The days have dwindled to mere hours, and soon we’ll be counting down the minutes until those lifts start turning: 9am tomorrow! I was lucky enough to enjoy a pre-season test run this morning. The hard work of our mountain operations teams has certainly paid off, with smooth cords on Sunspot and Tumwater contrasting sharply with thin coverage elsewhere. The upper half of the mountain has seen cooler temps, more snowmaking windows, and a bit more natural snow, which has made all the difference for conditions. Today’s soft upper-mountain corduroy would not have been out of place on a midwinter day.
On Mimi and the lower half of Tumwater, conditions were noticeably firmer on primarily man-made snow, and there were a couple spots of low coverage in the flats. At these elevations, we’ve seen less natural snowfall and didn’t get sustained snowmaking temps until last week. The groomers will give these areas plenty of attention tonight, but we can nonetheless expect conditions to be on the firmer side below Midway tomorrow.
Last weekend, the snowmaking team churned out a massive heap of snow on Pika Peak, which is gonna be super helpful in allowing our learners to enjoy a dedicated area of their own over Opening Weekend. The Parks crew is also looking to construct a couple smaller features in the Lil Bombers area this evening – perfect for easing into the season.
While we are absolutely stoked to spin the first chairlift of the 25/26 Season in Washington State, it’s important to remember that this will be a limited opening with no additional terrain beyond the aforementioned runs (Sunspot, Tumwater, Mimi, Pika Peak, & a very limited version of Lil Bombers). As will be immediately visible from the lifts, other areas are still waiting on additional base depth. We encourage you to ease into the season and, as always, ski and ride with care. Early season conditions and areas of thin cover will exist, and remember to respect all rope lines and trail closures – they are there for your safety.
Looking at the forecast for Opening Weekend, we’re gonna be seeing some dynamic weather patterns with potential for snow, rain, wind, and perhaps a hint of sunshine. The summit has a shot at receiving incremental snowfall over each of the next 4 days that could add up to several inches. However, this is likely to fall partially as rain in the Base Area. Tomorrow is no exception to this trend, with a 50% chance of snow at the summit and a chance of scattered mixed precipitation at the base. On Friday afternoon and particularly Saturday, winds are forecasted to pick up significantly. If you have the flexibility to get your first turns on Thursday or Friday morning, I’d recommend it to maximize your chance of catching the best Opening Weekend weather conditions.
This early-season, we’re continuing our tradition of honoring local heroes through the Firefighter and Emergency Personnel Appreciation program. From Opening Day through December 14th, we’re inviting Firefighters, EMTs, and Law Enforcement professionals—including 2025 seasonal personnel—to enjoy free skiing and riding as a thank-you for their service. Click here to learn more.Â
We will see you tomorrow!!!!Â
Operations Info
Forecast
Thursday 12/4 – A 50 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 29. West wind 7 to 9 mph. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Friday 12/5 – Snow before 7am, then snow, possibly mixed with rain between 7am and 8am, then snow after 8am. High near 30. West wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
Saturday 12/6 – A 50 percent chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 29. Windy. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Sunday 12/7 – Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 30. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Mountain OperationsÂ
12/4 (OPENING DAY) – Open 9am-4pm
12/5 – Open 9am-4pm
12/6 – Open 9am-4pm
12/7 – Open 9am-4pm
12/8-12/11 – CLOSEDÂ
Lift Status*
Chair 1, Wenatchee Express (Chair 2), & Pika Peak Rope Tow are scheduled for operation.Â
*Chair configuration may change at any time.
Terrain*
Early season conditions exist and limited terrain will be open. Low coverage exists in places. Please stay on open runs and respect all rope lines/trail closures as they are there for your safety.
Expected open terrain for 12/4-12/7: Mimi, Tumwater, Sunspot, & Pika Peak beginner area.Â
*Run status may change at any time.
Base Area Operations
Lift TicketsÂ
Ticketing/Season Pass office OPEN at 8am each day.Â
Early Season Prices for Chair 1, The Wenatchee Express (Chair 2), and the Pika Peak rope tow: Day tickets are $85 for ages 25-69, $75 for ages 18-24, $55 for ages 13-17, $45 for ages 8-12, $9 for ages 7 & under and $29 for ages 70+ for tickets purchased in advance and online to reflect the limited opening of chairlifts and terrain.Â
Due to the limited opening of terrain, Powder Alliance visits and other mountain reciprocals (49º North, Lookout Pass, & Loup Loup) will not be accepted on Opening Weekend. Indy Pass visits will be accepted.
Food Service
Chair 5 Pub – OPEN 8am-4:30pm
Ka-Wham Cafe – OPEN 8am-4:30pm
Midway Lodge – OPEN 10am-2pm on 12/4 & 12/5; OPEN 10am-3pm on 12/6 & 12/7
Rental Shop
OPEN from 8am-4:30pm
Retail Shop
OPEN from 8am-4:30pm
Ski SchoolÂ
OPEN 8am-4:30pm
For lesson availability, click here.
Calendar
For the full, planned operations calendar, click here.
Uphill Policy
Modified Uphill Policy is in effect.Â
