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Gallery: Opening day at Mt. Baker Ski Area ‘exceeds expectations’

Jon Blue spins a backside-360 over a snow dune.
Jon Blue spins a backside-360 underneath Chair 8, which was not running yet, on Wednesday, Dec. 13, during opening day at Mt. Baker Ski Area. The combination of sun and 40-degree temperatures made for some playful snow that surprised pass holders. (Photo by Andrew Ford)
Kelsey Nicholson talks to her friend, Hatcher Cox, while catching up with each other at a "slow sign" surrounded by other skiers.
Kelsey Nicholson, in blue, talks with her friend, Hatcher Cox, at a "slow sign" at Mt. Baker Ski Area. They were skiing in a group of about 10, all friends from freshman year at Western Washington University. (Photo by Andrew Ford)
Jack Clement, right, Trevor Lackey, and Isaiah Buckley snag first chair on passholder opening day as they cheer from the ski chair lift.
Jack Clement, right, Trevor Lackey, and Isaiah Buckley snag first chair on passholder opening day at Mt. Baker Ski Area on Dec. 13. After attempting to catch first chair the past few seasons, the three high school seniors waited in line from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. this morning for Chair 1 even making breakfast on a campstove in the lift line. The three seniors accomplished what they had set out to do this season: make first chair. (Photo by Andrew Ford)
Emma Clanton, left, Emmelyn Affeldt, Audrey Limbach and Logan Cucksey, right, all laugh while resting in front of the lodge and sipping drinks.
Emma Clanton, left, Emmelyn Affeldt, Audrey Limbach and Logan Cucksey, right, all laugh about what conversation they were having while having a beer before being photographed outside Raven's Hut at Mt. Baker Ski Area on opening day, Dec. 13, 2023. "With such a late start to the season, it's like the cherry on top for Christmas time," Emmelyn Affeldt said. (Photo by Andrew Ford)
Elise Tuininga, left, and Emma Flattery get drinks and Duncan's Hand Cut Fries at Raven Hut.
Elise Tuininga, left, and Emma Flattery get drinks and Duncan's Hand Cut Fries at Raven Hut at Mt. Baker Ski Area on opening day. Both are friends and on a ski team together. Emma Flattery said her favorite part of skiing at Mt. Baker is getting fries at the lodge. (Andrew Ford/Cascadia Daily News)
From left, Tim Comfort, Stephanie Vigil and Timothy William pose for a photo inside Raven Hut on opening day.
From left, Tim Comfort, Stephanie Vigil and Timothy William pose for a photo inside Raven Hut on opening day. Timothy William is the floor supervisor at Raven Hut and is starting his eighth year as a cook for Mt. Baker Ski Area. He is commonly known as "Fry Guy." (Andrew Ford/Cascadia Daily News)
WMBC Executive Director Eric Brown, left, and his kids, Cleo Brown, middle, and Wylie Brown have drinks in Raven Hut on opening day.
WMBC Executive Director Eric Brown, left, and his kids, Cleo Brown, middle, and Wylie Brown have drinks in Raven Hut on opening day. Eric Brown and his son Wylie Brown were apprehensive to go out on opening day but, "Cleo talked us into it," Eric Brown said. "I just wanted to ski and meet up with friends," Cleo Brown said. (Andrew Ford/Cascadia Daily News)
Dick Fields moves to grab a chair to ease it in for the skiers about to get a ride up. Fields is a first-year lift attendant but has been riding at Mt. Baker Ski Area.
Dick Fields goes to grab a chair to ease it in for the skiers about to get a ride up. Dick Fields is a first-year liftie but has been riding at Mt. Baker Ski Area since 2014. This is the first season where chairs 4,5, and 6 are powered by a central Caterpillar Inc. generator that has helped reduce the ski area's overall emmisions. "It's so quiet down here now with the new generator," Dick Fields said. (Andrew Ford/Cascadia Daily News)
Fillip Slutsky, left, Jon blue and Jakob Walz walk from the top of Chair 6 to Blueberry on the last chair up for the day at 2:45 p.m.
Fillip Slutsky, left, Jon blue and Jakob Walz walk from the top of Chair 6 to Blueberry on the last chair up for the day at 2:45 p.m. "What a great day to be skiing," Jakob Walz said. (Andrew Ford/Cascadia Daily News)

Opening day conditions at Mt. Baker Ski Area on Wednesday, Dec. 13 exceeded expectations despite the low snowfall this year. Skiers and boarders said they were apprehensive to travel to the hill on Wednesday due to this fall’s warm and rainy weather, but they were pleasantly surprised.

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