49 Degrees North Adding New Intermediate Run

Sun., Nov. 22, 1998

By Oliver Staley olivers@spokesman.com

Big changes at 49 Degrees North may be hard to find this season.

But small improvements are everywhere. They date back to 1996, when the small mountain near Chewelah, Wash., changed management.

Changes include brushing efforts that free up more of the slopes for skiers and snowboarders, a grading effort that should keep the lodge from flooding every spring, and a new roof and paint job for the lodge.

“Nobody notices a lodge that’s painted, but everyone notices a lodge that isn’t painted,” said John Eminger, who is entering his third year as the owner of 49 Degrees North.

The most noticeable change this season, however, will be a new, yet-to-be named intermediate run - the eighth run Eminger has added to the hill since taking over.

Other additions include a new groomer and a $45,000 machine called a Pipe Dragon, which piles snow into a half-pipe for snowboarders.

With 49’s emphasis on family, Eminger said improved snowboarding terrain should keep the teenagers content.

“When I buy something like that, I’m not looking to increase visitors, I’m looking to keep people happy,” Eminger said.

Information: 49 Degrees North is about 90 minutes north of Spokane on Highway 395. Tickets: adults $28; students (16-and-up with ID) and seniors $22; juniors (7-15) $20; 6 and under free. Midweek discounts. Child care: midweek, non-holiday free; weekends $3.50 an hour. Lessons: Free beginner lessons, private lessons $28 one hour. Various packages available. Nordic: 5k groomed. Snowmobile trails also available. Contact: snow phone, (509) 880-9208; general information, (509) 935-6649. E-mail: ski49n@ski49n.com. Web site: www.ski49n.com.

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