La Niña boosts Seattle skiers' dreams
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A skier stands atop a snow-covered ridge at Snoqualmie Pass. Photo: Josef Scaylea/Corbis via Getty Images
With temperatures dropping and winter on its way, Seattle's ski season is just around the corner.
Why it matters: Seattle-area ski resorts are hoping the predicted La Niña delivers colder temperatures and ample snow.
- This boost could be a relief after last year's warmer winter, which featured record low snowpack and delayed the opening of some resorts.
State of play: Snow has already begun to accumulate on Washington's peaks, with Stevens Pass reporting 15 inches at 4,800 feet, Crystal Mountain receiving 20 inches at 6,000 feet, and Mount Baker boasting 31 inches at 4,200 feet, according to Michael Fagin, who writes the Powder Poobah snow alerts.
- With a few strong weather systems approaching, the forecast is calling for up to 30 inches of new snow at 4,500 feet and higher from Sunday through next Thursday, he said.
- Ski resorts including Stevens Pass, Snoqualmie and Crystal Mountain are likely to open later this month or in early December if conditions hold.
What they're saying: "Everybody likes them to be open by Thanksgiving, and there's certainly a chance this year," Fagin told Axios.
The big picture: A recent statistical analysis by the Northwest Avalanche Center found that during a weak La Niña year, ski areas typically receive close to 100% of their normal snowpack.
- Last year's El Niño season — which generally brings drier, warmer winter conditions to the Pacific Northwest — saw only about 60% of normal snowfall, per Fagin.
- While the coming La Niña is expected to be weak, a shift to moderate could bring snowpacks up to 120% of normal, said Fagin.
- That's good news, not just for skiers but for the whole state, much of which remains under an emergency drought declaration.
Zoom in: Seattle's closest skiing options (within a two-hour drive from downtown) offer a range of experiences, from challenging expert runs to family-suitable slopes.
The Summit at Snoqualmie
With nearly 2,000 skiable acres, 24 lifts and four distinct areas, Summit offers terrain for all levels of winter sports enthusiasts, from steep and deep runs at Alpental to Summit West's lessons and Summit East's Nordic and snowshoe trails.
- Price: On sale through Nov. 12, unrestricted passes range from $179 for the cross-country trails to $929 for the Alpental Plus.
Crystal Mountain
Located at the northeast corner of Mount Rainier National Park, Washington's largest ski resort features 2,600 acres of terrain, over 2,400 of vertical feet to explore and a gondola with breathtaking views that transports visitors to the summit.
- About half the runs are ranked intermediate, making it a solid choice for winter sports enthusiasts of varying skill levels.
- Price: Afternoon passes are $319 and an adult IKON pass (which can be used at other resorts) is $1,449.
Stevens Pass
Slated to open on Dec. 6, Stevens Pass offers beginner-friendly groomed trails, cross country runs, advanced slopes and night skiing on 1,125 acres, west of Leavenworth on Highway 2.
- Price: An unrestricted adult pass is $1,047 through Nov. 17, after which prices go up.