Washington Mountains Are Upgrading Services, Adding New Lifts And Renting Ski Toys To Heighten Your Adventure

Snow began falling at Washington ski areas this month, part of the 300 to 750 inches that annually fall on the state’s ski areas.

Several resorts start the season with new chairlifts and other mountain services for skiers and boarders. Several now have snowshoe trails, inner-tubing hills, Snow Bike rentals, new half pipes and more.

A ski pass good at all Washington ski areas and resorts is available for $1,000. For details, call (206) 623-3777.

The Ski Washington Web site - www.skiwashington.com - features the Northwest Ski Report and links to the state’s ski areas. The site also provides daily weather and road reports.

Many areas require a Washington Sno-Park permit, $8 per vehicle per day or $20 for the season. A Washington Sno-Park permit is accepted in Oregon and Idaho. However, a Washington state-licensed vehicle must display a Washington Sno-Park permit when using a Washington Sno-Park area.

Washington Road Reports detail mountain pass conditions at (800) 685-7623.

Crystal Mountain

Crystal Mountain has spent the past three years upgrading the Cascade Mountains ski area. New this year is a $2 million Green Valley high-speed detachable lift that joins nine other lifts that service the 1,300 acres of ski terrain.

The quad accesses the Green Valley like the old lift it replaces, yet cuts the ride time down to about 2.5 minutes.

When Boyne USA purchased Crystal Mountain in 1997, the ski corporation poured in $8 million in upgrades and renovation.

In 1997 Crystal Mountain became the first ski area in the Northwest to install a six-passenger, high-speed chairlift, the Forest Queen Express. A second six pack, the Chinook Express, speeds out of the base area and has reduced lift lines at peak periods of the day.

Crystal Mountain’s 3,100-foot vertical drop includes 1,000 acres of out-of-bounds terrain. The summit elevation of 7,012 feet assures cold snow and a long ski season.

Crystal opened Thanksgiving. Ski lifts operate daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays through Sundays.

Location: 76 miles east of Seattle, 12 miles northeast of Mount Rainier, and 39 miles from Enumclaw via Highway 410. Tickets: adult $40; junior (11-17) $35; senior (70+) $10; children 10 and under free with paying adult, otherwise, $20. Lessons: group $35; private $65 an hour; lesson reservations, (360) 663-3030 or e-mail lessons@skicrystal.com. Nordic: none. Snow phone: (888) SKI-6199. General information: (360) 663-2265. Reservations: (800) SKI-6400, (800) 277-6475 or (888) ON-THE-MT. E-mail: comments@skicrystal.com. Web site: www.crystalmt.com.

The Summit At Snoqualmie

The Summit at Snoqualmie has finished $10.5 million worth of upgrades and new lifts. After several major projects, including two high-speed quads, the Summit now focuses on quality of sliding on snow.

This winter’s new lineup includes the purchase of five Bombardier grooming vehicles and one new Half-Pipe Grinder. This second grinder allows one at Summit West and the other at a new half pipe and terrain park at Summit Central.

Snow toy rentals are available at Summit Central. The Ski Foxes, Ski Bikes and Scoots offer a variety of different ways to slide down a hill.

Riders of the Ski Fox sit on a mono ski while wearing blades on their boots. They lean into turns for rides downhill. Ski Bike riders sit on a bike that has skis instead of tires. They wear blades on their boots for turning and handling the terrain. Scoot riders sit on an articulated board and steer with handle bars while maneuvering down the slopes. All three can be rented at The Summit Central.

The Summit At Snoqualmie consists of several ski areas. In 1980, the Summit combined two ski areas on Snoqualmie Pass into one operation and now consists of Alpental, Summit Central (formerly Ski Acres), Summit West (formerly Snoqualmie Pass), Summit East (formerly Hyak), the Nordic Center and Tubing Hill.

Summit East at Hyak is the new home to the Summit Nordic Center. See www.summitnordic.com for updates and a calendar of events.

From Jan. 13 through March 2, the Summit will hold the Thursday Night Snowshoe Race Series, with 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. start times.

Hours of operation vary. Alpental is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nights are Tuesday through Saturday to 10 p.m. Summit Central is open Monday through Sunday. Night skiing and riding, Monday through Saturday to 10 p.m.

Summit West is open for night skiing and riding Wednesday and Thursday nights only, 4 to 10 p.m. Otherwise, West is open Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday to 5 p.m.

Summit East is open Friday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During longer daylight hours, closing time extends as the season progresses.

Location: 52 miles east of Seattle on Interstate 90. Tickets: adult (13-61) $37; junior (7-12)/senior (62-69) $24; child (6 and under)/super senior (70+) $7. Lessons: group $30; private $50 an hour. Nordic: 55K groomed; adult $9; youth, senior and child $7. (425) 434-6708. Snow phone: (206) 236-1600. General information: Washington only (888) 804-6404, or (425) 434-7669. Reservations: The Summit Inn (800) 557-7829. Web site: www.summit-at-snoqualmie.com.

Mount Baker

Over the summer, Mount Baker constructed a new in-ground half pipe off Chair 7 where the terrain park used to run. The half pipe is more than 600 feet long, 80 feet wide and will have 10- to 12-foot walls.

Several snowboard events will break-in the half pipe, including the Spring Jam and Air Bears high school event. Nearly half of all visitors ride boards at Baker, including many who attend the 17th Annual Legendary Banked Slalom Jan. 26-28.

For the lodge-bound coffee sippers (parents who aren’t shredding), Baker offers a free ride in one of the Pisten Bully grooming machines. For a few days this winter, groomer operators will offer half-hour rides in the cockpit, adults only and reservations required. Dates and times will be available on the Web site and at the ticket office.

Mount Baker is known for the world record-breaking snowfall of 1,140 inches that fell two years ago.

Baker normally receives an incredible 750 inches of snow over the 1,500 vertical feet and 1,000 skiable acres of the mountain.

Mount Baker’s boundary policy allows skiers and boarders to leave the ski area; however, they must have the following or will lose lift passes: avalanche transceiver and demonstrated ability to use it; a partner; a shovel; knowledge of the terrain and route; avalanche knowledge; and knowledge of local avalanche conditions.

Mount Baker offers snow safety seminars several times during the winter. Dates and rates are available on Baker’s Web site or by calling the ski area.

No lodging is available at the ski area. Overnight camper parking is allowed for self-contained vehicles. The nearest lodging is 17 miles away.

Location: 56 miles east of Bellingham on the Mount Baker Highway (U.S. 542). Tickets: adult (16 and older) $33; junior (7-15) $25.50/senior (60-69) $25.50 and 70+ $10; child 6 and under free. Lessons: group $20; private $50 per 1.5 hours. (360) 734-6771. Nordic: donation accepted for the 4K. Snow phone: (360) 671-0211. General information: (360) 734-6771. Reservations: (800) 709-7669. E-mail: snow@mtbakerskiarea.com. Web site: www.mtbakerskiarea.com.

Stevens Pass

Harbor Resorts, owner of Stevens Pass, announces an alliance with Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia for the 2000-2001 season. Season-pass holders from Stevens Pass, Mission Ridge and Schweitzer Resort as well as Harbor Resorts Advantage Card holders receive discounts on lift tickets and some lodging packages. Savings range from $2 to $13 on lift tickets.

New this winter is a free shuttle to Stevens. Parking is available at the Mountain View Chevron, one mile east of Sultan, where the shuttle departs for the mountain. The service is provided on weekends and holidays from Dec. 23 through February. Lift tickets are also available at Mountain View Chevron.

Stevens Pass skiers love the 1,800 vertical feet on three sides of two mountains, Cowboy and Big Chief. The Hogsback Express high-speed quad and several fixed-grip lifts take skiers to the top of the Cascade Mountains.

Stevens averages 450 inches of snowfall each year on the 1,125 acres of skiable terrain.

The area operates daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Stevens Pass guarantees its skiing. For any reason, if a skier or rider is not satisfied with the slopes, the lift ticket can be returned within an hour of purchase in trade for a coupon for another day’s ticket.

Location: 78 miles northeast of Seattle on U.S. 2, 37 miles west of Leavenworth. Tickets: adult (13-61) $41; senior (62-68) $29; child (7-12) $26. Under 6 and over 70 $5. Lessons: several ski schools operate at Stevens with a variety of packages and prices. One example is First Timers package including equipment for $44. (206) 812-4510. Nordic: 25K groomed; adults (13-61) $10; child (7-12) $7; under 6 and over 70 $5; (206) 812-4510. Snow phone: (509) 782-5516. General information: (206) 812-4510. Reservations: (800) 57-APPLE, (509) 548-5807 or (800) 4-CHELAN. E-mail: info@stevenspass.com. Web site: www.stevenspass.com.

Mission Ridge

Mission Ridge claims more than 300 days of sunshine each year, yet the 2,000 skiable acres attract plenty of fluffy snow.

A unique Mission Ridge program for kids is the 3.0 Club. Kids in grades 6 to 12 who hold a grade point average of 3.0 or better can bring in their report card, join the 3.0 Club and purchase $11 lift tickets - a $10 savings.

Beginners this year have a new promise from the ski school. The Three Peaks Program is a learn-to-ski package that promises beginners will get to the upper mountain in three lessons. Three lessons, lift tickets and equipment costs $137.

Aside from great skiing, guests have another on-snow option. The tubing area at Squilchuck Snowpark is on the way up to Mission Ridge four miles from the ski area. A tube tow pulls riders up the hill, where they ride a groomed tubing run. A separate tubing run is open for the smallest tubers. Tubing costs $8 per person for the day. The tube park is open weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Mission Ridge opens Dec. 8 for daily ski operations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: 13 miles from Wenatchee, 165 miles from Spokane. Tickets: adult $36; junior (7-17)/senior (65+) $21; child 6 and under free. Lessons: group $36; private $45 per hour. Nordic: $5 at Squilchuck. Snow phone: (888) 757-4343. General information: (509) 663-6543. Reservations: (509) 663-6543 for referrals. E-mail: info@missionridge.com. Web site: www.missionridge.com.

White Pass

White Pass opens the ski season with two new lifts for a total of five accessing 32 trails.

Over the summer, a 2,100-foot fixed-grip triple chair replaced the former Chair 3. A new 700-foot platter lift replaced the old rope tow. Both lifts are located in the lower area and serve beginning and intermediate skiers and snowboarders.

White Pass, with the highest base elevation in Washington’s Cascades at 4,500 feet, is popular with racers. A variety of race programs feature specialties like the Women’s Only ski clinics and the ever-popular kids’ courses.

One high-speed chairlift (the Great White Express), three double chairs and the rope tow access the 1,500 feet vertical of downhill terrain. New last year was the half pipe on Poma Hill, designed with a pipe-building machine.

White Pass is open daily from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Fridays, Saturdays and holidays from 4 to 10 p.m. Night ski tickets are $15, and night skiing is free with the purchase of a day pass.

Location: 12 miles southeast of Rainier National Park and 52 miles west of Yakima on U.S. 12. Tickets: adult $34; junior (7-12)/senior (65+) $22; child 6 and under and seniors 73+ ski free. Lessons: group $22; private $40 an hour. Nordic: 18K; $7 trail fee. Snow phone: (509) 672-3100. General information: (509) 672-3101. Reservations: (509) 672-3131 or see www.destinationpackwood.com. Web site: www.skiwhitepass.com.

Bluewood

Bluewood Ski Area, a small family area with big resort powder and the second highest base area in the state at 4,545 feet, is tucked in the southeastern corner of the state.

Bluewood receives 300 inches of snow annually. But the best thing about Bluewood is the cheap ticket - $28 per adult per day.

Bluewood has several events, including the Jan. 7 Border Cross/Skier Cross; Feb. 3-4, Blazer Mitey Mite Race In Skyline; March 3-4, sanctioned Border Cross/Skier Cross; and April 8, B.A.S.H. XVI.

B.A.S.H. is Bluewood’s annual spring blow-out event with live music throughout the day. There are outdoor barbecues, beer gardens and a big air exhibition, with pond skimming, body bowling and other crazy events.

Bluewood opened Nov. 17, and operates Wednesdays through Sundays, and holidays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: 150 miles south of Spokane Tickets: adult $28; junior $23; child (grades 1-8)/senior (65+) $21; preschool-age free. Lessons: group $19; $30 per hour. Nordic: available on the snowmobile trails in Umatilla National Forest. Snow phone: (509) 382-2877. General information: (509) 382-4725. Reservations: Weinhard Hotel (509) 382-4032, Blue Mountain Motel (509) 382-3040, or Waitsburg Inn (509) 337-8455. E-mail:: bluewood@bmi.net. Web site:: www.bluewood.com.

Loup Loup Ski Bowl

Tucked in the mountains of north central Washington near Omak, the Loup Loup Ski Bowl sits between Okanogan and Twisp.

Two years ago Loup Loup replaced one of the Poma tows with a used fixed-grip quad chairlift. It joined a rope tow and junior Poma that access a dozen runs.

A local’s favorite is the run under the chairlift called Volunteer Run in recognition of all the volunteers who help make the Loup a success. The 4,000-foot long, 1,240-foot vertical slope was widened and smoothed over the summer. The base elevation of 4,040 feet rises to 5,240 feet.

The Loup is open Wednesdays, and Fridays to Sundays, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Loup is also open some holidays and February Mondays.

Location: on Highway 20 between Okanogan and Twisp. Tickets: adult $28; youth (13-18) $23; child (12 and under) $16; 5 and under and 70+ free. Lessons: group first-time package on Sundays ski $32 and snowboard $42; private $30 an hour. Nordic: 25K at The Loup, $6; 30K available at South Summit, 2 miles from the Loup. Snow phone: (509) 826-2720. General information: (509) 826-2720. Reservations: (800) 422-3048 or (509) 996-2148. Web site: www.skitheloup.com.

This sidebar appeared with the story: FAST FACTS Washington ski deals

Crystal Mountain offers a pack of five adult lift tickets for $185, a savings of $15. The voucher pack is available to purchase until Jan. 31, and is good throughout the ski season. (360) 663-2265.

Kids ski free at Crystal. Youngsters 10 and under skiing with a ticket-buying adult receive a free lift ticket, up to two kids per paying adult.

Mount Baker offers expanded hours during spring break, operating every day through the first two weeks of April with midweek, nonholiday prices except on April 13 when weekend price applies. The area remains open through April 29.

Stevens Pass, Mission Ridge and Schweitzer Mountain skiers and boarders will like this stocking stuffer from Harbor Resorts called the SnoDough Card. It can be used at the mountains to purchase lift tickets, food, souvenirs and equipment rental - anything at the resorts. The user simply presents the card at the time of purchase. Cards can be purchased with any dollar value over $10. (888) 75-RIDGE.

Mission Ridge and Stevens Pass skiers find lodging package deals in Wenatchee, Leavenworth and Chelan starting at $100 for two people for one night of lodging and one day of skiing. See www.missionridge.com.

Bed, Breakfast & Bluewood offers continental breakfast and a lift ticket starting at $35 per adult, per night, double occupancy. (509) 382-4032.

Bluewood offers Pepsi Two-For-One Wednesdays. Bring six empty Pepsi cans or bottle tops on Wednesdays, purchase one adult all-day lift ticket for $28 and receive second ticket free. Offer valid on adult tickets only. Not valid Dec. 20 and 27 or with any other offers. (509) 382-4725.