Ski season enthusiasts across Washington face disappointment as multiple resorts postpone opening dates due to insufficient snowpack, with several major destinations still unable to announce when lifts will start running.
Stevens Pass announced Monday that it is delaying its tentative Friday opening day. The resort had planned to begin operations this week but determined current snow levels cannot support safe skiing and snowboarding conditions.
Crystal Mountain similarly set a tentative Friday opening date but postponed last week after assessing snow conditions. The resort has not announced a revised timeline for beginning operations.
Mission Ridge Ski and Board Resort will open Thursday, positioning itself as likely the first Washington ski area to welcome guests for the 2025-2026 season. The resort credits its snowmaking system and operational crew for making the early opening possible despite challenging natural conditions.
The Summit at Snoqualmie is deploying new technology this year to accelerate season preparation. The resort has installed nine snowmaking machines it plans to use extensively in coming weeks to build a skiable base.
“We’re waiting on a little bit more snow from Mother Nature. We’re running our new snowmaking system at Summit West as much as we possibly can,” said Karter Riach, director of marketing and sales at the Summit at Snoqualmie. The resort has not set a specific opening date.
Mt. Baker, White Pass, and Hurricane Ridge continue waiting for additional snowfall and have not established opening timelines. These resorts typically rely more heavily on natural snow accumulation rather than artificial snowmaking.
The Climate Prediction Center forecasts above-normal precipitation for Western Washington by the weekend, offering hope that snow conditions may improve. However, warmer-than-normal temperatures predicted for the region may limit snowfall to higher elevations, potentially complicating opening plans for resorts at lower base elevations.
The delayed openings reflect broader weather patterns affecting the Pacific Northwest during what is traditionally the start of ski season. Early winter conditions have featured warmer temperatures than historical averages, reducing natural snowfall at mid-elevation ski areas.
Snowmaking systems, like those Mission Ridge and Summit at Snoqualmie are utilizing, require specific temperature and humidity conditions to produce quality snow. Temperatures must typically fall below freezing, and lower humidity levels produce better artificial snow. Recent warm spells have limited windows for effective snowmaking even at resorts with extensive systems.
The investment in snowmaking infrastructure represents a long-term strategy for Washington ski resorts adapting to climate variability. Summit at Snoqualmie’s addition of nine new machines signals recognition that artificial snowmaking may become increasingly important for reliable season starts.
Crystal Mountain and Stevens Pass, two of Washington’s largest ski destinations, face particular pressure given their popularity among both local and traveling skiers. Season pass holders and those who have made travel arrangements face uncertainty about when they can use purchased access.
Mission Ridge’s ability to open despite regional snow challenges demonstrates advantages of location and snowmaking capacity. The resort’s position on the eastern Cascade slopes and investment in snow production technology have positioned it to capitalize on any favorable weather windows.
The delayed season start affects not only resort operations but also mountain communities that depend on winter tourism. Lodging providers, restaurants, equipment rental shops, and other businesses in mountain towns rely on ski season traffic for significant portions of their annual revenue.
Some resorts may consider partial openings, running limited terrain with artificial snow while waiting for natural accumulation to expand operations. This approach allows resorts to begin generating revenue and provide some skiing opportunities while additional snow builds the base.
Weather forecasts for the coming weeks will be critical in determining when resorts can open. A series of cold storms delivering snow to Cascade elevations could quickly improve conditions, while continued warm patterns would extend delays.
Skiers and snowboarders planning mountain trips are advised to check resort websites and social media channels for the most current information about opening dates and available terrain. Conditions can change rapidly, and resorts update their status as weather patterns evolve.
The situation highlights the challenges mountain recreation businesses face in an era of less predictable seasonal weather patterns. Resorts must balance the desire to open early and capture enthusiastic early-season visitors against safety requirements and the quality of experience they can provide.
