SPOKANE, Wash. — After a major winter storm, fresh powder is waiting for skiers and snowboarders at ski resorts in the Inland Northwest. However, all that snow means some lifts and areas may be unavailable.
People should also be prepared for potentially difficult driving conditions on the way to the mountains.
Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park
Mt. Spokane reports an “epic dump” of 14 inches of new snow in the past 24 hours, with the potential for another 3 to 7 inches on Friday. In a Facebook post, the ski area said every run has at least 6 to 8 inches of powder.
Winds could be a major challenge for skiers and snowboarders. Wind gusts in the Spokane area are forecasted to reach as high as 55 miles per hour, on peaks they could be even stronger.
Drivers have also faced some challenges getting to Mt. Spokane on Friday. Maintenance crews shut down the road for a short time this morning to clear some of the snow off the road.
Schweitzer
Schweitzer reports over a foot of new snow since last night. While the resort will be open, road conditions are difficult and some runs will not be open.
Schweitzer reports that because of the weather challenges, as well as COVID cases, it will not operate Colburn Triple, the T-Bar and the Cedar Park Express on Friday. Avalanche control work will also delay the opening of the North Bowl.
Silver Mountain
Silver Mountain will be open on Friday but some areas may take longer to open.
The resort said it will start with opening chairs 1,2,3 and the covered carpet. It plans to open chair 4 once ski patrol is ready.
49° North Mountain Resort
49° reports a foot of new snow in the past 24 hours with more snow possible today. The resort said lifts will be running along with the opening of Angel Peak.
Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area
Lookout Pass reports nearly two feet of new snow in the past 24 hours and more snow on the way.