The sign at the new trailhead parking lot in Winthrop says it all: "NO TRAIL SWEEP." No, it doesn't mean you're prohibited from cleaning up after yourself. In the parlance of cross-country skiing, it is a message both simple and liberating: You're on your own, pardner. Got it?
By Ron Judd | January 24, 2008
When you look down from the top of Crystal Mountain's new Northway chairlift, everything that sprawls below is diamonds -- as in double-black diamond steeps.
By Greg Johnston | January 3, 2008
Convergence Zone
Dude. We're totally stoked. Thanks to a pre-winter blast Monday that delivered nearly a foot and a half of snow, the Mount Baker Ski Area will open Thursday. Chairs 3 through 8 in the White Salmon Base Area will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
By Monica Fischer | November 28, 2007
For their own safety, first-time snowriders are shepherded to a specific area near the base of the resort. The terrain
is not, however, the typical, flat, parking-lot variety to which many other ski areas relegate beginners. The trails
are wide and gentle but with just enough of a pitch to challenge novice snowriders. They are real confidence builders.
The Red, Buttercup, and Daisy chairs provide access to these trails and are located to the left of the lodge as you look up the mountain.
December 29, 1969
The Baker lift circuit stretches out over two peaks within spitting distance of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker. Chairs
1, 2, 3 and 6 provide access to the 5,000-foot Panorama Dome, while 4, 5, 7, and 8 service the 5,540-foot Shuksan Arm.
Baker operates two major parking lots, each servicing one of the two peaks. From each lot, the top is just two chair
rides away. Shifting from one peak to the next is just a couple of chair lifts as well.
December 29, 1969
Established way back in 1937 in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie and Wenatchee National Forests, Stevens humbly began with a Ford V-8 engine, an assortment of wheels and shafts, and a hunk of rope. Total investment for the two young founders from Seattle - Don Adams and Bruce Kehr - was less than $600. Tickets sold for 5 cents per ride, and gross ticket sales
were $88 for the first season. Because Highway 2 was closed during the winter at the town of Scenic, determined skiers would hike the last six miles or buy an 18-cent, one-way train ticket.
December 29, 1969
Most of Cooper Spur's seven trails are rated intermediate to lower advanced. Round About is the steepest run and tends
to get bumped up after a busy weekend. The rest of the trails are groomed on a regular basis and cover short rolling
slopes that are all below the treeline.
Novice skiers and boarders spend their time in the rope tow area. The slope is
nearly flat and right outside of the lodge.
Snowboarding highlights
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Lodging on-site
Alta Crystal Resort offers a 1920's lodge, chalets with fireplaces and fully equipped kitchens, log cabins, hot tub, and heated pool; call for current rates and packages; 1-800-277-6475 or (360) 663-2500 or www.altacrystalresort.com
Crystal Mountain Hotels offers three hotels, the Alpine Inn, Quicksilver Lodge, and the Village Inn, with ski to your door convenience, large stone fireplace, balconies, and continental breakfast; call for current rates and packages; 1-888-SKI-6400 or (360) 663-2262 or www.crystalhotels.com
December 29, 1969
Boyne's most noticeable contribution thus far is the installation of the Northwest's first six-passenger high-speed chairlifts - the Forest Queen and Chinook Express. Forest Queen - a state-of-the-art Doppelmyer lift - replaced
December 29, 1969
From the top of "Rex" - the local name for the Rainier Express lift - skiers and snowboarders can access terrain for all ability levels, including the local-favorite Green Valley area. This medium-sized bowl faces northeast and shelters skiers from harsher weather. The bowl frequently has the best snow on the mountain - without having to hike into the
December 29, 1969
