Here's when ski resorts in western WA are planning to open
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The forecast headlines include strong winds, widespread rain, and heavy mountain snow in the Cascades starting Tuesday afternoon through early Wednesday.
WASHINGTON - Snow is stacking up in the mountains across western Washington, and skiers and snowboarders want to know if this year's La Niña winter will bring enough snow to shred by Thanksgiving.
FOX 13 Seattle reached out to every ski resort in the area about target opening dates, and how much snow is needed to open.
Keep reading to learn about opening-day plans at Stevens Pass, White Pass, Mt. Baker, Hurricane Ridge, Crystal Mountain and The Summit at Snoqualmie.
According to the 10-year average opening dates from Ski Central, some local ski resorts open as early as Nov. 25, while others open around early to mid-December. Here's what the major resorts in western Washington are saying:
When will Stevens Pass open for the 2024 ski season?
Stevens Pass is opening a week earlier than expected! Opening day is now Friday, Nov. 29.
"We’re so excited to kick off the 2024/25 ski and ride season a full week earlier than planned," said Ellen Galbraith, VP & GM of Stevens Pass. "With the recent snowfall we received and a promising forecast for this winter, we are looking forward to another fantastic season. The team here has been working incredibly hard, and we are all ready to welcome our community back for another amazing season at Stevens Pass."
As of 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 25, Stevens Pass is reporting a 36-inch base with 19 inches of new snow in the last week.
When will White Pass open for the 2024 ski season?
White Pass is scheduled to open on Friday, Nov. 22 with conditions permitting. Friday is open to season passholders only. Saturday and Sunday tickets will become available for purchase beginning Wednesday afternoon.
White Pass typically waits until there is adequate snowpack, or close to adequate with a favorable weather forecast. Ideally, White Pass needs a 36-inch base to open. Normal opening is closer to 30 inches. In cases where White Pass is struggling to open, the resort would consider a limited opening in the 24-inch range. The key is base depth rather than summit depth, since the summit is always deeper.
Here are White Pass's snow totals as of 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19:
- New snow (past 24 hours): 13 inches
- Base depth: 16 inches
- Summit depth: 40 inches
When does Mt. Baker open for the 2024 ski season?
Mt. Baker Ski Area will open on Wednesday, Nov. 20 for ‘Baker Passholder Day’. This is for season passholders only. Opening day for the public is Thursday.
The resort says the Heather Meadows area will be running Wednesday through Friday this week with Chair 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 running. The resort is hoping to open Chair 5 by Wednesday.
As of Nov. 19, Mt. Baker's Snow Report shows 8 inches of new snow in the past 24 hours, and 22 inches in the past 48 hours. The Heather Meadows area is reporting 65 inches of snow, which is 45 inches more than last week. The Pan Dome area has 79 inches of snow, which is 53 inches more than last week.
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When does Hurricane Ridge open for the 2024 ski season?
FOX 13 Seattle reached out to Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area, and learned they are hopeful to open by Dec. 8. The resort needs about 36 inches to open, and they need about 48 inches to open the backside.
Hurricane Ridge says opening day is really dependent on where the wind blows the snow and the quality of where it lands.
According to Hurricane Ridge's snow report , there are 35 inches of snow at the observation station.
When does Mission Ridge open for the 2024 ski season?
Mission Ridge Ski and Board Resort announced they will open the 2024-25 winter season on Saturday, Nov. 23. This marks the 12th time in 23 years that the resort was able to open on or before Thanksgiving.
For opening weekend, skiers and boarders will have access to the following chairlifts from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.:
- Chair 1
- The Wenatchee Express (Chair 2)
- Chair 3
- More chairlifts could open if conditions allow
Mission Ridge Mimi Webcam (Nov. 14, 2024)
When does Crystal Mountain open for the 2024 ski season?
Crystal Mountain announced the resort will kick off its 2024-25 winter season with a limited opening for Ikon Pass and Crystal Mountain pass holders on Friday, Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The resort will open to the public on Nov. 23 and Nov. 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Additionally, the new Mountain Commons Lodge with improved amenities will be unveiled, and guests can expect terrain enhancements as well as updated food and beverage options throughout the resort.
Crystal Mountain webcams taken at 3:20 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21
For opening weekend, skiers and boarders get top-to-bottom access from the following chairlifts:
- Green Valley
- Quicksilver
- Discovery
- Forest Queen Express
- Rainier Express
- Chinook Express
PHOTO: Mount Rainier taken from Crystal Mountain on Oct. 29, 2024, by @matt.smolinski.
When does Snoqualmie, Alpental open for the 2024 ski season?
The Summit at Snoqualmie is gearing up to kick off the 2024-25 ski season with a highly anticipated opening this Tuesday. Dec. 17, at Summit West.
Thanks to a significant snowfall over the weekend, which doubled the resort's base depth, Summit at Snoqualmie is ready to welcome skiers and snowboarders back to the mountain. The opening day will be exclusive to Summit and Ikon passholders.
"We're stoked to share that winter 2024-25 is finally here," the resort said in a statement. "We can't wait to get the lifts spinning and welcome you back to your home mountain."
The planned lifts for opening day will include Pacific Crest, Little Thunder, Julies and Dodge Ridge. There are also plans to open a carpet lift, though Wildside will remain closed for now. The resort expects to open Wildside as soon as conditions improve.
Summit West will operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, with lift tickets available for purchasing starting Wednesday, Dec. 18.
Guests can expect a festive atmosphere on opening day, with first chair prizes and additional celebrations planned at Pacific Crest.
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