Skiing on the Mt. Baker Highway
by Joanna Nesbit2/27/2008 11:39:44 AM
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If you’re looking for a fun day out with your kids, there’s still plenty of snow to be had and it’s not too late to try skiing. Not only will kids have a blast in the snow, but skiing is great exercise for everyone.
Cross Country
Most people downhill ski with their kids, but there are a few of us cross-country types out there. My husband and I started our kids on cross-country skis because their mom (me) is not a downhiller. It’s also cheaper, quieter, and, in my opinion, more beautiful. No lift ticket, no crowds. Just you, your kids, and the snow.
Leah enjoys cross-country skiing.
Admittedly, it’s also slower, and it may take an incentive (jelly beans?) to go any kind of distance. Indeed, you may find yourselves parked at a hill while your child plods up and screams down, over and over and over (such has been our experience). But, hey, at least you’re out in the snow.
Where to go: Salmon Ridge Trail System, Mount Baker Highway.
The Nooksack Nordic Ski Club grooms the Salmon Ridge Trail System, which includes Anderson Creek Road, Hannegan, White Salmon Road, Ridge Road, and the Razor Hone Road “core” area. Salmon Ridge and White Salmon Road are our favorite areas to ski, and they’re great for kids.
Please note that parking at Salmon Ridge is not free. You’ll need a Sno-Park permit (available online at the link above and at Washington State Parks online, or in person at REI and the Glacier Ranger Station). Be warned: parking fines are $66, and the parking lot is patrolled.
For a weekend getaway, Manning Park Resort in British Columbia offers fabulous cross-country trails. It’s just three hours from Bellingham and also has a small downhill area, as well as great opportunities for tubing, sledding, swimming, and ice skating.
Downhill
Downhill skiing is by far the favored ski style of families with young kids. We’re a bit behind in the game, with our kids starting at age 8 and 10. But no matter—they’re loving it, just like everyone said they would (I’m hoping cross-country isn’t a thing of the past).
The Mt. Baker Ski Area offers a variety of ski lesson options for kids.
- Best-For-Beginners: Group lessons for ages 7+ (lesson, rental, beg. lift $45.52).
- Kids Group Ski Lessons: For ages 4-6 (lesson and rental $36.50, doesn’t include lift ticket).
- Private Lesson: For ages 3+ ($55.25, doesn’t include lift ticket).
- Komo Kids: Seven-week program for kids ages 5-15 (snowboarders ages 7-15). The lessons are in session, but there's always next season.
- Komo Kids Spring Fling: A new 3-week program for ages 4-15 starting on Sundays in March (March 16, 23, and 30). The program is for beginners, as well as for kids who have just completed the Komo Kids program. The fee is $60.50 and does not include lift tickets.
Ty practices his downhill skiing technique.
If lift tickets prices seem daunting, remember that kids 6 and under ski free on all the lifts. Also, the rope tow at the bunny slope is free for all ages.
And if you’re the parent of a 5th grader, Mt. Baker offers free season passes to local kids in fifth grade. To pick up a 5th-Grade-Free-Card, complete the enrollment form online or at the Mt. Baker business office in Bellingham and provide proof of 5th-grade enrollment with a report card, school ID, teacher note, or certified letter of intent.
Ski Rentals
You can rent skis at the Mt. Baker ski area, but it’s far cheaper to rent before you go. You can pick up gear at the following locations:
Don’t forget to take along plenty of snacks and the sleds. If your kids tire of skiing before the day is out, you can always head to the sledding area near the Mt. Baker Lodge for some snow play that they’re sure to love.