Major Ski Access Road Could Remain Closed for "Months" in Washington

Washington state’s Highway 2, which connects the popular ski resort Stevens Pass to the broader world, will be closed for “months,” according to Governor Bob Ferguson, as the state picks up the pieces amid a period of intense flooding.

The road has already been closed for several days between Skykomish and Leavenworth, casting more uncertainty on Stevens Pass’ ski season, which was already off to a rough start: the mountain, like others in Washington, hasn’t opened yet because of driving rain and warm weather. 

Local news outlets report that sections of Highway 2 have washed out because of the rain. Ferguson noted that it is “premature” to nail down an exact reopening timeline. He also acknowledged the importance of Highway 2 to businesses and people.

“We’re going to do everything we possibly can to repair it as quickly as possible, but it is literally underwater in stages,” said Ferguson, according to KOMO News. “There are major, major issues on that roadway.”

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In a social media update, Stevens Pass said that it is “aware” of the announcement from the Governor. The mountain’s working with WSDOT and local partners, the ski resort said, and expects “an official update and further guidance” from WSDOT this week. 

Employees are continuing to work by accessing Stevens Pass from the east with officials’ approval, and the mountain said it is still preparing for the ski season when conditions allow. 

While the slopes aren’t ready for skiing yet, a storm is expected to deposit well over a foot of snow at Stevens Pass in the coming days, according to the National Weather Service. 

“The safety and well-being of our employees remains our top priority,” Stevens Pass wrote. “We hope everyone is staying safe during these weather events across Washington.”

Road problems have threatened to hamstring other Washington ski resorts. 

Highway 410, on the way to Crystal Mountain, was damaged during the atmospheric river and closed earlier this month, reopening on Tuesday with alternating traffic. Still, it’ll take time before 410 is returned to its pre-storm condition, officials said.

A representative from Crystal Mountain told The Courier-Herald that the ski resort could open, depending on snow and road viability, but added, “We cannot say for sure.” Like Stevens Pass, Crystal Mountain is expected to get snow this week. 

Meanwhile, Mt. Baker Ski Area is keeping its eyes on Highway 542, another vital road impacted by the storms. The mountain said that its sources at WSDOT anticipate reopening 542 this Thursday.

If that happens—and the pending storm pans out, delivering snow—Mt. Baker Ski Area could kick off the season as early as Friday with a passholder’s appreciation day, followed by a general public opening on Saturday. 

Local skiers are likely hedging their bets at this point, though.

This is a developing story. Check the social media pages of your local mountain for the most current updates.

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