avalanche education, as more skiers and riders explore terrain outside resort boundaries. Industry leaders say strong forecasting is essential to keeping that growth sustainable and safe. Crystal Mountain is currently in the midst of a multi-year redevelopment plan, which includes lift upgrades, base area improvements, and expanded summer offerings. The Rainier Express chairs, removed earlier this year, had been in service since the 1990s.
