SKYKOMISH, Wash. — Most ski resorts in western Washington have not yet opened for the season due to a lack of snow. Steven Pass Ski Resort had their opening day projected for Dec. 1 but had to delay it due to not having enough snow on the ground.
Skiers and snowboarders, like the ones who work at Stevens Pass Snowboard Shop in Gold Bar, are hoping the snow will fall soon.
“Super antsy you know, just like everybody,” said Tony Richards, the owner of Stevens Pass Snowboard Shop. “The itch is here, so it’s time to get to the snow.”
Richards has owned the shop for 16 years and said every year is a little different for when the snow starts to fall and the resorts start to open.
“In the beginning, we used to try to guess what it would do,” said Richards. “At this point, I just let it happen.”
Last year Steven's Pass Ski Resort opened on time, the weekend of Dec. 2. But this year, their projected opening date has been delayed.
“We were going to try to open December 1, tomorrow, but as you can see, not going to happen yet,” said Vince Arthur, the director of Mountain Operations at Stevens Pass.
Arthur said at the base they have about eight to ten inches of natural snow, and a few feet of snow in areas where they have used their two snow machines.
“We've been running them almost nonstop since we got this cold snap earlier this past week,” said Arthur.
But he said quite a bit more real snow is needed to have safe and ridable runs, and they are hoping snowfall is expected over the next few days we will bring.
“I'm going to get a good evaluation of what I have on the ground and hopefully make a decision, or at least an update, hopefully by Monday morning,” said Arthur.
Until that update, it’s a waiting game for skiers and snowboarders eager to get on the mountain.
“Fingers crossed, open next Friday,” said Richards. “We only need that one storm and then they'll open up a couple of runs, and then it’s on.”
For the past two years, Arthur said the resort has been able to extend at the end of the season due to spring snow, and they hope to be able to do it again. However, it all depends on the weather.
Stevens Pass is holding a rail jam in the base area on Saturday, Dec. 2 due to the delayed opening. It is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is $20 for non-passholders.
For a full list of when Western Washington ski resorts are expected to open, click here.