Winter Sports in North Cascades National Park

Mt. Baker, just off the park's far northwest corner, is one of the Northwest's premier skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing regions—the area set a U.S. record for most snow in a single season during the winter of 1998-99 (1,140 inches). The Mt. Baker Highway (Route 542) cuts through the slopes toward several major ski sites; main access is 17 mi east of the town of Glacier, and the season runs roughly from November to April. Salmon Ridge, 46 mi east of Bellingham at exit 255, has groomed trails and parking.

Stehekin is another base for winter sports. The Stehekin Valley alone has 20 mi of trails; some of the most popular are around Buckner Orchard, Coon Lake, and the Courtney Ranch (Cascade Corrals).

Mt. Baker. Off the park's northwest corner, this is the closest winter-sports area, with facilities for downhill and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, and other recreational ventures. The main base is the town of Glacier, 17 mi west of the slopes. Equipment, lodgings and restaurants are on-site. Mt. Baker Hwy. 542, 62 mi east of Bellingham, North Cascades National Park, WA, 98225. 360/734-6771; 360/671-0211 for snow reports. www.mtbaker.us. All-day lift ticket weekends and holidays $48, weekdays $43. Nov.-Apr.

Outfitters

Silver Bay Inn Resort. Silver Bay Inn Resort rents ski and snowshoe equipment, and puts on winter bonfires and other events for day-trippers and guests. 509/682-2212 or 800/555-7781. www.silverbayinn.com.

Stehekin Landing Resort. A well-known winter-sports base, Stehekin Landing Resort offers snowshoe rentals and Nordic skiing. 509/682-4494 or 800/536-0745. www.stehekinlanding.com.