Ever elusive Mt. Baker can sometimes be seen towering over Bellingham to the East, and the wilderness that surrounds it holds an area that is very near and dear to me: Mt. Baker Ski Area. With 8 chairs, 2 lodges, extensive back country access, and miles of both groomed trails and tree runs, this mountain has it all whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned shredder. So grab a friend, your snow gear, check the snow report, put some gas in the tank and head up to the mountain; even if it’s only for a half day ;D

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Getting There

From Bellingham, head north on Interstate 5 and exit for Sunset Drive/Mt. Baker. Now literally follow the road for close to an hour and twenty minutes and then voilà ! You’ve arrived at one of my favorite winter microadventure locations: Mt. Baker.

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The Ski Area

Depending on your level and the day of the week, you can start out at either the Heather Meadows Lodge or the White Salmon Lodge. If you’re coming up on a weekday, the only lodge that is open is the White Salmon Lodge. On the weekends, both lodges are open. Each lodge offers ski and snowboard rentals, shopping, and ski/snowboard lessons! I’m usually a weekday warrior, and avoid the weekend crowds. This way I can have more time to myself (and with my skibum friends). I could tell you my favorite runs, but that would take the fun out of you finding them for yourself! I hope you all get out and enjoy Mt. Baker as much as I have over the past few years, cause I’m always finding new runs, the occasional fresh pow, making new friends, and of course, having an absolute blast in the snow.