Mt Baker Ski Area in Washington and Escape2ski provides info on; vertical drop 1500ft/457m, total trails 38, closest airport 40mi/65km, lifts 10, and more.

The ski area is located in the North Cascades National Forest between Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan in Whatcom County, Washington State at the end of State Road 542.

Mt Baker Ski Area dates back to 1923 when Bert Huntoon along with nine developers from Whatcom County formed the Mount Baker Development Company and built a luxury lodge known as the Mt Baker Lodge at Heather Meadows. In 1938, getting up the mountain was made a little easier with the installation and operation of the first rope tow at Mt Baker Ski Area.

Mt Baker Ski Area gained considerable popularity in 1943 when the movie, Call of the Wild starring Clark Gable, Loretta Young and Reginald Owen was filmed there. After that, a few dark years appeared for the ski area, but in 1952, the Mt Baker Recreation Company was formed and installed the first double chairlift.

Finally, in early 1953, Mt Baker Ski Area opened to the public, and this special winter paradise was open for all to enjoy. Another significant milestone and world record that will probably stand the test of time is that Mt Baker Ski Area lays claim to having received 1140in/2896cm of snowfall during the 1998/1999 winter season.

The ski area has grown from the early days and now offers a well-placed chairlift system and incredible views of the surrounding area for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy.

On the Slopes

• So much is offered in this somewhat remote mountain setting, including an annual Easter egg hunt for children. Chair 8 is a paradise of intermediate terrain that every member of the family can enjoy. Don’t forget your camera, as the view of Mt Shuksan is absolutely amazing.
• Mt Baker Ski Area has gained a reputation not only for stunning scenery but the variety of terrain, including a good selection of advanced and expert runs that include The Chute and Gunner Bowl.
• However, with all the incredible scenery and the vast amount of out of bounds terrain that looks so inviting after a snowfall, it is essential that you have the backcountry knowledge and the proper gear before venturing into these areas.
• Mt Baker Ski Area offers mountain education courses if you are interested in exploring beyond the boundaries.
• Mt Baker Ski Area is steep and deep in history and none greater than The Legendary Banked Slalom Race, an annual event since 1985. The event is a snowboard race that usually occurs on the first weekend in February.
• The Ski and Snowboard School at Mt Baker has various lessons and programs that include kid’s private lessons for ages 3-6, group and private lessons for children 7 and up and the popular 5th Graders program. Adults have the option of a group or private lessons, and there are even family lessons along with a seniors program.

Off the Slopes

• Mt Baker Ski Area has dining in three restaurants, plus a deli and gift shops located in either the Heather Meadows Day Lodge or White Salmon Day Lodge. Don’t forget there is also the mid-mountain Ravens Hut Lodge, conveniently located at the base of Chairs C4, C5, and C6.
• Mt Baker Ski Area does not have on-mountain accommodations, but the nearby community of Glacier – the original site for gold mining and logging in the region – offers coffee shops, a small grocery store, restaurants and ski and snowboard shops, along with several lodging choices.
• Other Activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing that are available in the Wilderness Recreation Area. You’ll have the opportunity to break fresh tracks or follow the tracks of others, as there are no groomed trails in the area.