White Pass
1,402 acres, 45 runs between Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens. Family-friendly, locally owned.
Season 2026 - 2027
Opens
20 Dec 2026
Closes
25 Apr 2027
Days open
126
Annual snow
400in
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
White Pass's summit reaches 6,549 feet, dropping 2,048 vertical feet to a base at 4,501 feet across 45 runs spread over 1,402 acres at the crest of the Washington Cascades, between Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens. Terrain splits 60 per cent intermediate, 20 per cent advanced and 20 per cent beginner, with no expert-rated runs, and average annual snowfall of roughly 400 inches. The resort carries Powder Alliance affiliation. Seven lifts, including three quad chairs and one triple chair, serve the mountain alongside one double chair and two surface lifts.
White Pass's position between two of the Cascades' most famous volcanic peaks gives it a distinctive scenic backdrop uncommon among Washington resorts. Its intermediate-weighted, expert-free terrain has built a reputation as a genuinely family-friendly mountain relative to some of the state's steeper Cascade areas. The resort's continued local ownership, unusual among Pacific Northwest ski areas of its size, has kept its focus on serving the Yakima Valley community directly.
The ski area was founded by the Yakima Valley Ski Club on US Forest Service land. In 1952, founders Bob Smith, Bob Vaa and Lars Holmberg formed the club and secured Forest Service permission to clear more than 600 acres for the resort, which officially opened on 11 January 1953, the same period a new road through the pass was being built into what would become US Highway 12.
In 1956, the Smiths sold their share of the ski area to a group of investors, the same year the resort's first chairlift was installed. White Pass has maintained local ownership through most of its history, and in December 2022 a Yakima-based partnership of Andrew Sundquist, David Severn, Dan Plath, Adam Dolsen and Patrick Smith acquired 100 per cent of White Pass Co. Inc.'s stock, keeping the resort in local hands after the previous owners had spent several years seeking a new generation of local investment. Adult daily tickets run from 75 to 95 US dollars, with season passes from 299 dollars.
2,047ft
Vertical
45
Runs
1,402 acres
Skiable
400in
Annual snow
Powder Alliance
Pass
The Terrain
45 runs across 1,402 acres skiable
White Pass sits on the Cascade crest along US Highway 12, between Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens, with 1,402 acres (567 hectares) and 45 runs. The base is at 4,500 ft (1,372 m) and the top at 6,550 ft (1,996 m), a vertical of 2,050 ft (624 m). Intermediate terrain dominates at 60%, with 20% beginner and 20% advanced, and no expert runs listed. Seven lifts, three of them quads, serve the mountain, so the mountain handles a typical weekend without much fuss and lift rides stay short.
The main mountain is Pigtail Peak, reached by the Great White Express high-speed quad, with more terrain on Hogback Mountain to the west. Paradise Basin opened in December 2010, adding 13 runs, two quad chairlifts and a lodge at 6,000 ft, and the Couloir Express carries skiers to about 6,500 ft near the top of Hogback. Most of that terrain is intermediate cruising and glades, with fine powder skiing after a storm. Families and intermediates will enjoy the cruising, while experts after steeper challenges should look elsewhere in the state.
Terrain split
45
runs
45 runs across 4 grades
Beginner9 runs · 20%
Intermediate27 runs · 60%
Advanced9 runs · 20%
Expert0 runs · 0%
Time it right
When to visit White Pass
The 2025-26 season at White Pass ran from 13 December 2025 to 13 April 2026, a roughly seventeen-week season supported by average annual snowfall of around 400 inches. This substantial snowfall total, given the resort's position at the crest of the Cascades, supports reliable conditions across its intermediate-weighted terrain throughout the season. Season dates can shift depending on early and late-season weather.
Midwinter, from December through February, typically brings the most consistent conditions to the resort's family-friendly terrain. Given White Pass's continued local ownership and community focus, the resort draws primarily from the Yakima Valley and broader south-central Washington region rather than national destination traffic. Weekend crowds are generally heavier than weekdays.
As a Powder Alliance resort, White Pass draws some visiting skiers holding that multi-resort pass in addition to its core regional base. With no expert-rated terrain, the resort's seasonal programming leans toward family and ski school offerings rather than advanced-terrain-focused events. School holiday periods bring particularly strong family visitation given the resort's approachable terrain mix.
Specific event programming beyond standard operations is not confirmed in available resort information. The December 2022 ownership transition to a new local partnership has continued the resort's decades-long tradition of Yakima Valley-based ownership rather than corporate consolidation. White Pass's scenic position between Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens remains a defining backdrop through the season.
Season 2026 - 2027
20 Dec 2026
Opens
25 Apr 2027
Closes
126
Days open
400 in
Annual snow
The record
Historical snowfall at White Pass
Daily snow reports at White Pass go back to 2025, 2 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.
19 in
Snowiest day
13 Mar 2026
0 in
This winter · 2026-27
so far
125 in
Typical winter
average of complete seasons
Winter totals
in
Past wintersThis winter
Getting there
Getting to White Pass, and where to stay
White Pass sits at the crest of the Washington Cascades between Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens, with a base elevation of 4,501 feet and a summit at 6,549 feet across a 2,048-foot vertical drop over 1,402 acres. This central Cascades location places the resort along a scenic corridor between two of the range's most recognisable volcanic peaks.
The city of Yakima, source of the resort's founding Yakima Valley Ski Club and its current ownership group, lies to the east and provides the resort's primary lodging, dining and visitor base. Packwood, a smaller community, offers closer services on the western approach to the pass. The broader south-central Washington region combines the resort with agricultural and wine country tourism beyond winter sports.
US Highway 12 provides direct access to White Pass, a route whose construction through the pass in the early 1950s coincided with the resort's founding. Winter driving conditions on this highway can include snow and ice, and the road is well maintained given its role as a major east-west Cascades crossing. There is no direct public transport service to the resort.
Yakima Air Terminal offers limited commercial service to the east, while Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, a few hours' drive to the west, provides far more extensive flight options. Most White Pass visitors are Yakima Valley locals or regional Washington skiers driving to the pass rather than fly-in destination travellers, consistent with the resort's continued local ownership.
Where to stay
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Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
Utah Snow Storm Builds Early-Season Base Ahead of November Openings
Rain down low, snow up high, and a snow report full of zeros that mostly means ‘not updated yet’. Utah’s first proper storm of 2026-27 is rolling through the Wasatch, Snowbird’s snow stake is closing in on 10 inches, and Brian Head is five days from opening day. Early November snow rarely looks like much, but it is the layer every November opening date is built on. Here is where it stands.
1 Nov 2026
Sierra Nevada Halloween Storm: Dodge Ridge Forecast to Lead With 19 Inches
Halloween weekend brings a wet, windy storm to the Sierra Nevada. Our five-day forecast has Dodge Ridge on top with 19 in, followed by Bear Valley at 15 in and Mammoth Mountain at 12 in, with most of it landing on Saturday. A winter weather advisory covers the Tahoe Basin and Mono County until 7 AM Sunday, gusts could reach 47 mph and the freezing level swings between 4,900 and 8,700 ft, so some bases will see rain. A dry spell follows from Monday.
31 Oct 2026
Lake Louise Opens Early on 1 November With Juniper Express and Easy Street
The Rockies get their first lift-served turns of the season early. Lake Louise opens Sunday 1 November, five days ahead of schedule, after a cold October and round-the-clock work from the snowmaking and mountain crews. Terrain is limited to Juniper Express Chair and Easy Street, with two small terrain parks and the beginner area for lessons. Opening-day tickets are over 60% off, with prices rising as more lifts open. First chair is at 9:30 am under the resort’s new lift hours.
31 Oct 2026
Kitzbüheler Horn Summit Cable Car to Be Replaced After 70 Years
A Tyrolean summit lift that has been carrying guests up the Kitzbüheler Horn since 1955 is on borrowed time. Its licence runs to 2045, but a new inspection rule has made refurbishment uneconomic, so Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel will spend around €15 million on a replacement on the same line. It should hold roughly 100 people and keep running in winds that would stop today’s lift. Building starts in autumn 2027, which makes this winter and next summer the last chances to ride the old one.
30 Oct 2026
What’s New in Japan Skiing This Winter: Niseko Gondola, a Private Resort and a Bigger Ikon Pass
Niseko Village is replacing a lift from the early 1980s with an eight-person gondola, Tsugaike gets a six-person chairlift, Madarao joins the Ikon Pass and Togari opens Asia’s first private ski resort. Here’s what is actually new in Japan skiing for 2026/27, plus what is still a year or two away.
30 Oct 2026
Wolf Creek Opens on Halloween Weekend as Colorado’s Early Season Gathers Pace
Colorado’s early-season dominoes keep falling. Arapahoe Basin opened on Wednesday, Keystone follows on Friday, and now Wolf Creek is joining in on Saturday 31 October, just in time for Halloween. A storm on 23 and 24 October left 20 inches of natural snow in the San Juans, and three lifts will turn from 9:00 am, covering about 30% of the mountain. Expect rocks, unmarked obstacles and open water, but also Local Appreciation lift tickets at $73 for adults.
30 Oct 2026
Keystone Resort Opens for 2026/27 With More Than Two Miles of Skiing
Keystone is next. After Arapahoe Basin claimed the first chairlift skiing of the season on Wednesday, Keystone opens on Friday 30 October at 9:00 am with more than two miles of snowmaking-built terrain on Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon, plus free donuts, coffee and a live DJ. Last year the order was reversed, when Keystone squeezed in a three-hour afternoon session to beat A-Basin by a day. Snowmaking has been running since 15 October.
29 Oct 2026
Beaver Creek Installs 16 Automated Snow Guns on Birds of Prey Ahead of Record World Cup
Beaver Creek is getting ready for the biggest Birds of Prey ever, and this time it is not leaving the snow to chance. Crews started making snow on 27 October with 16 newly installed automated guns on the lower third of the course, after last December’s warm spell forced a downhill off the schedule. Seven races across two weekends run from 3 to 13 December, the most the course has hosted since its 1997 debut, and the guns start themselves whenever the weather allows.
29 Oct 2026
White Pass Webcams
5 live angles across the mountain. Tap any camera to go full-screen.
About White Pass's live webcams
Check live conditions across White Pass with 5 real-time webcams showing snow, weather, and lift operations, updated every 10 minutes. Check high-elevation cams for powder visibility and base-area cams for crowd levels before you head up.
Camera guide
- Highcamp5,948ft
- Deep in White Pass's back bowls at 1813 meters, the High Camp lodge webcam reveals conditions in the resort's more remote terrain. This White Pass live cam gives you a sneak peek at the backside powder stashes before committing to the hike or lift ride. Skiers scouting fresh lines use this live snow cam to determine if the extra effort to reach High Camp will reward them with untracked Washington Cascades powder.
- White Pass Summit4,501ft
- Highway 12 conditions appear in real-time through this White Pass webcam monitoring the summit crossing at 1372 meters. Before loading up the car in Yakima or beyond, check this web cam to see if chains are needed or if the road is clear. This WSDOT-maintained camera is your first stop for trip planning, showing traffic flow and weather conditions on the scenic drive to Washington's friendliest ski area.
- Pigtail4,501ft
- Pigtail Mountain's impressive facade dominates the view from this White Pass live snow cam at 1372 meters. The frontside terrain sprawls before you in this webcam feed, letting you assess coverage on the main slopes before gearing up. Whether you're a local checking midweek conditions or planning a weekend trip, this White Pass web cam shows exactly what's skiable on the mountain's primary face.
- Couloir5,413ft
- Halfway up the mountain at 1650 meters, the Couloir webcam delivers a strategic mid-mountain perspective on White Pass conditions. This live cam captures the convergence of intermediate and advanced runs where most skiers spend their day. Scope out grooming quality and track density through this White Pass webcam before deciding which chair to ride first on your southern Washington Cascades adventure.
- Base Area4,501ft
- The day lodge and main facilities come alive in this White Pass live snow cam focused on the base area at 1372 meters. From first chair to last run, this webcam shows the ebb and flow of resort activity, parking lot fullness, and current snow conditions where your ski day begins and ends. Families can preview amenities and assess crowd levels through this essential White Pass web cam before making the drive from Yakima or beyond.
White Pass snow cams FAQ
How often do White Pass snow cams update?
All White Pass snow cams and webcams update every 10 minutes with fresh images showing current mountain conditions. This frequent update schedule ensures you have access to near real-time conditions for planning your ski day at White Pass.
Which White Pass webcam shows the best powder conditions?
The high-elevation Highcamp webcam at 1,813m provides the clearest view of powder conditions and snowfall. These White Pass webcams capture fresh snow accumulation and visibility better than base area cameras.
Can I see White Pass lift queues on the webcams?
Yes. Multiple White Pass snow cams specifically show lift queue areas and chairlift operations, helping you time your arrival and avoid peak queue periods.
When is the best time to check White Pass snow cams?
Check White Pass webcams early morning (7-8am) for overnight snowfall assessment, and mid-afternoon for current crowd levels and weather. The live cams are most useful after storm events to assess fresh powder.
How can I check current conditions before buying White Pass lift tickets?
Use our White Pass webcams alongside the live snow report to assess conditions before purchasing lift tickets. The webcams show real-time visibility, snow quality, and operational status.
Do White Pass webcams work on mobile devices?
Yes. All White Pass snow cams and webcams are optimized for mobile viewing, so you can check live conditions from anywhere using your phone or tablet.
More White Pass intelligence: snow report, lift tickets, trail map, resort overview.