We were excited to ski at Stevens Pass with 10” new and 20 degree temp. We left early to get first tracks. Planned to arrive at 8:15am – that part did not work. It was snowing from 800' to the pass. From Skykomish it was a continuous line of cars to the Pass. Cars got stuck 50' from the Pass, and it was unique to see the reaction of the other drivers. Parking was the worst I have ever seen in 30 years at the Pass. We parked at the far end on the north side in a unique spot. We crossed the bridge and the Big Chief(Kerh) lift was running at 9am, or so I heard. Our hoped for 8:30am start became a 9:50am first ride on the lift.
All the lifts were running and it was snowing with a light breeze. The snow was powder as long as you were in the first wave, and it was very crowded. There were packs traveling and skiing anything possible. Schools were out and you had to be there early. No ice and the first hour had to be great, and then you had to travel out to the front and back fringes. At noon it was time to go and switch hats to be grandparent mode.
