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Northwest Trip

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JGWI
Posts: 2842 - Karma: 7,812
I normally take a trip every year around mid Feb. Out of every place I have been I have most enjoyed the Yellowstone area for it's remoteness and simply awesome skiing and powder. This season however I want to try something new. I do not want a very busy resort nor one that is very tourist focused (I'm there to ski not to party). I have heard a lot of mixed reviews about the Northern Cascades some good and some bad. I am looking for something with challenging runs and a good stable snow pack around mid Feb. Like I said I like the remote aspect of it and when it comes to a park I really don't care because that is all I do here in MN anyways. Could anyone recommend a good resort around the Seattle area or any good resort in general in Washington. I have heard a lot of good things about Baker and Crystal but if anyone could give me some recommendations and share their opinion on the area that would be great. Another thing that is driving me to this area is I was offered a Post nursing graduate position at Seattle Children's for next spring and I just kind of want to scope out the area. And one more question, what is the commute from the north side of the city to most of the resorts like?
Jul 30 2014 11:37PM
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skier58284
Posts: 1705 - Karma: 5,365
You want remote and some of the best skiing anywhere? Mount Baker Ski Area. Also has some of the best sidecountry anywhere, but you need avalanche gear and a friend for that. If you've got that, hike the Shuksan Arm. If you can handle gnarly steep spinewalls that is. Mount Baker Ski Area is small in bounds, but remote and not crowded at all, and the backcountry there is endless If you want something closer to Seattle and bigger in bounds, consider Crystal, Stevens Pass, and Alpental.

I have yet to ski in Washington but I've looked into it a lot and intend to move there at some point and those four areas (Baker, Crystal, Stevens, and Alpental) are all on the top of my list to check out.

If you don't believe me about Baker having awesome steep gnarly sidecountry, watch this, especially the second half.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=025xwggKvUY
Jul 30 2014 11:42PM
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RudyGarmisch
Posts: 25443 - Karma: 13,844
It never snows in WA in Feb.
Jul 31 2014 9:21AM
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p-fo
Posts: 9372 - Karma: 6,155
DarthVaderIt never snows in WA in Feb.


Or ever.
Jul 31 2014 12:16PM
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toastyteenagers
Posts: 1834 - Karma: 6,793
p-foOr ever.


or ever
Jul 31 2014 12:21PM
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Drail
Posts: 14012 - Karma: 10,010
If it does turn into an else niño winter I wouldn't be very optimistic of the snow conditions in the pnw in February. Keep your eye on the weather. Typically in El Niño years the one and southern bc get warm rain events while Tahoe gets the snow. If there is snow though, crystal would be worth your trip. Baker is sweet, but it's a little small to travel great lengths for.
Jul 31 2014 12:43PM
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Filmore
Posts: 460 - Karma: 861
come to skummit at snoqualmie
all pow, all year
Jul 31 2014 2:12PM
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