Rex Photo Submissions: Celebrating Our Legacy Memory by Memory

REX Photo Submissions

Celebrating Our Legacy Memory by Memory

Written by: Caitlin Habenicht

Image: Jenny Kingland, winner of the 2025 REX photo contest

Well, the mountain has started to shed its winter coat, and summer 2025 at Crystal is shaping up to be one to remember for many reasons. But what we’re most excited about is the long-anticipated replacement of our original lifeline to the summit: Rainier Express.

Yep… after 37 incredible seasons, this beloved and nostalgic chairlift is officially retiring. REX 2.0 has already broken ground and is on track to be complete by December 2025.

For full details on the replacement, stay tuned to our blog this summer and follow our social media channels—we’ll be providing real-time updates on the progress.

Take a peek at some of our favorite photo contest submissions, true gems among the memories you all shared. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

Rainier Express To Be Released Summer 2025

Stay tuned for updates, construction progress, and more on the next chapter of this legendary lift.

Memories from REX

Larry, Julie, and Paul Having Fun at the Top of Rex. Skiing in June.

Photo by Julie Spencer

“I was the Assistant Manager of the Summit House in the 1992-1993 season.“

Photo by Hollie Holmes

“I loved the early morning when it was quiet and beautiful as the team prepared for another fun day serving the skiers.”

Photo by Hollie Holmes

This was a beautiful spring day in April 2021. I loved seeing my shadow every ride up, so I captured this image.

Photo by Kevin Lind

“The photo is of me, my son, husband, and best friend. My best friend’s husband took the photo from the chair behind us. It was January 13th, 2024- one of the record cold days for the season, with expected high winds. But when we got on top of Chinook and took Rex up, the weather turned completely calm. It was the most gorgeous day. My favorite memory on Rex!”

Photo by Shalene Sharlow

“This photo of an evening inversion was taken at the end of the day during my time as a lifty at Crystal. I ran the top of REX often and always enjoyed the sunsets, especially on a clear evening. This was only one of many amazing powder days we had at Crystal. REX was the gateway to the mountaintop, and it was always fun watching powder hounds attack Sunnyside, Doors, and the trees in Memorial, as everyone hooted and hollered from the chair.”