The Pacific Northwest, The Ultimate Guide for a 4 day ski or Snowboard trip to Mt Baker In Washington
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Skiing and snowboarding can be dangerous activities, please ride within your ability levels and respect others around you
The Pacific Northwest, quiet possibly one of the coolest places to take a ski or snowboard trip if you can time it right. What’s unique to places like Washington and the Pacific Northwest is when it snows, it Snowwwss. Ski resorts at times can see up to 4 feet/122 cm in 48 hours. After tracking a storm headed to the PNW, a friend and I decided to fly out to Washington and ride one of the best resorts I’ve ever snowboarded at, Mt. Baker.
Located about an hour and a half east of Bellingham and 3 hours north of Seattle, this gem of a resort has $75 lift tickets, free parking at the base, and just about every kind of terrain to ski or snowboard on. Catch Mt Baker on a 5 foot pow storm cycle, mixed with sun and you’ll see what makes this place one of the best. In this post I’ll be going over how to get to Mt Baker, where to stay, what to expect, where to ride, and what to pack for a 4 day ski/snowboard trip to Washington. Alright, lets gooo.
History of Mount Baker Ski Resort
One of the first resorts on the west coast to allow snowboarders, Mt Baker first started running its lifts in 1953. Somewhat off the beaten path, at Baker you won’t find ski vacation packages or hotels at the base. Instead it’s two parking lots, a day lodge at each base, and one on mountain restaurant. There wasn’t any running water, electricity, or sewage treatment when the resort was first established in the area. Instead Baker had to build that infrastructure themselves for the buildings that the resort does have. There isn’t any service either, it is one road in and one road out to Baker. Which is what makes this place so special.
During the 1998-99 ski season Baker reported a total of 1,140 inches/2,895 cm of snow!, one of the deepest recorded snowfalls in the world for any ski resort. The resort is also home to the legendary Baker Banked Slalom, race course, which has been a contest since 1985. No prize money if you win, just bragging rights and a trophy. Baker was also a home base for late pioneer Craig Kelly, an Icon in the snowboard world who went from the competitive circuit to free riding (riding only the mountain). What makes this resort so different from the rest is the terrain that the mountain has to offer as well as averaging over 600 inches of snow/year.
Where is Mt. Baker and How do you get there
Baker is located in Washington on the North West side of the state in the mountain range called the North Cascades. As you drive up to the Mountain the city, there’s lush green trees, farm land, and Pine trees that appear to be about three times the size of the pine trees we have back in Colorado. There’s three major airports you can fly into if you aren’t within driving distance; Seattle, Bellingham, and Vancouver. Bellingham will be the closest airport, but due to times not lining up, I flew into Seattle and rented a car. Pretty easy drive to Glacier, the small town you’ll want to stay in as there isn’t any lodging near the resort unless you have a camper or van. More on where to stay later if you continue reading.
No Matter what direction you come from the highway you’ll want to get on is Mount Baker Highway 542-E. As you get closer to the resort this road is a two lane road with windy switchbacks and views of the Cascades to your left. During snow storms the highway does a great job plowing the roads, making them safer to drive on. Please note that if you don’t have AWD or 4WD your required to put chains on your tires when the roads are snowy. Always check the road conditions before driving up. You can find links for mountain and road conditions on Mount Bakers website. Below I’ve listed mileage and travel times from major airports and cities.
Bellingham (airport/city)- 56 Miles/90 km/1 hour 20 minutes
Seattle (Airport/city)- 147 Miles/237 km/2 hours and 51 minutes
Vancouver (Airport/city)- 98 Miles/157 km/2 hours and 15 minutes
Tacoma- 166 miles/267 km/3 hours
Spokane- 405 Miles/652 km/6 hours and 45 minutes
Is there lodging at Mt Baker and Where can you stay
There is no lodging at the base or around the resort, which actually makes this resort that much better in my opinion. Away from all the packaged ski vacation deals and timeshares at the base of the mountain. If there isn’t any cloud coverage you can see for miles the amazing views of the North Cascade mountains from the base.
Where you’ll want to stay is going to be in Glacier, the nearest town to the resort. Without traffic it will be 30 minutes to Baker. The town is really small with one tiny grocery store, a few restaurants, a coffee shop, and one ski/snowboard shop. I recommend buying your groceries ahead of time as the one in town doesn’t have much. There’s plenty of Cabins and homes in Glacier that make it a cool/unique place to stay. The climate is also much different. If it’s snowing at the resort it’s usually raining in Glacier or it’s a much heavier/wet snow. There’s also a lot more green and the trees are incredible to look at as your driving up to the resort.
I booked a tiny cabin on Airbnb called the Nook, close to the road, but still in a wooded area. Something to keep in mind is WIFI can be spotty in Glacier as you are somewhat off the grid.
Does Mt Baker offer free overnight parking
Yep, not too many resorts provide this service, making this resort another great place to ski or snowboard at. Reservations are required and there are no hook up options for any kind of power. That being said it’s a perfect area for those living the van life or built out truck bed life. Visit Mount Bakers website for more information on rules and guidelines as well as reservations.
Where can you rent or buy ski and snowboard equipment
There is one ski/snowboard shop in the town of Glacier and two ski/snowboard shops at Mount Baker Resort. There use to be a snowboard specific shop in Glacier, but I guess it closed down due to building renovations and was combined with the ski shop in town, Glacier Ski Shop. It has the potential to reopen according to one of the locals I talked to. The Glacier Ski shop is a pretty cool local shop. They have ski/snowboard hardwoods and softgoods, goggles, gloves, accessories, and even tuning supplies. They also rent and tune ski’s as well as snowboards. The shop is right in town near Wake N’ Bakery, with a friendly knowledgeable staff.
There’s two different shops at Mount Baker Ski Resort, Heather Meadows and White Salmon. These shops will carry mostly accessories, gloves, outwear, goggles, some hard goods, and Mt. Baker apparel. It’s a good place to swing through if you forgot something or if you’re looking for a souvenir. The base area shops usually are closed by 4pm, earlier then most shops at the base of ski resorts. Both the White Salmon and Heather Meadows base areas will offer premium ski/board rentals with Heather Meadows only offering a beginner package. I recommend reserving your equipment ahead of time if you plan on riding on the weekend or during the Holidays. Visit Mt Bakers website to make a reservation.
Is Baker Ikon or Epic and How much are Lift Tickets
Baker isn’t on any major season pass offer, which honestly is what makes this place that much better. I love being able to save a lot of money and go to different resorts with a season pass, but it’s fun to escape that and get an old school experience sometimes. Baker season passes go on sale in September and the earlier you purchase one the better as there’s a cap on the number of passes they sell. They offer discounted passes for families as well as college students. Another added perk with a Baker season pass is you get three free days at Mount Hood Meadows in Oregon. Show your ID and season pass at the ticket window for a free lift ticket. This is only valid weekdays from Jan-March and any day from April to close.
One of the best things about Baker is how cheap the Lift tickets are. In a world where most lift tickets in North America are over $100 with places like Vail, Aspen, and Breck pricing their lift tickets at times above $200 a day, a lift ticket at Mt Baker is $75. No multi day deals, reserving online, digital day passes, and scanning the ticket through your pocket. In fact the only way to get a lift ticket at Baker is to purchase one the day of at the ticket window, just like the old days.
Where can you park and is parking free
There are two free lots for parking; White Salmon Base Lot and Heather Meadows Base lot. These lots don’t open before 8am and close at 11 pm. Also they don’t open until snow removal is finished. My advice is to get there early on powder days as well as weekends and holidays as the lots will fill up quickly. If the lots are both full there’s parking on highway 542.
White Salmon will be the first parking lot at the base of Mount Baker. If the lot is full, keep driving on highway 542 until you see signage for Heather Meadows parking. Also, as mentioned earlier make sure to have chains if you don’t have AWD, I saw people getting stuck with the improper vehicle because there was so much snow. Other parking tips include carpooling, riding midweek, or riding in the afternoon when the lot starts to empty out from the morning crowd.
What is the mountain like and where are your favorite places to ride
What I love about Baker is the chairlifts are numbered so it’s very easy to figure out your way around the mountain, especially if you’ve never been. The mountain is also smaller which makes it easier to cover most of the mountain within a couple days and navigate yourself around it. Both days I parked in the White Salmon lot and it was a quick walk to the chairlift and ticket office. The ticket office is right on your left when walking towards the base chairlift as well as the retail/rental shop and bathroom along with drinking fountains.
You’ll then start the day off on chair 7 to get the blood flowing and legs warmed up. From there, hop on chair 8 and that will take you to the very top of the resort on this part of the mountain (Shuksan side). Blue runs (intermediate) will be off of chair 7 and 8 and they are fun to cruise around on to learn the terrain. If you decide to ride through the trees, make sure to have a partner because of tree wells. Tree wells are the space around the base of the tree doesn’t get as much snow as the surrounding area, which can cause someone to sink and get stuck, sometimes upside down. It can be dangerous, which is why its important to have a friend to ride with.
Once your legs are warmed up hop on chair 5 and head over to the other side of the mountain, Panorama Dome. This part of the mountain will be mostly black and double black runs with some green runs at the bottom for beginners. One thing to note when riding around Baker is to be aware of signage when riding as there are parts of the mountain with close out cliff drops. A bluebird day (sunny) after a huge storm is pretty incredible at Baker. You get 360 views of the resort as well as the surrounding mountains.
Some of my favorite runs include Blueberry Cat Track and Austin (accessed off Chair 1) as well as Canuck’s Deluxe, the Chute, and White Salmon. If Chair 1 is closed you can hike to Blueberry Cat Track from Chair 6. Below I’ve listed a handful of Mountain Stats for the resort. Baker has just about everything from tree runs to drops, wide open powder runs, to mellow blues to cruise around on. It was fun riding the entire resort with that much snow in April of times. Probably some of the deepest snow I’ve ever been in with fresh lines throughout each day riding the resort.
Avg Snowfall: 663 inches/1684 cm
Peak Elevation: 5089 feet/1551 meters
Total Ski Acres: 1000
Quad Chairlifts: 8
Is there Back Country terrain near the resort
The amazing part about Baker is if you like Back Country, there are a couple hike-to areas right off the resort. However to ride these areas you NEED to have a partner, Avy course training, first aid experience, as well as the proper equipment (shovel, beacon, probe). When you are entering these areas it is not about you anymore, there are other people riding these parts of the mountain. Without the proper experience and knowledge you are putting others at risk, so be smart when venturing off the resort.
Ski patrol doesn’t monitor these areas so having the proper equipment, knowledge, partner, and experience is key. The best of the best ride these lines off Baker and know the risk when venturing out to these parts of the mountain.
Can you ride Mt Baker if you are a beginner
The resort is definitely more for the intermediate to advanced rider, however there are still some areas of the mountain that are perfect if you are just getting into skiing or snowboarding. What’s nice is the green runs and easier blues at Baker are longer runs that give you the Ski Resort experience without having to stay on the bunny hill all day. On the Shuksan Side Chair 7 will be your go to chair for easier runs. This chair still provides awesome views when heading up the mountain.
On the Panorama Dome side there are more green runs and beginner chairs. Chairs 1, 2, 3, and 4 will all have beginner runs that will be less steep and easier to cruise around on. You can also find magic carpets on both parts of the mountain for someone who has never skied or snowboarded before. A magic carpet will be an easier way to get use to going up the mountain, but on a much smaller scaler. It’s a rubber carpet and the run is also very small, allowing someone to learn how skiing or snowboarding works.
Does Baker offer Ski or Snowboard Lessons
Yep, Mount Baker has lessons, but it is recommended that you make a reservation before hand as walk ins are limited and cannot be guaranteed. There are two types of lesson packages offered, private and First Time & Next Turns. First time and next turns will be the best beginner lesson and groups people together based on ability level and experience. Private lessons can be one on one or groups of up to four people. Private group lessons are dictated by the person with the lowest ability level.
Both base areas will have a learning area, perfect for first timers or people who are new to the mountain experience. Just remember we were all beginners at one point and falling is part of the learning process, stick with it and don’t give up!
Is there a Terrain Park
There is no park at Baker, however there is plenty of terrain to ride the mountain like a terrain park. There’s a lot of side hits (small jumps on the sides of runs), drops, and transition through out the mountain to give someone that park feel.
Are there places to eat on the mountain
There will be one lodge on the mountain to grab something to eat as well as both lodges at the Base of the resort offer food or beverages. You’ll find the standard ski resort food at these lodges. The Raven Hut will be at the bast of Chair 4, 5, and 6. On colder days they have a real fireplace going and you also might spot a lodge Cat. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a pet at any resort lodge before. Another reason Baker makes you feel right at home.
Where to Eat and Apre’s in Baker
There isn’t too many food options in Glacier and when we were there two of the main restaurants were closed. From what I read, the Heliotrope had good reviews. For Apre’s there is one bar in town (Chair 9) and the food is going to be average bar food. Not a bad place to grab a drink after your done riding though. The only coffee shop in town is Wake n Bakery, an organic breakfast and bakery spot. Swing through here for Coffee or food to get your day started before heading to the mountain. It will be on the left hand side as your driving to the resort.
Since the grocery store doesn’t have much as mentioned, my best recommendation would be to plan your meals ahead of time, stop at the nearest major grocery store before arriving to Glacier, and cook most of your meals.
What are the downsides to skiing or snowboarding at Baker
Not too many downsides to Baker. Of course these are subjective and depend on what someone is looking for.`
Not too much groomed terrain. If you’re looking to lay carvs down on some corduroy, this isn’t your place.
Snow in the Pacific Northwest will be heavier, champagne powder isn’t common
No service. Don’t expect to be using your phone much (a blessing)
Sometimes it rains. As much as we all like perfect weather when taking a ski or snowboard trip, weather is unpredictable. Because Baker is at a lower elevation and close to the coast. Sometimes the resort gets freezing rain.
Not a lot of food options
I’m flying out of Seattle, What is there to do for a day in the City
If you end up flying out of Seattle instead of the other major airports I listed above, make sure to plan a day trip out of it. It’s a cool city and it’s fun to walk around and check everything out. A couple things I would recommend checking out are Pikes Market and if you have time get out of the city and hike to a beach. Pikes Market is a giant marketplace right on the ocean and in the heart of downtown Seattle. Tons of different vendors selling anything from Seafood, to jewelry, and artwork. There’s a lot of different food options and you’ll even come across the first ever Starbucks.
Park either on the street or in one of the parking garages and hang out for the morning or afternoon..
If you have time, make sure to check out Discovery Park 15-20 minutes from Pikes Market. Follow the Lighthouse Loop trail that takes you through the park and to the beach, overlooking the Puget Sound. There’s three different parking lots South, East (Visitor Center), and the North Lot. We parked at the North Lot and took the Loop Trail that lead us to the Discovery Beach where the Lighthouse is. Below I’ve listed stats for the entire loop.
Time: 2 hours
Distance:4.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 472 feet.
What to Pack
Rain Jacket
Even though it’s snowing up on the resort, in Glacier it could be raining. Whenever traveling to the Pacific Northwest, always pack a Rain Jacket. I prefer anything Gore-Tex, however just make sure to find one that is completely waterproof (windbreakers will not work).
2. Gore-Tex Outerwear
Due to the fact that snow in the Pacific Northwest can be heavier and wetter, I would recommend Gore-tex outerwear. Gore-tex works with many different ski and snowboard companies and is essentially a waterproof membrane that breathes really well and also is extremely waterproof/windproof. I also like that the actual shell is a more durable material.
3. Goggles
Gotta have a good pair of goggles when taking a ski or snowboard trip. On a budget? Check out Anon Sync’s. They come with two lenses one for sun and one for clouds as well as Magna-tech assist (an easy way to change the lens out).
These goggles also come with a magnetic nose piece that works with a neck warmer so your goggles don’t fog up. Simply slide the magnet into the the neck warmer and you’ll see that it will connect to the bridge of the goggle which prevents fogging on the inside of your lens.
4. Sunscreen
You will always have more sun exposure when riding at higher altitudes as well as being on snow. Make sure to pack this and apply it 15-20 min before you go riding! Surface and Sun Bum are both great brands that have a variety of SPF options as well as Zinc, lotion, or Face stick choices. Don’t forget to use Lip Balm with sunscreen either.
5. Waterproof Mitts or Gloves
Again, you’re in the Pacific Northwest so you’ll need a pair of gloves or mitts that not only keep your hands dry, but also warm all day. Gore-Tex in this department is a plus, but not a deal breaker. If you have leather mitts or gloves just make sure to treat them from time to time with a waterproof leather treatment. Looking for the best bang for your buck, try the Gore-Tex Gloves or Mitts by Burton. Guaranteed to keep your hands dry! and also come with screen grab glove liners for taking all those awesome photos on your trip.
Alright, that’s a wrap on a ski or snowboard trip to Mount Baker. Getting to ride close to five fee of snow was pretty amazing. I hope when you take a trip here that you get feet of pow as well. As always, if you have any information to add or have a question, drop a comment below. Lastly, if you liked the post, subscribe to our email list below, give us a follow on Instagram/Pinterest for the most up to date outdoor content. Thanks for reading the blog and I’ll see you on the next post!
Looking for other ski or snowboard trip ideas, check out The Grand Tetons, Everything you need to know about Jackson Hole Ski resort
