CHEWELAH, Wash. — After an extended wait for winter weather, 49 Degrees North ski area near Chewelah opened its slopes for the season, marking the second-latest opening in the resort’s history.
The ski area welcomed crowds of eager skiers and snowboarders following this week’s snowfall. Parking lots were packed and ski lifts buzzed with activity as winter sports enthusiasts celebrated the long-awaited opening.
The delayed opening comes after the Inland Northwest weather was slow to chill. Rick Brown, director of skier and rider services at 49 Degrees North, acknowledged the extended wait while maintaining optimism about the season ahead.
“It’s been a bit longer wait than many of us would have hoped for, but it’s been a fantastic day,” Brown said.
This marks the second latest opening in the ski area’s history, with the latest opening occurring nearly two decades ago.
“We’re typically open around Thanksgiving. So this is this is a bit later than we typically experience. But, it’s not unheard of,” Brown said.
Among the opening day crowd were Kaitlin and Casey Barnash, recent transplants from the Carolinas who purchased season passes specifically to experience the area’s winter recreation opportunities.
“We came here for snow, though. We moved specifically to this area for snow,” Kaitlin Barnash said.
As first-time season passholders, missing opening day was never an option for the couple.
“We’re like first-time season passholders to any resort ever. Yeah. We were like, we’re not missing opening day. No definitely not,” Casey Barnash said.
The couple’s enthusiasm reflects the broader excitement among winter sports enthusiasts who have been waiting for the season to begin. Cross Jones expressed his happiness about finally being able to snowboard.
“I’m happy because, like, get to be out here and snowboard, and it’s just, like, nice to see everybody out here and getting out,” Jones said.
Brown emphasized the personal nature of the ski area’s relationship with its community.
“My boss has this saying and I think it’s pretty apt. Opening a ski resort is like welcoming visitors to your home,” Brown said.
For the Barnash couple, the delayed opening hasn’t dampened their commitment to their new mountain.
“We love 49 north. We identified it right away as our mountain. Yeah. So we’re just super excited that we found our home. And to be here on opening day, even if it’s a less than ideal season so far, we’re going to be tried and true and stick it out,” Kaitlin Barnash said.
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