White Pass Ski Area Ski Report
Rate this placeLast Updated: January 1, 2026
Welcome to White Pass Ski Area on this New Year's Day, 2026! White Pass Ski Area is located in Washington, United States, and boasts 1,500 skiable acres with 45 runs.
Snowfall Totals & Snow Forecast
Hourly Snowfall
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Wind
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Humidity
Summary
After a mild overnight low of 36°F, the mountain woke up to a fresh inch of new snow, giving skiers and boarders a soft top layer to carve into. The current snowpack sits at 49 inches—about 20 inches below average for this time of year—yet the slopes remain surprisingly well-groomed and rideable thanks to consistent maintenance and a solid base. The Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) is holding strong at 14.8, suggesting a stable foundation for early January.
Looking ahead, the forecast brings hope: nearly an inch of snow is expected in the next 24 hours, with up to 6 inches possible by the weekend. With new ownership recently approved and plans for future upgrades in the works, White Pass is balancing its charming small-mountain atmosphere while stepping confidently into modern improvements. Skiers are advised to remain cautious amid recent reports of high avalanche danger elsewhere in Washington—always carry proper safety gear. Despite the lighter snow year so far, White Pass continues to deliver a classic winter experience with sweeping views and uncrowded slopes. It's a great time to catch some turns and ring in 2026 with mountain magic.
Weather Forecast
Seasonal Comparison
Year over year snow water equivalent
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.
Regional Snowpack Depth
Snow levels measured 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.
Historical Air Temperature
Temperature fluctuations at White Pass Ski Area
Recent air temperature fluctuations at White Pass Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
About the Area
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 |
White Pass Ski Area FAQ
How much snow did White Pass Ski Area receive over the past day?
The ski area received 1" of new snowfall since yesterday.
What's the weather like at White Pass Ski Area today?
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.
How much new snowfall is forecasted for White Pass Ski Area this week?
White Pass Ski Area is expected to receive up to 6.28" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
What are ski area conditions in Washington like right now?
Washington's North Cascades are seeing the most significant snow totals this week, with Beaver Pass forecasted for 33 inches over five days and nearby Easy Pass and Brown Top expecting 32 and 30 inches respectively. These sensors are in proximity to Mt. Baker Ski Area, which is likely to benefit from this incoming snow. Marten Ridge and Thunder Basin, also ... Read more