What’s New

Six years ago, 49 Degrees North introduced Chair 5 and new terrain in the Sunrise Basin — the resort’s largest expansion, with 500 acres and 20 new runs. Now, they’re back building the resort again.

“We are excited to introduce Chair 6, the newest lift in the Northwest,” Curt Bishop, chief financial officer and a 13-year veteran of the mountain states. “Although the terrain off Angel Peak has been cut for a couple of years and skiers and boarders could make the trip up by a 10-minute boot hike, now they will be taken up to the top of Angel Peak on the newly installed double chair, accessing 10 runs and 200 acres of pristine tree skiing.”

LIFT TICKETS 

Adult: Full day $52 midweek / $57 weekend & holiday / $45 half day

Youth: Full day $46 midweek / $48 weekend & holiday / $39 half day

College/Military: Full day $49 midweek / $51 weekend & holiday / $43 half day

Master (70+): Full day $49 midweek / $51 weekend & holiday / $43 half day 

Chair 3 only: Full day $45 / Half Day $37

Child (6 and younger): $10

Nordic Trail: Day Pass $7 midweek / $12 weekends and holidays (weekend includes Friday)

The project broke ground in 2009 with clearing runs and thinning trees. Chairlift installation began as soon as operations closed at the end of last season (April 2012). Crews have been working hard and the resort has kept us up to date on their progress through frequent Facebook posts — keeping us excited even during the warmest summer days. Everything is on schedule with load tests currently taking place.

“This expansion has been greatly anticipated,” Bishop says.

Most people like to take some time to decompress after a big undertaking, such as a chairlift installation and terrain expansion. Not 49 Degrees North. Plans are still in place for construction of the mid-mountain lodge at the junction of Blastface and the Silver Ridge ski runs. The lodge will have a European feel with full amenities. More details to come throughout the upcoming season.

Making the Most of It

49 Degrees North is known for its tree skiing and healthy snowfall. Why not check out what locals call “Freshy Fridays”? With the exception of the holiday time period, 49 Degrees North is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. So, if a storm hits the region over those days, make sure you head up on Friday morning to enjoy two days of untouched fresh snowfall. They’ll give you that insider tip, but you will have to find your own powder stash, which is not difficult as 49 Degrees North has plenty of acreage which spreads out skiers, giving it a very uncrowded feeling.

“If you check out some of our deals on our website, we have a lot of midweek specials offered through partnerships with area businesses that are specific for weekdays only,” Bishop says. “But if you know you are coming up, even on a weekend, there are some discounts for buying your day ticket online.”

Special Deals

49 Degrees North is giving you one last opportunity to buy your season pass. For one weekend only — and only available in person at the Snowlander Expo (see p. 14) — you will be able to buy your season pass at the same preseason discounted price of $379 for adults and $279 for youth passes.

Are you a powder hound, or do you prefer a bluebird day carving turns down impeccably groomed cruisers? If you are not a season pass holder and are looking for a deal on how to get up the mountain on the days that work best for you, check out the Six Packs. There are no blackout dates or limitations, you can keep them all for yourself or use them with friends. That’s beauty of these passes: complete flexibility and transferability. Pick yours up for $309 for six adult tickets and $249 for six youth tickets.

Most people can agree they like free skiing, but free skiing for an entire week with no strings attached ... does this sound too good to be true? Not at 49 Degrees North. Back again this season is the Toyota Ski Free Week. That’s right, an entire week of free skiing and boarding the last week of the season, April 1-7. With no strings attached.

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Jen Forsyth

Jen Forsyth is the editor of the Snowlander series.