* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations averaging 5 to 10 inches and locally as high as 12 inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...In Oregon, East Slopes of the Oregon Cascades and Northern Blue Mountains of Oregon. In Washington, Upper Slopes of the Eastern Washington Cascades Crest and Northwest Blue Mountains. * WHEN...Until 7 AM PST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Significant snowfall with periods of heavy snowfall rates will combine with low visibility to create very difficult driving conditions. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
Bluewood Ski Area is waking up to a mild morning this December 26, 2025, with overnight temperatures hovering just above freezing at 33.6°F. Bluewood ski resort is located in the Washington State's southeast corner and offers 400+ acres of skiable terrain with 24 runs for all skill levels.
Wind
Humidity
The current snowpack is a modest 5 inches—well below seasonal norms—registering an 85% deficit compared to average depths. However, snow lovers should not be discouraged: fresh powder is on the way. The 24-hour forecast calls for nearly 6 inches of new snow, with over 11 inches expected in the next 72 hours. This incoming storm system promises to revitalize the slopes, offering a much-needed refresh just in time for post-holiday turns.
Despite the snowy optimism, skiers should note that the highly anticipated Skyline Express high-speed quad chairlift will not debut this winter. Legal disputes surrounding the lift's installation have caused delays, pushing its grand opening to 2026. Still, Bluewood remains one of the Pacific Northwest’s most affordable and charming ski gems, especially known for its light, dry powder and uncrowded runs. While terrain access may be limited due to the shallow base, improving snow conditions and a quieter post-Christmas vibe make this an ideal moment for those craving peaceful runs and scenic Blue Mountains views. Keep watch for storm updates and dress for variable mountain weather.
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 Touchet.
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 Bluewood.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Bluewood impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Bluewood Ski Resort is located in the Blue Mountains of southeastern Washington state in the United States. The resort is situated within the northern portion of the Blue Mountains, which is part of the larger Columbia Plateau region. The mountain ranges that surround Bluewood Ski Resort include the Northern Blue Mountains and the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness area.
The ski area at Bluewood is known for its diverse terrain that includes a mixture of groomed runs, moguls, glades, and backcountry opportunities. The resort's elevation ranges from 4,545 feet at the base to 5,670 feet at the summit, offering skiers and snowboarders a vertical drop of 1,125 feet.
In addition to its natural snowfall, Bluewood Ski Resort also has snowmaking capabilities to cover approximately 20% of its terrain, ensuring consistent conditions throughout the ski season. The resort typically receives an average of 300 inches of snow annually, providing ample opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts to enjoy the slopes.
The resort boasts the best trails for intermediate skiers, including the Grubstake and the Roughlock runs. An interesting fact about Bluewood is that it was started in the 60s by a group of local farmers who wanted to provide winter recreation for their families. For beginner skiers, the easiest run is the Learning Curve, which is specifically designed for those just starting. The Snowpack Bar & Grill is the best apres ski bar with delicious food and drinks that skiers can enjoy while taking in the stunning views of the resort's beautiful landscape.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 3 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 3950 per hour |
Base Elevation | 1385 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 430 Acres |
Established | 1978 |
Run Count | 22 Trails |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, snow, mainly before 1pm. high near 31. southwest wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. chance of precipitation is 90%. new snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.
Bluewood is expected to receive up to 11.61" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Washington ski country is seeing some impressive snowfall totals today, especially around Mt. Rainier and the North Cascades. Cayuse Pass reported a massive 291" in the last 24 hours, while nearby Paradise (Mt. Rainier) recorded over 200". These numbers are likely anomalies or snow model errors, but even conservative estimates confirm significant new snow. Morse Lake, also near Crystal Mountain ... Read more