Mt. Baker Ski Area: Difference between revisions
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The ski area is home to the world's greatest recorded snowfall in one season: 1,140 inches (29 m). This record breaking snowfall occured during the 1998-99 season. |
The ski area is home to the world's greatest recorded snowfall in one season: 1,140 inches (29 m). This record breaking snowfall occured during the 1998-99 season. |
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Mt. Baker also enjoys the highest average annual snowfall of any resort in the World, with 641 inches (16.3 m). Niseko resort in Japan with an annual avareage of 595 inches (15.1 m) ranks second in the world. Although not a resort, Mt. Rainier's Paradise meadows just to the south has a 631 inches (16.0 m) [[annual snowfall]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://webpages.charter.net/tcrocker818/|title=Your Guide to Snowfall}}</ref>. |
Mt. Baker also enjoys the highest average annual snowfall of any resort in the World, with 641 inches (16.3 m). Niseko resort in Japan with an annual avareage of 595 inches (15.1 m) ranks second in the world. [[annual snowfall world ranking]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gearjunkie.com/top-20-snowiest-ski-resorts|title=Top 20 snoiest Ski Resorts}}</ref>.Although not a resort, Mt. Rainier's Paradise meadows just to the south has a 631 inches (16.0 m) [[annual snowfall]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://webpages.charter.net/tcrocker818/|title=Your Guide to Snowfall}}</ref>. |
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Revision as of 23:32, 4 February 2010
| Mt. Baker Ski Area | |
|---|---|
| Location | Glacier, Washington, US |
| Nearest major city | Bellingham 52 miles (89 km) west - 1hr 15min Drive |
| Top elevation | 5,089 ft (1,551 m) |
| Base elevation | 3,500 ft (1,100 m) |
| Skiable area | 1,000 acres (4 km²) |
| Trails | 31 |
| Lift system | 8 chairs, 2 rope tows |
| Snowfall | 55 ft (17 m) |
| Website | Mt. Baker |
Mt. Baker Ski Area is a ski resort located in Whatcom County, Washington, United States at the end of State Route 542. The base elevation is at 3,500 feet (1,070 m), while the peak of the resort is at 5089 feet (1,551 m).
The ski area is home to the world's greatest recorded snowfall in one season: 1,140 inches (29 m). This record breaking snowfall occured during the 1998-99 season.
Mt. Baker also enjoys the highest average annual snowfall of any resort in the World, with 641 inches (16.3 m). Niseko resort in Japan with an annual avareage of 595 inches (15.1 m) ranks second in the world. annual snowfall world ranking[1].Although not a resort, Mt. Rainier's Paradise meadows just to the south has a 631 inches (16.0 m) annual snowfall[2].
Mt. Baker ski area is known for numerous challenging inbounds routes and for the many backcountry opportunities which surround it. The backcountry is accessible from several chairlifts and access is permitted from the resort following the Mt. Baker Ski Area backcountry policy.
Mountain statistics
Elevation
- Base (White Salmon Base): 3,500 feet (1100 m), (Heather Meadows Base): 4,300 ft (1,300 m)
- Summit (Chair #8 - Hemispheres Chair): 5,089 feet (1,551 m)
- Vertical: 1,589 feet (484 m)
Terrain
- 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) — Lift serviced
- Advanced/Expert: 31%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Beginner: 24%
Lifts
The lifts at Mt. Baker are not named - they are referred to by number. All are fixed grip quads, and do not feature safety bars or footrests. Chairs 3 and 4 access the same point from different sides of the mountain using a continuous loop of cable (haul rope); there is a mid-station at the top for unloading only.
Chair 1 runs from the Heather Meadows upper base area to the top of Panorama Dome — there is a midpoint station on this lift where other riders can catch it halfway down the mountain, allowing for speedy runs on Austin, Pan Face, North Face, Chicken Ridge, and the famed Chute. Also accessible from Chair 1 is the Canyon, and the rest of the Chair 6 terrain. Chair 2 is located at the Heather Meadows upper base area. This is a chair for beginners. Chair 3 allows customers to access either the Chairs 4/5/6/Raven Hot area or return back down to Chairs 2 and 3. Chair 4 runs from the 4/5/6/Raven Hot area and back up to the top of Chair 3. Chair 5 replaced two parallel double chairs and accesses intermediate terrain, as well as the experts-only Gabl's run and the Elbow backcountry area. Chair 6 runs to the top of Panorama Dome. Chair 7 is the only chair that leaves from the White Salmon base area. From Chair 7, one can access Chair 8, or the 4/5/6/Raven Hot area. Chair 8 is the longest chair on the mountain and features longer groomed runs as well as access to the Hemispheres and Shuksan Arm backcountry areas. Additionally, there are two handle tow surface lifts for beginners; one located at White Salmon and one at Heather Meadows.
Legendary Banked Slalom
Started in 1985, this slalom race through the natural half pipe has evolved into an international event. The LBS attracts many pros from around the world as competitors and allows amateurs of all ages and abilities to compete on the same course over the same period with the professionals. The winner of each category receives a much coveted duct tape trophy as well as an embroidered Carhartt jacket.
Featured in Films
Mt Baker Ski Resort is often featured in ski and snowboard films and still photography due to its picturesque setting, plentiful snowfall, and the availability of easily accessed advanced terrain. A recent example is Sentimental Values By Funner Films.
Terrain Parks
Mt. Baker currently (2009) has one terrain park, called the Pinky Park, located at the top of chairs 3 and 4. It includes a few smaller jumps as well as a variety of boxes.
References
External links
