ResortHatch

Written By: Caitlin Habenicht

Ski Patrolling for over 30 years at Crystal and guiding in the mountains of Mt. Rainier and Denali. Brent Okita’s journey is a story of adventure, passion, and a lifelong love affair with the mountains. His path, winding through continents and careers, reflects a life lived fully and intentionally. Brent’s love for skiing took root in the Swiss Alps when he was just five years old. Born in California, he grew up in Switzerland and Italy where he developed a deep passion for the mountains at a very young age.

Finding a Home at Crystal Mountain

After college and a ski season in Jackson Hole, Brent states he had heard chatter of Crystal Mountain, as the rumor spread that Crystal Mountain has world-class terrain, Brent set out on a road trip across the U.S. Once arrived at, Brent spent time hiking around the rugged slopes and soon found a home here at Crystal.

Bartending Beginnings

Despite having no true bartending or ski patrolling experience, Brent landed his first job at Crystal as a bartender in 1983. The bar was a lively, two-story establishment featuring some of the best live bands from Seattle, a bustling dance floor, and a fine dining restaurant upstairs. Fridays and Saturdays came alive with music, dancing, and stories shared by skiers and riders. “It was legendary, drawing crowds so large they had to turn people away.” Brent recalls these nights as wild and unforgettable, filled with energy and community spirit.

The Call of the Mountains

Skiing remained central to Brent’s life. He skied every day, balancing his work nights at the bar with early morning skiing. His love for the mountains eventually led him to a job with Rainier Mountaineering Inc. as a climbing guide, and then to ski patrolling at Crystal. Brent’s mountaineering career started when he began guiding on Mt. Rainier in 1986, which opened opportunities to guide and climb all over the world, including Denali, the Alps, Mexico, Antarctica and the Himalayas. As a Senior Guide and Supervisor, he has completed over 590 successful summits of Mt. Rainier. His passion for climbing led him to the world’s highest summit — Mt. Everest. In 1991, Brent summited the North Ridge, retracing the historic route attempted by George Mallory in 1924. A decade later, he returned to Everest as part of the famed 2001 Mallory-Irvine Search Expedition, further cementing his legacy and dedication in mountaineering history. Brent shares Crystal Mountain always remained his home base. It’s also where he met his wife, a fellow ski patroller who now works with the Forest Service

Legacy and Community

Decades later, Brent remains deeply connected to the Crystal Mountain community. His journey continues to inspire the next generation of ski patrollers and mountain adventurers at Crystal Mountain. Those who work, ski and ride on the slopes today often hear of Brent’s legendary ascents and leadership. His enduring passion for the mountains serves as a living reminder that a life of purpose, adventure, and community is always within reach.