Mt. Baker Ski Resort Review

The worlds largest snowfall on record happened at Mt. Baker Ski Resort about ten years ago. They received 1,140 inches in one season. While you can't expect that every year, you can expect some of the best snow in Washington at any given time. Some of the best snow in the world actually, as they have the highest annual snow fall of any ski resort (647 inches).

Mt. Baker Ski Resort view from top.
Thanks to Rusty O.P. for the picture at flickr.com

Mt. Baker Ski Resort is in Whatcom County at the end of State Route 542 in Glacier, Washington. It is a 1000 acre resort with a 1,500 foot vertical drop. The resort is located a few miles east of Mount Baker, a 10,778 foot high volcano.

The rugged wilderness found on this ski hill provides plenty of excitement for snowboarders and skiers. You will have 38 runs to choose from serviced by 9 lifts. The run breakdown is 31% advanced, 45% intermediate and 24% beginner.

Mt. Baker Ski Resort is also called the birthplace of snowboarding. And for good reason. When you combine the incredible views of the North Cascades and of Mt. Baker with the world famous powder and the natural wilderness you have the perfect snowboarding hill. That's why it is home to the Annual Legendary Banked Slalom.

Mt. Baker chair 8 going up.
Thanks to Rusty O.P. for the picture at flickr.com

The actual address for this resort is 1019 Iowa St. Bellingham, WA 98229. They can be reached at 360-734-6771 or 360-671-0211 for the snow phone. They are 56 miles east of Bellingham, 2 1/2 hours from Seattle, a little over an hour from Abbotsford and 2 hours from Vancouver.

There is no overnight lodging at Mt. Baker Ski Area but there is a bus service servicing the nearby towns. Cascade Adventure's Baker Bus offers rides to Mt. Baker Ski Resort from the following towns, Bellingham, Kendall, Maple Falls, Glacier downtown and Glacier Chando parking lot.

Overnight parking is allowed if you have a self contained camper or RV. This is designated to only special areas in the Heather Meadows parking lot and the White Salmon parking lot.

A view of the White Salmon lodge from the parking lot. Mt. Shuksan can be seen in the background. Thanks to wikipedia.org for the picture.

Mt. Baker Ski Resort offers ski rentals and lessons, with many packages available for beginners and more advanced skiers. If you are 13 or older with a skill level of 4 or above the Freeride program might be a good learning experience for you. This is on snow training in 8 two hour sessions. An emphasis is put on safety and fun. The focus is on efficient steps to improve your freeride and terrain park skills.

The Winter Ride program should be of interest to all residents of the nearby towns. They bus middle and high school students and chaperones to the Heather Meadows Base Area where the kids can rent equipment and take lessons. If you are a little beyond high school age, I mean like 50 and up, plan a visit on Senior Thursdays. These are three week sessions, two hours per session, for intermediate or above skiers.

Mt. Baker Ski Resort skier hitting a rail.
Thanks to Rusty O.P. for the picture at flickr.com

Another interesting program at Mt. Baker is the 5th Graders Free Program. If you have a 5th grader, listen up. If they are enrolled in the program they ski free all season. The ratio is 2-1, meaning one paying adult can accompany two free fifth graders.

The season opening date depends on snow fall but usually happens near the middle of November. They want about 24-36 inches of snow on the ground before they open the runs. Once they are open you can get into the resort at 9 AM and must leave at 3:30 PM.

If you happen to plan your next ski trip to Mt. Baker Ski Resort chances are pretty good you will not be sorry you did.

Mt. Baker Ski Resort Map & Directions (click on "Marker" for your personalized directions)