Ski season is here: Stevens Pass opens some runs

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.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Alina Langbehn, 6, center, and Vera A., 6, right, sit on a swing together at Drew Nielsen Neighborhood Park after school on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council votes to renovate Drew Nielsen Park

Construction on the $345,000 upgrade could start as early as this fall.

Northshore School District bus driver Stewart O’Leary pictured next to his buses shattered drivers side windshield on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Put me in, coach’: Bus driver back at work after struck by metal bar

Stewart O’Leary, a Northshore employee, has received national attention for his composure during a frightening bus trip.

Lynnwood councilor Joshua Binda speaks during a Lynnwood City Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Does the Lynnwood Council VP live in Lynnwood? It’s hard to say.

Josh Binda’s residency has been called into question following an eviction and FEC filings listing an Everett address. He insists he lives in Lynnwood.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

An American Robin picks a berry from a holly tree on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Calling all birders for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count

The Audubon Society will hold its 28th annual Great Backyard… Continue reading

A view of one of the potential locations of the new Aquasox stadium on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 in Everett, Washington. The site sits between Hewitt Avenue, Broadway, Pacific Avenue and the railroad. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Initial prep work for AquaSox stadium to start, with $200k price tag

The temporary agreement allows some surveying and design work as the city negotiates contracts with designers and builders.

Aaron Kennedy / The Herald
The Joann Fabric and Crafts store at 7601 Evergreen Way, Everett, is one of three stores in Snohomish County that will close as part of the retailer’s larger plan to shutter more than half of its stores nationwide.
Joann store closure plan includes Everett, Arlington, Lynnwood locations

The retail giant filed a motion in court to close approximately 500 stores in the U.S.

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.