Record number of skiers this season at Stevens Pass

The resort hit the 450,000 mark, slightly higher than last year, and snowfall was a bit above average.

STEVENS PASS — It was another record-breaking ski season for visits at Stevens Pass Mountain Resort.

The resort hit the 450,000 mark for visits, slightly higher than last year’s total, according to Chris Danforth, vice president of sales and marketing.

Snowfall was a bit above average during the 2017-18 window. The resort tallied 552 inches total at the mid-mountain level. There were 468 inches in the base area; the average is about 460.

The heaviest snow came Feb. 14 to 28.

“It snowed nearly every day and the resort recorded 80 inches of snow,” according to a news release.

Heavy snow in January and February set the resort up for success in the second half of its season, with a jump in visits for March and April, compared to the same months last year.

Danforth attributes the growth in visits to an increasing interest in winter sports and the learning programs offered at Stevens Pass.

Despite high numbers of visits this season and last, Stevens Pass has experienced some tough winters in recent years. The resort purchased snowmaking machines in 2015 and 2016. Three years ago, the resort saw the lowest amount of snowfall in its 80-year history.

Though other states saw lower than normal snow totals this year, including Colorado, Utah and California, the Pacific Northwest had “dependable snow,” Stevens Pass Mountain Resort CEO Karl Kapuscinski noted in the news release.

The resort had its third earliest opening ever, kicking off the season Nov. 16. The season ended Sunday.

Stevens Pass expects to reopen for summer sports in late June. It will be the seventh full season for the mountain bike park. There also are hiking trails, chairlift rides, disc golf and events. Summer operations typically continue into October, depending on conditions.

Kari Bray: 425-339-3439; kbray@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

District 2 candidates differ in public safety approach

Incumbent Paula Rhyne is facing challenger Ryan Crowther. The third candidate, Jonathan Shapiro, is no longer seeking the seat.

From left to right, Edmonds City Council Position 3 candidates Joseph Ademofe, Alex Newman and Erika Barnett.
Amid budget crisis, Edmonds City Council candidates talk revenue, affordability

Three newcomers are facing off for Position 3 on the council, currently held by council President Neil Tibbott.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Everett
Everett approves new fines for non-emergency lifts

The fire department will only issue fines for non-emergency lift assists at licensed care facilities, not for individuals at home calling 911.

Guns for sale at Caso’s Gun-A-Rama in Jersey City, New Jersey, which has been open since 1967. (Photo by Aristide Economopoulos/New Jersey Monitor)
After suing, WA gets carveout from Trump administration plan to return gun conversion devices

The Trump administration has agreed to not distribute devices that turn semi-automatic… Continue reading

The Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility about 16 miles east of Ellensburg in central Washington is part of Puget Sound Energy’s clean energy portfolio. (Courtesy of Puget Sound Energy)
Megabill’s elimination of tax credits for clean energy projects could cost WA $8.7 billion

Washington households could see electricity costs increase $115 per year by 2029; 21,800 workers could lose their jobs by 2030, analysts say.

Everett mayor candidates focus on affordability, city budget in costly race

As incumbent Cassie Franklin seeks a third term in office, three candidates are looking to unseat her.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.