Updated Dec 11, 2025
Winter storms are finally dropping real snow across the Northwest. Ski areas from the Cascades to the Tetons are firing up snow guns, packing trails, and getting ready for opening weekend. Some mountains already have chairs spinning. Others need another storm or two.
Here’s a clear look at what’s open, what’s next, and how much snow has actually piled up in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.
Fresh Snow Is Finally Building a Base
Cold storms this week gave the Northwest its first solid foundation of winter. Snow levels dropped, nights froze hard, and summit zones across the region picked up steady accumulation.
NOAA is calling for more shots of cold moisture as we head into early December. That means good news for skiers and riders who’ve been waiting for the first real turns.
This update focuses on what’s open now and what to expect from the next few storms.
“If you want a full look at the weather pattern behind these early storms, read our Northwest winter forecast update.”
Washington: Baker Leads the Charge
Washington is off to a mixed but improving start. The Cascades picked up solid snow, especially north of Stevens.
Mt. Baker (Updated)
Projected Opening: TBA
Mt. Baker depends completely on natural snow and does not use snowmaking. For the ski area to open, the base at Heather Meadows needs to build up to roughly 20 to 40 inches. The exact amount changes with the type of snow we receive. Light, dry powder packs differently than the heavier, wetter snow common in the PNW.
The team also waits for a stable stretch in the extended forecast before choosing an opening day. Once the base is deep enough and the weather looks steady, the mountain will announce when the season begins.
https://www.mtbaker.us
Crystal Mountain (Updated)
Projected Opening: TBD
Mountain is still closed and a date has not been set yet for opening day. As of 4pm on the 10th, 410 is closed between Enumclaw and Greenwater. Refer to WSDOT for more updates.
https://www.crystalmountainresort.com
Stevens Pass (Updated)
Projected Opening: TBD
The mountain is still closed at this time.
https://www.stevenspass.com
Summit at Snoqualmie (Updated)
Projected Opening: TBA
Both mountains are still closed and needing more snow.
https://www.summitatsnoqualmie.com
White Pass (Updated)
Projected Opening: TBD
White Pass is currently closed, and we will not operate this weekend, December 13 and 14. Uphill travel is also closed at this time. the White Pass team is making snow whenever temperatures allow, and working hard to prepare the mountain for opening. For everyone’s safety, please stay off the hill while crews are on the slopes.
https://www.skiwhitepass.com
Mission Ridge
Opening: Reopening Dec 18th
Cold temps and strong snowmaking set up a limited early-season opening on Chairs 1 and 2, plus Pika Peak. Terrain will expand as coverage improves.
Oregon: Mt. Hood Leads the Pack
The Oregon Cascades are cooling down fast.
Mt. Hood Meadows (Updated)
Projected Opening: 12/13
This Saturday (12/13) from 10 AM – 4 PM, we will have a limited lodge opening again.
https://www.skihood.com
Timberline Lodge (Updated)
Projected Opening: TBD
Timberline is Closed for Skiing & Snowboarding: The plan is to open for the winter season as soon as there is enough snow to responsibly operate. Active machinery and unmarked hazards do exist
https://www.timberlinelodge.com
Mt. Bachelor (Updated)
Projected Opening: TBD
The mountain still remains closed but you can check out the pro shop for any of your gear needs.
https://www.mtbachelor.com
Willamette Pass (Updated)
Projected Opening: TBA
The new opening day will be confirmed as soon as winter gives the coverage the mountain needs. In the meantime, tickets will stay live starting on the 19th so you keep access to early pricing while we stay optimistic and watch for the cold snap that can get things moving fast.
https://www.willamettepass.com
Idaho: Strong Start for Lookout and Silver
Idaho mountains benefited from colder systems dropping across the northern Rockies.
Lookout Pass (Updated)
Projected Opening: Projected to reopen 12/13th
Frequent snow and cold nights help Lookout lead the region.
https://www.skilookout.com
Silver Mountain (Updated)
Projected Opening: December 13, 2025(projected)
Mountain crew is optimistic on the potential to open this weekend.
https://www.silvermt.com
Bogus Basin (Updated)
Projected Opening: TBD
Still watching the weather. No trails or lifts open
https://www.bogusbasin.org
Sun Valley (Updated)
Projected Opening: Open
Bald Mountain has 8 trails and 5 lifts open. Dollar Mountain has 0 open at this time.
https://www.sunvalley.com
Montana: Big Sky and Bridger Getting Snowy
Montana’s cold November nights are helping snow stick fast.
Big Sky Resort (Updated)
Opened: 11/40 Lifts Open, 38/319 Trails Open
https://bigskyresort.com
Bridger Bowl (Updated)
Projected Opening: Dec 12th
Opening day tomorrow! Please be aware of Early Season Conditions with a thin snowpack and unmarked obstacles. Yahoo for a new season!
https://www.bridgerbowl.com
Lost Trail (Updated)
Projected Opening: Open
2/5 lifts open and 25/69 trails open
https://losttrail.com
Discovery Ski Area (Updated)
Projected Opening: Open Weekends
Open Dec 13/14 and 20/21
https://skidiscovery.com
Wyoming: Teton Region Looking Strong
Wyoming usually kicks into winter earlier than the Coast. This year is no different.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (Updated)
Projected Opening: Open 4/13 lifts open, 10/130 trails open, 0/4 terrain parks
Good early-season conditions at higher elevations.
https://www.jacksonhole.com
Grand Targhee Resort (Updated)
Projected Opening: Open
4/6 lifts open, 59/95 trails open, 12/95 groomed, 1/2 parks
https://www.grandtarghee.com
Snow King Mountain (Updated)
Projected Opening: Open
Cougar Lift opens 12/12
https://snowkingmountain.com
Snowpack Overview: Which States Are Ahead?
Here’s a simple snapshot of where snowpack stands so far:
| State | Early Snowpack Outlook | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | Moderate but rising | Best in North Cascades |
| Oregon | Moderate | Mt. Hood strongest |
| Idaho | Strong | Lookout/Silver leading |
| Montana | Strong | Cold nights helping |
| Wyoming | Strong high-elevation base | Teton region in great shape |
Most ski areas need one or two more storms to fully open, but the trend is finally positive.
Final Word: Winter Is Finally Here
The first meaningful storms have hit, and the region is waking up. Mt. Baker, Timberline, Lookout Pass, Big Sky, and Grand Targhee already have chairs spinning. Many others are just a storm or two away from opening larger terrain.
Now is the time to check the avalanche forecast, monitor resort updates, and get your gear ready. Early conditions can change fast, but the pattern is finally pointing in the right direction.
Winter showed up. Your first real turns of the season are next.
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