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POSTED: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009

Snowstorm means Mt. Baker Ski Area to open Thursday

A storm that dumped more than 45 inches of snow in the mountains will allow Mt. Baker Ski Area to open for the season Thursday, Nov. 12 - about one month earlier than it did last year.

"For us to be able to open early in November, we feel really fortunate. It's a big help," said Gwyn Howat, operations manager for the ski area.

Last year, the ski area opened for the season on Dec. 14.

A storm blew in on Thursday, Nov. 5, bringing winds that topped 100 mph to the ski area that night. By Friday, heavy wind had given way to heavy snowfall that continued through Saturday morning.

"It's a huge amount of snowfall. It didn't let up for some time," Howat said.

Forecasts call for as much as another two feet of snow to fall by opening day.

As of Monday morning, the snow base at Pan Dome was 42 inches and the base at Heather Meadows was 36 inches.

Mt. Baker Ski Area will be in normal mid-week operations on Thursday and Friday out of the White Salmon Base Area. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with chairs three through eight in operation.

Mid-week rates will be in effect, with an adult lift ticket costing $39.50.

The ski area will be in full operation this coming weekend, with all chairlifts running and adult tickets at $47.50.

The poor economy is having some impact. Howat said sales of season passes were down slightly.

Other ski areas in the region also have announced their opening dates.

Crystal Mountain will start its season Wednesday. White Pass has set a tentative season opener of Friday.

Up north, Whistler Blackcomb has announced it will open Nov. 26.

Mt. Baker Ski Area typically opens in mid-November or at the end of the month.

GET SNOW REPORTS

Here's how to check on the status of ski areas in the region:

Mt. Baker: Call 671-0211 for its snow report, or visit mtbaker.us.

Whistler Blackcomb: whistlerblackcomb.com.

Other ski resorts:

Check out skiwashington.com to find opening dates for ski resorts in Washington state.