With more storms hitting the region snow is accumulating in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. Additional resorts have announced operations for an early start to the 2017-2018 winter season.
Here is a rundown:
WASHINGTON
49 Degrees North will be open for weekend operations Friday, November 17 through Sunday, November 19, 9 am to 3:30 pm for weekend operations. For the current operations and conditions go to: http://www.ski49n.com/snow_report.php or contact Eric Bakken, [email protected] or 509-935-6649 ext. 603.
Crystal Mountain announced their opening with 3 lifts on Wednesday, November 15 with three lifts – Discover, Chinook Express & Forest Queen Express – operating from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Services available will be The Cascade Grill and Chinook Cafe starting at 7 a.m. for breakfast and The Bullwheel will open at 10:30 a.m. for lunch and a full bar. Campbell Basin Lodge will be open for access to restrooms only. Right Angle Sports, rentals and Bootworks will also be open. For the current operations and conditions go to: https://crystalmountainresort.com/the-mountain/current-conditions/ or contact Tiana Anderson, 360-663-3012 or [email protected].
Mt Baker is opening on Thursday, November 16 with both base areas, three lodges and six chairlifts operating to start the day: chairs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 7. Depending on conditions they are hoping to open chairs 6 and/or 8 later in the day on opening day. For more information go to https://www.mtbaker.us/snow-report or contact Amy Trowbridge, [email protected] or 360-734-6771.
Mt Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park announced it will open on Friday, November 17 through Sunday, November 19, 9 am to 4 pm for weekend operations with 10 groomed runs and terrain park features. Chairs 2, 3, & 5 will be operating Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as well as for the next weekend Friday, November 24 through Sunday, November 26. For more details about operations and conditions go to http://www.mtspokane.com/snowreport or contact Brenda McQuarrie, brenda@mtspokane.com
or 509-238-7011;
OREGON
Mt Bachelor has planned its opening for the 2017-2018 winter season on Saturday, November 18. Conditions permitting, three lifts – Pine Marten, Skyliner and Sunshine Accelerator – will operate from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm providing access to terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. A limited selection of guest services will be available opening weekend including food and beverages, equipment rentals, lessons and the Gravity Sports shop. Nordic Center will also plan to open for the season Saturday, November 18 with grooming planned for the upper Nordic trails. For more information on operations and conditions go to http://www.mtbachelor.com/conditions-report/ or contact Drew Jackson, [email protected] or 541-693-0953.
Timberline is operating lifts 7 days a week from 9am-4pm, conditions permitting. For more details and conditions go to: http://www.timberlinelodge.com/conditions/ or contact John Burton, [email protected], (503) 272-3345.
IDAHO
Lookout Pass will open for weekend operations Friday, November 17 through Sunday, November 19, 9am-4pm. Rentals and lessons will be available. The base lodge will be open for food service, and the bar serving those 21 and older. For more information go to http://www.silvermt.com/snow-report or contact Matthew Sawyer, [email protected] or 208-744-1301.
Schweitzer Mountain Resort season is opening this weekend, Saturday & Sunday, November 18 & 19 with limited operations and guest services, operating Basin Express and Musical Chairs only. The resort will close mid-week, Monday, November 20 through Friday, November 23 then reopening Friday, November 24 through Sunday, November 26 for the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend. Monday, November 27 through Thursday, November 30 the resort will close and re-open on Friday, December 1 to begin full seven-day winter operating schedule. More details on operations and conditions at https://www.schweitzer.com/explore/snow-report/ or by contacting Dig Chrismer, [email protected] or 208-255-3031.
Many of the resorts in the Northwest are evaluating their current snow depths and watching the weather forecasts to determine when they will be opening. PNSAA will send updates as more resorts announce their opening dates. For the most up-to-date information on your favorite resort, please visit their website.
The Pacific Northwest Ski Areas Association is a non-profit trade association, which represents the interests of 35 ski and snowboard facilities located in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, and California. The Association’s member ski areas – most of which operate on public land – collectively host an estimated 5.1 million visits annually. For additional information on Pacific Northwest skiing and snowboarding, contact the PNSAA office at (877) 533-5520, or visit www.pnsaa.org to link to the website of your favorite mountain.