With full operations from both base areas, Mt. Baker’s opening devastates El Niño’s claim to a dry year in the Northwest. For the past couple of days I have had numerous missed calls from Mt. Baker photographer Grant Gunderson. Knowing he was calling to rub in the gobs of snow they’ve been receiving, I ignored the calls. Then he sent photos from opening day to reaffirm my suspicions: Mt. Baker opened yesterday with epic conditions. Not only is there a 67-inch base at the Heather Meadows Lodge, but opening day was clear and sunny; a rarity for the usually cloud-concealed Northwest sky.
All chairlifts are running from 9 to 3:30 and adult lift tickets only cost $39. With freezing levels expected to remain low and at least six inches more on the way, Mt. Baker’s opening week compares to the middle of the season for other resorts. With an average season snowfall of 647 inches, this is just the beginning for Washington skiers. Check out more photos from opening day. [mtbaker.us]
