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Mt.
Baker Ski and Recreation
Area
by
Jerry
W. Bird
 W
hen
I look at the early photos of the Mount Baker Lodge
and Ski Area in our magazine's archives, it makes
me wish I was born three or four decades earlier.
That's why we will bring you capsules of the area's
colorful history along with a profile of the many
attractions the area offers today. Some claim that
Mt. Baker has the highest average snowfall in North
America - 595 inches per year- which is reason
enough to attract winter sports fans by the bus or
train load.
 Getting
There:
Here in what seems to be 100 miles from nowhere, is
a year round playground, that's accessible from
Greater Vancouver and Mighty Fraser Country to the
North, Bellingham, Whatcom County on its doorstep
and Seattle-
KIng County,
three hours to the southwest. It's ideally located
for those flying in to Abbotsford Airport
from Alberta and points beyond, who want to
rent a vehicle at the airport terminal. Be sure to
book
accommodation
ahead.
The
Mount Baker Ski Area is located on the mountain's
northeastern flank, with a base elevation of 3,550
feet with an 11,000 ft. vertical rise. there are
currently 8 chair lifts operating from 9:00 am-
3:30 pm, plus two rope tows. You can walk to Nordic
skiing areas and you can park all day for free.
Rentals, ski lessons and day care are available.
Vintage photos courtesy of Marilyn Zurkowski,
Delta, BC.
 Getting
there is more than half the fun; while
it's a winding, challenging drive, many of the
spots en route still have that laid back feel of
the 50s. There are some neat stopping places, that
are bound to extend your trip by a few hours,
including Holy Smoke, a converted church not far
from the Saris border crossing. Having learned
about the area from ski enthusiasts while working
on several international Snow Sports editions for a
Canadian travel trade magazine, I was naturally
curious. The opportunity for a first visit, came
not during ski season, but on a glorious day in the
middle of August.,1987. Believe it or not, there
were still signs of snow. Imagine picnicking,
guitar picking and basking in the summer sun, while
tossing snowballs near one of Washington's most
famous peaks. Close to heaven - and not a care in
the world.
We
will bring you more details on lodging in the area
and attractions enroute, but for now here are the
basic rates for your ski vacation.
Above photos shows the road to Mt. Baker in the
1920s. Other than being full paved all the way, not
too much has changed, most of the twists and turns
are still there- but take your time, the laid back
atmosphere is unforgettable.
Monday-Wednesday:
Adult: $22, Youth/Senior: $18,
Thursday-Friday: Adult:$24, Youth/Senior: $19,
Weekends and Holidays: Adult: $32, Youth/Senior
$24.50
Season: $595, MasterCard,Visa (US
funds)
Tel: (360) 734-6771, fax: (360) 734-5332
Where
to stay at Mt. Baker Recreation
Area
Book
Ahead before you leave!
Conveniently
Located Just 1.5-Hours South Of Vancouver And
2-Hours North Of Seattle, Mt. Baker Lodging Is Your
#1 Source For Private, Self-Catered, Fully Equipped
Cabin, Cottage, Condo, Chalet, And Executive
Vacation Home Rental Accommodations Located In The
Villages Of Maple Falls And Glacier, At The
Magnificent Gateway To Mount Baker, Washington.
Contact:
Dan Graham, President
Mt. Baker Lodging, Inc. (accommodations)
7463 Mt. Baker Highway, P.O. Box # 5177
Glacier, Washington 98244-5177
1-800-709-SNOW (7669) [Canada &
U.S.]
1-360-599-2453, 1-360-599-1000 (fax)
http://www.mtbakerlodging.com/links.htm
http://www.mtbakerlodging.com
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