Photo:
Rolf Van De Wal/Pixabay
Here in the lowlands we're still snacking on Halloween candy and sloshing about town in our rain boots. Meanwhile, up in the hills, Mother Nature has whipped up quite a bit of the white stuff! Local ski areas have lots of snow and are opening early — before Thanksgiving. Conditions are early-season, of course, so check snow reports before you head out and plan for stormy driving conditions.
- Crystal Mountain opened Wednesday, Nov. 15 with several of its lifts operating and lift tickets priced at $45, a discounted cost until more lifts open. Youth tickets are currently $35. The snow is 16–38 inches deep and more snow is expected in the coming days.
- Stevens Pass set its opening day for Thursday, Nov. 16, a date which ties for its third-earliest opening day in 80 years of operation. Stevens has a base of 18–29 inches of snow currently and is expecting even more before the 9 a.m. opening Thursday.
- Mount Baker Ski Area near Bellingham also opens Thursday, Nov. 16 with a 52-inch base of snow at its lower areas and 12 inches of new snow accumulating in just the last 24 hours. Check the lift ticket page for prices, including information about Baker's fifth graders ride free program.
- The Summit at Snoqualmie does not have a projected opening date, but it's been snowing. Check the website for updates.
- White Pass announced it's opening for the weekend of Nov. 18–19 with many of its lifts running, but not the Couloir Express, which needs more snow. The area will close for Monday–Wednesday and then re-open Thursday, Nov. 23 — on Thanksgiving. Check out White Pass' third grade free program if there's a third-grader in your tribe.
Happy skiing and boarding!
