Washington ski season begins

Crystal Mountain ski area is open and Mt. Baker and Stevens Pass are close behind.

After several recent storms provided enough show, skiers hit the slopes Wednesday morning – a full week before Thanksgiving.

Mt. Baker plans to open Thursday with 10 inches of new snow on Monday and Stevens Pass on Friday with a 29-inch base.

“Our groomers are out putting finishing touches on things. We’ll be running on full operations; all lifts running at all base areas,” said Mt. Baker Operations Manager Gwyn Howat.

But Mt. Baker has posted a warning:

“Please note there is early season snow coverage and you need to ski and ride with extra caution because there are sudden terrain changes and features, rocks, sticks, stumps, sudden drop-offs and patches of thin coverage around the ski area.”

The Summit at Snoqualmie Pass, at a lower elevation, still doesn’t have enough snow but says it’s getting close.