Visitors have a lot to look forward to at Crystal Mountain Ski Area as more chair lift updates are coming, along with a new wastewater treatment plant, all part of the 2004 Crystal Mountain Ski Area Master Development Plan Amendment No. 1.

The U.S. Forest Service has approved the environmental document allowing Crystal Mountain to implement the replacement of the High Campbell Lift, shorten the proposed Bullion Basin Lift and relocate the treatment plant.

“Upgrading the High Campbell Lift will keep skiers on the slopes during high winds,” said winter sports specialist Sean Wetterberg of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. “These larger chairs are more stable during high winds, reducing lift closures,” he said.

Crystal Mountain will also eliminate the skier bridge and shorten the Bullion Basin Lift. Construction of a new intermediate lift will increase the trail system without relocating Crystal Mountain Boulevard. Project activities also include a modern wastewater plant replacing the current facility to accommodate the projected future use at the ski area.

“We are excited that this is done. This will improve the skiing experience at Crystal Mountain,” Wetterberg said.

The amendment to the master development plan for Crystal Mountain has been approved by the Forest Service. This is the final step in the National Environmental Policy Act process that began with an initial public comment period. Wildlife habitat concerns, crowding, transportation, capacity and skier distribution were some of the issues identified in those comments. These issues drove a range of alternatives that were analyzed in the environmental assessment.

The public can view pertinent documents at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/mbs/projects.