Opening weekend at Stevens was nuts. The parking lot closest to Brooks and Skyline filled up by 9:30am. People got out of their cars, stretched their legs, and breathed in the fresh, crisp mountain air. Snowboarders grabbed their boards, skiers swung their skis onto their shoulder and a migration of riders walked towards the lifts. Whether you were looking do burners on Sky or find untracked pow, it was clear that there was a lot of fun to be had.
First thing is first…get a seasons pass
The atmosphere in the Granite Peaks Lodge this weekend was mixed with anticipation and excitement. Riders from all walks of life stood in line, waiting for the moment they could run onto the mountain with seasons pass in hand. The lodge was packed with people, but no one seemed to care that they had to wait in line. All that mattered to myself and most everyone else: The season has begun.
Perfection
Stevens must be on the snow gods’ good side because the weather was perfect. It was sunny, the snow was great, and people were smiling like little kids on Christmas morning. With most of the front side lifts open (except Seventh Heaven and Double Diamond), there was a lot of terrain to explore. And for some skiers/boarders, it was probably their first day riding in a really long time.
Starting to enjoy life again
Over Thanksgiving Day weekend sales went up 19% at Sturtevants in Bellevue, that’s according to an article in the Seattle Times. Some snow industry insiders said last year’s bad economy made people cut back to save some cash. But this year could be different. If sales at Sturtevants and other shops is any indication, Stevens Pass could be having a pretty good year. I think people are starting to realize that you just can’t stay away from something you love!
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