Skiing at Crystal Mountain
With a promising winter weather forecast and snow already falling
in the mountains, Washington and Oregon ski operators have put the
finishing touches on improvements to their trails, lifts,
facilities and programs.
In Washington, Crystal Mountain, located on the border of Mt.
Rainier National Park, has installed the Northway chairlift,
dramatically increasing its uphill lift capacity and providing
access to approximately 1,000 acres of skiable terrain.
Mission Ridge, 12 miles south of Wenatchee, is touting its
high-speed quad, which cuts ride time almost in half. For
infrequent skiers and riders looking for a deal, the new Bomber
Card priced at $59 provides the first lift ticket free and $5 off a
weekend ticket ($10 off a midweek ticket). The resort’s expanded
lesson center features specialized snowboard equipment and lessons
for all ages.
Mt. Spokane has updated its lodges, providing free Wi-Fi. It
doubled the capacity of its tubing hill and added two runs to the
back side of the mountain. Skiers like its location, 28 miles from
Spokane.
“You can deplane at the airport and, in under an hour, be ready
to take that first breathtaking run,” said Mt. Spokane marketing
manager Charlie Karavitis.
Summit at Snoqualmie, 52 miles east of Seattle, has remodeled
its food and beverage area at Summit Central, graded its slopes for
better downhill conditions, added a new roof at Summit West’s
Alpenhaus and bought 350 pairs of new rental skis.
Ready for snowboarding at the
Summit at Snoqualmie.
The coming season marks the 70th anniversary of Stevens Pass.
Stevens Pass, 78 miles from Seattle, is now 100 percent
wind-powered.
“Through a partnership with the Bonneville Environmental
Foundation, we can offset all of our global warming pollutants,
equating to 8.7 million pounds annually,” said Stevens Pass
marketing supervisor Nate Escalona.
At Mt. Baker Ski Area, Seattle artist Tony Angel has created new
Raven Greeters bronze sculptures for the entrance to the White
Salmon base area. Perched atop a 90-foot columnar basalt wall, the
ravens are the latest addition to a collection of Northwest art at
the resort, situated 2½ hours northeast of Seattle.
Winter Carnival, the signature event at White Pass, takes place
this season, March 1-2. Crowds come from around the region for the
festivities, which include a snow sculpture competition, games,
races, torchlight parade, fireworks, live music and a medieval
feast. Fifty miles west of Yakima, White Pass lays claim to 58
condominium units between its alpine ski area and Nordic
Center.
In Oregon, Ski Anthony Lakes has come up with the Friday Four
Pack, providing four Fridays of skiing for $79 per person. Clients
must purchase the promotional vouchers by Dec. 24 in order to use
them from Jan. 1-March 28. For clients ages 4-6, the resort is
introducing a new Kids Kamp with rentals, lessons and snow play. A
two-hour session costs $45 per child; two sessions cost $80.
With the start of the ski season on Mt. Hood, Timberline Ski
Area is inviting clients to explore its new Still Creek Basin.
“We are opening the lower portion of our permitted ski area that
lies between the Pucci and Stormin’ Norman chairlifts,” said
Timberline spokesman Jon Tullis. “This network of ski trails is the
largest and most exciting development of new Timberline terrain
since the 1970s.”
Clients will want to take a ride on the new Still Creek Basin
high-speed quad, Mt. Hood’s longest chairlift.
Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort constructed a new LEED-certified
patrol headquarters building near the top of South Canyon, and it
also remodeled the North Lodge, including the first floor
restrooms. The Yellow chairlift was refurbished as well.
Mt. Bachelor completed an extensive grading project where the
Getback Trail merges with Chipper to improve the return to West
Village. In addition, recontouring of the top portion of the
Slopestyle Arena means clients can enjoy more consistent grades and
improve their jump placement.