Crystal Mountain opened today to 10 inches of fluffy new snow atop a base of around 24-40 inches depending on elevation. Conditions were excellent considering the early season snow depths, but with only four lifts running (Discovery, Quicksilver, Chinook and Forest Queen), the heaviest terrain–and that with the spottiest coverage, namely Rainier Express and Chair 6–has yet to be opened. Plenty of tracks over on the front side though thanks to the pre-season poachers and hikers that have been slaying pow since the big storm came through over the weekend.
Word on the street–or slopes as it were–is that Rex and Green Valley will open tomorrow. If I were to speculate on Chair 6 opening, I’d expect it to be open no sooner than this weekend as it looks like a bit more snow is needed for enough coverage up top. I guess we’ll know more tomorrow and as the next systems stack up through the end of this week.
Speaking of tomorrow, Mt. Baker will load butts on chairs tomorrow as hundreds of happy Northwest snowboarders converge on the remote and historic mecca for the commencement of another winter of some of the world’s deepest snow and most challenging terrain. As always I’m stoked for Baker’s opening day however this year I’m not going to make it for the festivities due to some previously scheduled travel plans. More powder for the riders that do show up for the first chair of the snow year.
The snowpack is building at The Summit and Stevens Pass as well. Stevens Pass’ website claims that they won’t be open this weekend, but with the current 30 inch base, they can’t be too far behind Baker and Crystal with regard to snowpack and rideability, so stay tuned. As for The Summit, Alpental is coming around nicely but probably needs two more good dumps to be ready. The other side of the freeway needs a good thirty inches before the lifts will run.
Stay tuned for more firsthand information and some photos of the early season action coming soon.
