Hope is fading for local ski and snowboard areas, and many are throwing their hands up on what will go down as one of the worst winter seasons on record.
Another weather system will arrive Saturday bringing moderate to heavy rain or snow, and a freezing level between 6,000 and 8,000 feet. That makes it highly doubtful of additional snow fall, and what little coverage exists could be washed away before many schools get out for spring break.
Two areas still clinging to daily operations are Crystal Mountain Resort, which reports good snow coverage in Green Valley; and Stevens Pass Resort has spring-like conditions with Hogsback, Skyline and Daisy lifts shuttling guests up the hillsides.
For cross-country skiers the only choice is the Methow Valley Trails Association in northeastern Washington, which is open daily. Many trails are now closed for the season with pockets of skiing open in the Rendezvous area at Cub Creek; Mazama from the Highway 20 parking area; and Sun Mountain on the Little Wolf and Thompson Road. Details: www.methowtrails.org.
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Events
The White Pass Winter Hopes on the Slopes Ski & Ride for a Cure Fundraiser to benefit the American Cancer Society is Saturday from 7:15 a.m.-9 p.m. Details: www.skiwhitepass.com.
The GNU’s Ladies Weekend Out is Saturday and Sunday at the Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort. The event offers a one-day snowboard camp for $60 on Saturday, and a Runway Jam for $10 on Sunday. Details: http://www.missionridge.com/events/gnu-ladies-weekend-out.
Ski conditions
Resort
Hours
Base-summit
Summit at Snoqualmie
Closed; check website for updates
NA
Mount Baker Ski Area
Temporarily closed; check website for updates
17-37”
Crystal Mountain
Open daily 9-2:30; last gondola download is 3
5-44”
Stevens Pass
Open daily 9-4
28-37”
White Pass
Open Fri-Mon 8:45-4
12-49”
Mission Ridge Ski & Board
Open Sat-Sun 9-4; closed Mon-Fri
13-26”
49 Degrees North Mountain
Closed; check website for updates
NA
Mount Spokane Ski Area
Closed; check website for updates
NA
Ski Bluewood
Open Thu-Sun 9-4
22-34”