A powdery start to the New Year awaits skiers and riders at White Pass Ski Area this January 2nd, 2026. White Pass Ski Area is located in Washington, United States, and boasts 1,500 skiable acres with 45 runs.
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Humidity
With a fresh inch of overnight snow and a solid 49-inch base, the slopes are primed for crisp morning turns and soft cruising all day long. Temperatures held steady overnight at a mild 36°F, lending to ideal groomer conditions and good visibility across the mountain. Forecasts call for a light refresh with up to 2 inches of snow expected in the next 24 hours and a promising 6 inches in the five-day outlook—perfect for topping off an already inviting snowpack. While the current snowpack sits about 34% below typical seasonal averages, the terrain remains well-covered and riding strong.
Off the slopes, excitement is building in the Cascades with White Pass undergoing a wave of transformation. Recent news confirms the ski area’s sale to a Yakima-based group, sparking plans for future improvements aimed at enhancing the guest experience. With the annual White Pass Winter Carnival just around the corner and the area named among the top value resorts for snow depth, there’s no better time to carve out your winter adventure. Whether you're chasing deep turns or après vibes, White Pass is calling.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Pigtail Peak.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at White Pass Ski Area.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at White Pass Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
The White Pass Ski Area is located in the Cascade Range of the state of Washington, United States. The ski resort is situated in the Wenatchee National Forest and is surrounded by several prominent mountain ranges and peaks.
Some of the pertinent mountain ranges and aspects of the White Pass Ski Area include:
1. Cascade Range: The Cascade Range is a major mountain range in North America, extending from British Columbia in Canada to California in the United States. White Pass is located in the southern part of the Cascade Range in Washington.
2. Goat Rocks Wilderness: The White Pass Ski Area is near the Goat Rocks Wilderness, a rugged mountainous area known for its alpine scenery and diverse wildlife.
3. Mount Rainier: The iconic Mount Rainier, a dormant stratovolcano and the highest peak in the Cascade Range, is visible from the White Pass Ski Area. It is a prominent landmark in the region.
4. Norse Peak Wilderness: The Norse Peak Wilderness is another wilderness area near White Pass known for its scenic beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking and camping.
5. Pacific Crest Trail: The famous Pacific Crest Trail, a long-distance hiking trail that stretches from Mexico to Canada, passes near the White Pass Ski Area. Hikers can access the trail for day hikes or longer backpacking trips.
Overall, the White Pass Ski Area offers stunning mountain views and a variety of terrain for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts to enjoy.
The resort has a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert trails, but the best trails are considered to be the Paradise Basin and the Powder Pass. An interesting fact is that White Pass was originally a military training camp during World War II before being converted into a ski resort in 1953. For beginners, the best suggestion is to start on the Couloir Express lift, which provides access to the gentle runs of the Discovery Basin. The High Camp Lodge is the best après-ski bar, offering a cozy atmosphere with good drinks and food.
Lift Count | 5 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 6500 per hour |
Base Elevation | 1372 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 635 Acres |
Established | 1952 |
Run Count | 32 Trails |
The ski area received 1" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, snow likely. mostly cloudy, with a high near 32. south wind 3 to 6 mph. chance of precipitation is 70%. new snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
White Pass Ski Area is expected to receive up to 6.28" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Washington ski areas are seeing a notable uptick in snowfall, especially across the North Cascades and Mount Rainier regions. Beaver Pass (near North Cascades Heli and Mt. Baker Ski Area), Easy Pass, and Marten Ridge are forecast to get up to 36", 42", and a state-leading 53" respectively over the next five days. Mt. Baker has already been reporting deep ... Read more