WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — Due to historically frigid temperatures, Mount Baker Ski Area is temporarily closing on Saturday, Jan. 13, the ski resort announced on Friday night.
In an announcement, the ski area said the extreme cold overnight into Friday is impacting its equipment and operations. Mount Baker Ski Area saw temperatures of -8 degrees Fahrenheit Friday and is expected to experience even colder temperatures Saturday.
"We know you are all looking forward to being in the mountains this weekend, and believe you us, we would not be making this decision on a holiday weekend if we did not firmly believe it was in the best interest of the health and safety of our staff and mountain community," the ski area said in its announcement.
Mount Baker Ski Area said it has had double-digit negative temperatures and, with the wind chill, reached -32 degrees in the Panorama Dome area on Friday. Temperatures this cold have never been recorded in the ski area's history, it said.
The cold is affecting fuel lines and other equipment that needs to be rewarmed before operations begin again.
"We have experienced a 48-degree swing in temp in just four days and this has added to the complexity of the cold temps effects on things," according to the ski area.
The Heather Meadows Lodge remains open Saturday and Mount Baker Ski Area said it plans to reopen Sunday, Jan. 14.
Safe skiing tips from Crystal Mountain Resort
Crystal Mountain Resort was packed on Friday as Washingtonians come out to enjoy the snow and get some quality skiing and snowboarding.
The ski lodge has gotten more than 17 inches of snow over the past five days, making up for a slow start to ski season.
“A lot of skiers, myself included, had kind of written this season off for the slow start, we hadn’t had a lot of snow,” said Director of Mountain Operations Peter Dale. “Then this last week, ten days, we’ve had tons of snow, so it’s like the Christmas gift we wanted, just a couple of weeks late.”
But as people come out this weekend to enjoy the slopes, the resort says there are some things to be aware of.
“We’ve gotten a ton of new snow recently, and it’s really low density, light snow, and believe it or not, if you go headfirst into that snow, you can’t always get yourself out,” he warns. “It sounds kind of crazy, but once you’re in headfirst, and your feet are up in the air, there’s nothing you can do to get yourself out.”
Which is why the resort advises skiers to go out with a partner to watch out for each other. The resort also recommends that people make sure they’re bundled up and their skin is covered to lessen the chance of frostbite.
Dales also says a lot of snow and ice can build up on the roads, so make sure your vehicle is equipped to drive in those conditions. It’s also recommended to pack things like extra food and warm blankets just in case there’s a backup on the roads, and make sure everyone enjoys the slopes as safely as possible.