Winter Sports

Mt. Baker, just off the park's far northwest corner, is one of the Northwest's premier skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing regions—the area set a world record for most snow in a single season during the winter of 1998–99 (1,140 inches). The Mount Baker Highway (Route 542) cuts through the slopes toward state sno-parks; Salmon Ridge Sno-Park, 46 miles east of Bellingham at Exit 255, has groomed trails and parking. Mt. Baker Ski Area, 17 miles east of the town of Glacier, has eight chairlifts and access to backcountry skiing; its season runs roughly from November to April.

Stehekin is another base for winter sports. The Stehekin Valley alone has 20 miles of trails; some of the most popular are around Buckner Orchard, Coon Lake, and the Courtney Ranch (Cascade Corrals).

Mt. Baker. Off the park's northwest corner, this is the closest winter-sports area, with facilities for downhill and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, and other recreational ventures. The main base is the town of Glacier, 17 miles west of the slopes, where lodging is available. Equipment rental and food service are on-site. Facilities: 38 trails; 1,000 acres; 1,500-foot vertical drop; 10 lifts (8 quad chairs, 2 rope tows). Hwy. 542, Glacier, Washington, 98244. 360/734–6771; 360/671–0211; www.mtbaker.us. Lift ticket: weekdays $55, weekends and holidays $60. Nov.–Apr..