Acquire An Intimate Knowlege Of Crystal Mountain, Wash.

Crystal Mountain is one of the Northwest's largest resorts and, at 2,600 acres, it's the biggest in Washington. So there's a lot of terrain to get to know.

One convenient way is to hook up with Crystal's Guided Mountain Tours, which will give you an insider's look and appreciation of the hill. The resort's mountain guides not only will show how to safely navigate Crystal's expansive off-piste terrain, he or she may even guide you to some secret powder stashes.

The personalized guiding service for groups from two to eight riders cost $58 per person for 2½ hours and $74  a pop for five hours.

Check out the resort's weekly snowshoe tour for a little less extreme, but no less intimate, view of Crystal.

The 2.5-hour tromp, which takes place every Saturday afternoon from now until mid-March, goes through some of Crystal's impressive and pristine backcountry before returning to the base lodge for a cheese fondue dinner.

The tours cost $30 ($50 if equipment is needed) and includes lift service to departure point, guide service, and the aforementioned fondue feast. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (360) 663-3040.

Crystal also has Friday night snowshoe tours available by reservation for parties of 10 or more.