STEVENS PASS — The mountain resort here planned to kick off the 2015-16 ski season by opening some beginner terrain Friday.
Skiers and snowboarders can ride runs off Daisy chairlift, the rope tow and rail park and a magic carpet from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
The resort will continue to open runs and trails as snow falls. Alysa Hetze, a spokeswoman for Stevens Pass, said it’s hard to say when intermediate and advanced terrain will open, but the forecast indicates that more snow is on the way.
Workers this year used a new snowmaking machine to cover chair-lift ramps, a task which in the past had been a challenge in readying the mountain for opening day, said spokesman Chris Danforth.
Slightly below average snowfall is forecast this season. Weather models show a warmer El Nino pattern this winter.
“It’s still going to be leaps and bounds better than last year,” Danforth said. “Last year was historical. It was the lowest snowfall ever.”
During an average season, Stevens Pass is open about 130 days and receives 460 inches of snow. Last winter, it was only open 87 days and had 184 inches of snow. That meant dismal revenue for the ski area and many businesses along U.S. 2 that depend on mountain traffic.
Danforth said he researched snow totals at Stevens Pass during El Nino years dating back to 1951. He found that the amount of snow varied widely.
During the last season with a similar forecast, the winter of 1997-98, the ski area saw 466 inches of snowfall, he said. That’s just above the mountain’s average.
The resort has 10 chair lifts on 1,125 acres. It’s known for backcountry access, too.
People are asked to ride with caution and keep out of closed areas, which might have hazards due to limited snow.
Lift tickets for opening day cost $20 for those ages 16 to 69. For those for ages 7 to 15 and people older than 70, the price is $15. Children younger than 7 ski free. Prices will increase as terrain is added.
Season passes for those 16 to 69 will remain priced at $549 through Dec. 13. The regular rate is $799.
Group ski and snowboard lessons are available starting Friday for those 13 and older. There will be no group lessons for children younger than 12 until more of the mountain opens.
Anyone, including children younger than 12, can sign up for private lessons at a 50 percent discount.
For more information and a full list of ticket prices, go to stevenspass.com or call 206-812-4510.
Amy Nile: 425-339-3192; anile@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @AmyNileReports.
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