Alpental, Summit West, Mt. Ashland Get New Lifts For PNW Skiers, Riders
In the last several off-seasons, owner Boyne Resorts has put money into modernizing the four-mountain chairlift system at Summit at Snoqualmie on the Cascade crest.
Some of these chairs were up to five decades old, and the multi-year project has replaced with modern lifts, added seats and went from fixed-grip to detachable -- all aimed at better handling the high volume of skiers and riders who make the hour's drive from metro Seattle.
Focus this summer was continuing a makeover at Alpental, the highest and steepest area at Snoqualmie. Last season, crews replaced the 56-year-old Sessel double with a modern fixed-grip three-seater, and extended its uphill reach to the base of the Internationale triple.
This past summer, the Internationale took on a new line from mid-mountain to the Nash Gate entrance into Alpental's back bowls. The higher line eliminates a precarious plunge off the top down the gnarly cliffs of Upper Internationale. The challenge of the Internationale installation predicated a one-year delay in upgrading the ridge-running Edelweiss, a double that has run since 1967.
But over at Summit West, 50-year-old Wildside double becomes a modern four-person chair for this season. A new alignment has moved the loading terminal nearer to the main parking lot and condos, giving the novices that Summit West attracts a shot at some steeper terrain. Plus, new crossover trails between Summit West and Summit Central will make the trip easier.
This season -- again to manage crowds -- Summit at Snoqualmie has instituted a parking fee system. Season pass and FlexPass holders park for free; Ikon and day ticket-holders will pay $5, and backcountry-ers and non-skiers will have to shell out $55.
The other new lift in the Pacific Northwest went up this summer at southern Oregon's Mt. Ashland. The new Lithia chair will link different terrains and make uphill transport smoother for its learning area behind the main lodge. Joining a rope tow and the Sonnet double, the new chair will run the same line as a former platter and eliminate a hike-out.
At other resorts in the Northwest, here is what's new for 2024-2025:
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White Pass: Snowmaking has gotten a significant upgrade, and crews have put in new features in learning area.
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Stevens Pass: On weekends and holidays, half of the parking lots (closest to the hill) will cost $20. Vehicles with at least four inside will be free.
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Crystal Mountain: The new Mountain Commons base lodge opens with 25,000 square feet for retail, dining and apres ski beverages.
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Mount Bachelor: Sunrise lodge got a major remodel and 50 more seats this summer, as resort is up for sale.
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Loup Loup Ski Bowl: Kids 12 and under now ski and ride for free ... if a parent buys a day ticket.
