By Andrew Wineke
Herald Writer
So, after one of the worst ski seasons in recent memory, what do the ski resorts do?
Sensibly, they spend all summer smoothing and grooming their mountains, so they can operate with less snow. Ah, guys, hate to tell you this, but, all that effort? Wasted.
This is shaping up to be a great snow year, but the recent warm weather has dashed hopes of an early opening. Big White, up in central British Columbia, opened in October.
Local skiers and snowboarders are champing at the bit to ditch the rainy lowlands for the frozen peaks, but before you go, you’d better know what’s up, down and new at the ski areas.
In terms of new, the answer is not much. Many local resorts have been bought, sold, upgraded and regraded in recent years and everyone seems to be standing pat this season.
"Quite frankly, at Stevens we’ve spent quite a bit over the last four years, so this year is just kind of catching our breath," said John Gifford, Stevens Pass’ marketing director.
That means, for most Northwest ski areas, no new high-speed quads, no sparkling new lodges and precious few fabulous new runs.
Concerns over the economy and travel have prompted some of the destination resorts to start off the season with some nice deals. Shop around at any of the smaller British Columbia or Idaho resorts and you can find some very cheap ski-and-stay packages.
Almost all of the local ski areas hope to be open early, the snow gods permitting. The exceptions are Mount Hood Meadows and Mount Bachelor down in Oregon, both of which hoped to open today. A good dump of snow could really help conditions, but, until that blessed blizzard arrives, keep a close eye on the bases and pack your rock skis.
Washington
Stevens Pass
On U.S. 2 near Skykomish
Phone: 206-812-4510
Tickets: $43
Snow report: 425-353-4400
What’s new: Summer grooming to improve low-snow conditions, day care and ski program for children ages 3 to 10.
The Summit at Snoqualmie
On I-90 near North Bend
Phone: 425-434-7669
Tickets: $38
Snow report: 206-236-1600
Web site: www.summit-at-snoqualmie.com
Crystal Mountain
On Crystal Mountain Boulevard outside of Enumclaw
Phone: 360-663-2265
Tickets: $43
Snow report: 888-SKI-6199
Web site: www.skicrystal.com
Mount Baker
On Highway 542 outside of Glacier
Phone: 360-734-6771
Tickets: $34
Snow report: 360-671-0211
Web site: www.mtbakerskiarea.com
What’s new: Upgraded chair 2 to a quad.
White Pass
On Highway 12 southeast of Mount Rainier National Park
Phone: 509-672-3101
Tickets: $36
Snow report:509-672-3100
Web site: www.skiwhitepass.com
What’s new: Beginner carpet lift and a triple chair serving the beginners’ area.
Mission Ridge
Off U.S. 2 near Wenatchee
Phone:509-663-6543
Tickets: $37
Snow report:509-663-3200
Web site: www.missionridge.com
British Columbia
Whistler/Blackcomb
North of Vancouver, B.C.
Phone: 800-766-0449
Tickets: Varies with package
Web site: www.whistlerblackcomb.com.
What’s new: 40 acres of snowboard terrain parks, divided into the "Super Park" and the "Choker Park."
Big White
Near Kelowna
Phone: 206-765-8888
Tickets: $52 Canadian
Web site: www.bigwhite.com
What’s new: Four new runs (all expert), daily heli-skiing from main parking lot.
Sun Peaks
Near Kamloops
Phone: 800-807-3257
Tickets: $49 Canadian.
Web site: www.sunpeaksresort.com
What’s new: Cat skiing on Mount Morrisey, opposite the main runs on Mount Tod.
Silver Star
Near Vernon
Phone: 800-663-4431
Tickets: $49 Canadian
Web site: www.silverstarmtn.com
What’s new: New restaurant in village, 100 acres of expert glade skiing. Oh, and the whole place was bought up by Big White two weeks ago. Too soon to tell what that means, but expect crossover lift tickets, upgraded lifts and the like in the future.
Apex
Near Penticton
Phone: 877-777-2739
Tickets: $44 Canadian
Web site: www.apexresort.com
Oregon
Mount Hood Meadows
On Highway 35 south of Hood River
Phone: 503-337-2222
Tickets: $44
Snow report: 503-227-7669
Web site: www.skihood.com
What’s new: Weekends-only snow skate park (think skateboarding on snow, or snowboarding without bindings).
Mount Bachelor
On Cascades Lakes Highway near Bend
Phone: 800-829-2442
Tickets: $42
Snow report: 541-382-7888
Web site: www.mtbachelor.com
What’s new: Expanded snowboard terrain park, reduced ticket prices (by $1).
Idaho
Bogus Basin
Near Boise
Phone: 800-367-4397
Tickets: $37
What’s new: Not much. A few run improvements.
Brundage
Near McCall
Phone: 208-634-7462
Tickets: $34
Web site: www.brundage.com
What’s new: Snow cat skiing from base area.
Schweitzer
Near Sandpoint
Phone: 800-831-8810
Tickets: $40
Web site: www.schweitzer.com
Silver Mountain
Near Kellogg
Phone: 208-783-1111
Tickets: $32
What’s new: Snow skate park, expanded beginners area, snowshoe trails and a skating rink.
Sun Valley
Near Ketchum
Phone: 800-786-8259
Tickets: $63
You can call Herald Writer Andrew Wineke at 425-339-3465 or send e-mail to wineke@heraldnet.com.
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