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The lift is new, but the view is the same: the top of Rainier Express at Crystal Mountain Resort.
After a particularly warm and dry summer, the thought of cold is actually appealing. Puffy jackets and cold noses, multiple layers and extra hot chocolate? Bring it. As snow piles in the mountains, area ski resorts are preparing to open. New chairlifts and tweaked parking regulations mean the season looks a little different, but the basics are the same: snow, steeps, and slipping in the parking lot and hoping no one notices. Here’s what’s afoot at local mountains for 2025.
After debuting two new chairlifts last year, including one that traveled to new terrain at Alpental, Snoqualmie could’ve kept it chill this season. But the I-90 ski area can’t stop: The new Edelweiss Chair (better known as Chair 2) at Alpental, debuting this year, should improve uphill capacity on the area’s steepest section. The chair goes from a two- to a three-seater.
As with last year, Alpental is now open on Mondays after years of midweek closures. Parking sees some shifts this season, including coming down from last year’s high prices. Everyone but Summit at Snoqualmie passholders will pay $15 at most lots and $25 at Alpental, but only on weekends. Discounts are available for carpools.
When the Rainier Express opened at Crystal in 1988, it was a bold new step in Washington skiing—the first high-speed detachable lift. After 37 years of faithful service, it was replaced this year, although with something about the same size: it stays a four-seater. As opening day approaches—the resort is aiming for November 28—the new lift is still finishing its construction phase, so it’s not expected to open until December. Parking is mostly unchanged from recent years, with a shuttle, weekend reservations required, and a new waitlist for anyone who couldn’t score a spot.
The other new experience at Crystal is a lot more controversial. The Crystal Mountain Reserve Pass, which runs $1,499 for the season, allows holders to skip the line at all of the mountain’s express lifts, plus the gondola. There will also be a $199 day option available (both are on top of the price of the lift ticket). The two-tiered line system has been in place at Mount Bachelor for a few years, but it’s a new concept in Washington. Much like air travel, skiing is becoming a lot more complicated, with premium tiers that could change the experience for everyone.
The indie streak is still strong at the state’s northern powerhouse. Ticket prices have crossed the $100 limit this year ($104 with tax) but only on peak days; midweek remains under $95 for adults. As ever, season passes sold out quickly, but day tickets are sold only in person and are still the best deal in the Cascades. Plus they’re still the sticker type plastered over a wire wicket, the ultimate retro accessory. The famed lodge cats are also in residence, and they appear in a wall calendar for sale at the resort’s retail shop.
No big changes at Highway 2’s ski area, but the good times vibe continues with live music on Fridays at the Foggy Goggle bar and an annual women’s weekend. Parking looks similar to last year; a reservation and paid system for four lots (G, A, B, and E) with free options for carpoolers. Six lots (C, D, 1, 2, 3, and 4) are free and without reservation. Opening day is December 5.
Mission Ridge benefits from the cold, dry climate of the mountains above Wenatchee.
This year, the ski area outside of Wenatchee won’t look too different. But that could change in the coming years; a proposed expansion with beginner terrain, Nordic trails, and lodging has spurred community reaction and is still in approval stages. One thing that has stayed consistent: Mission still has the best beginner’s package in the region. The Freedom Pass offers unlimited rentals, lessons, and beginner chair access for $499 for the season or as low as $139 for weekday use.
Like many of its neighbors, the Highway 12 ski area got a new chairlift this year, albeit one that sits in the footprint of an old one. The new Chair 4, which serves the upper mountain region known for the runs with bird names (Grouse, Ptarmigan, Quail) becomes a four-seater this year. The mountain is hoping to open the day after Thanksgiving, snow permitting.
