Steven Pass Ski Resort reopens after power outage
Heavy snow hits WA's Stevens Pass
Heavy snow in the Washington mountain passes turned a dream day on the slopes into a setback for a lot of local skiers.
SKYKOMISH, Wash. - Stevens Pass Ski Resort received nearly two feet of snow in the last 24 hours – exactly what skiers and snowboarders have been hoping for. However, a power outage Wednesday prevented chairlifts from running.
A winter storm warning went into effect Tuesday and remains in effect through Thursday evening, with heavy mountain snow expected. Meteorologists forecast the system to drop between 2 and 4 feet of snow across the Cascades.
Stevens Pass conditions on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026
Is Stevens Pass Ski Resort open today?
According to a Thursday update from the ski resort, power has been restored and is scheduled to open at 9 a.m. Skiers and snowboarders are surely going to enjoy an additional 14 inches of new snow that accumulated while the resort was closed on Wednesday.
Stevens Pass Ski Resort received nearly 2 feet of fresh snow before Wednesday's closure
According to the resort's snow report, they received 20 inches of new snow in the last 24 hours and 35 inches in the last seven days – dream conditions for skiers and snowboarders.
What they're saying:
Unfortunately, a devastating operations update was posted on the ski resort's website Wednesday morning:
"Power is currently out at Stevens Pass, with restoration estimated at 6 p.m. We do not expect to open today and will share an update this afternoon."
The backstory:
The outage adds to what has been a difficult start to the 2025-26 ski season at Stevens Pass. Despite a La Niña winter – which typically brings heavy snowfall to the Pacific Northwest – the resort's opening was delayed. In mid-December, heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding across Western Washington, erasing early-season snowpack.
"It’s been hard to stay positive and optimistic," said Dani Smart, who had to cancel her plans at the ski resort. "We live for this. We work really hard so that we can do this. It’s kind of the goal we strive for, is to be out here."
After the resort opened, flooding and mudslides from the same storm damaged portions of US-2, making access to the mountain difficult.
"It’s a nice reminder that Mother Nature is always going to have the final word. So, the same conditions that bring the good snow, sometimes you’re going to also have some hardships," said Jacob Kaiser, who had to adjust his plans due to the power outage at the ski resort.
What's next:
There is a silver lining for skiers and snowboarders. The winter storm warning is expected to last through Thursday evening. If power is restored by then, skiers and boarders could enjoy several days of deep, untouched powder.
"Snow has arrived, so we’re trying to make the best of it. I’m happy the snow showed up," said Smart, who also runs the Stevens Pass Snowboard Shop.
US-2 Stevens Pass travel conditions in WA
As of 7 a.m. Wednesday, chains are required on all vehicles on Stevens Pass US-2, except those that are all-wheel drive. Oversized vehicles are prohibited. These travel restrictions are for both east and westbound travel.
"We did see people struggling to get over the pass a little bit, only to be met with the resort being closed," said Kaiser, who runs Ascent Basecamp in Skykomish.
WSDOT webcams for Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. All other webcams appear to be offline. (WSDOT)
According to WSDOT, it is lightly snowing on the pass, and there is compact snow and ice on the roadways.
Some WSDOT cameras along this route appear to be offline – likely due to the same power outage the resort is experiencing. On Tuesday, the majority of the cameras were covered in ice or water.
"US 2 Stevens Pass between milepost 64 and 85 (pass summit to Coles Corner) is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with pilot car operations," WSDOT said. Officials say there will be no eastbound through access between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
How much snow did other ski resorts in western WA get?
According to a 5 a.m. post by the National Weather Service, Mount Baker got 19", Crystal Mountain got "14", White Pass got 11", and Snoqualmie Pass got 10".
The Source: Information in this story comes from Stevens Pass Ski Resort's website, the National Weather Service and original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle.
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