USA
Located in the heart of the Colville National Forest, in the Selkirk Mountains of Washington State, 49° North Mountain Resort is a destination that exudes authenticity. Its history dates back to 1935, when the Forest Service authorised the development of the first recreational sites on Chewelah Peak. Following decades of growth, the corporation that shaped the current resort was formally established in 1972, cementing its status as Washington’s second-largest ski resort.
Geographically, the Chewelah ski resort (Washington) stretches across two imposing main peaks: Chewelah Peak (1,760 m) and Angel Peak. This privileged location gives it a unique microclimate that produces what the locals call “desert dried powder”, an exceptionally dry and light snow rarely found in other parts of the Pacific Northwest. Its more than 930 skiable hectares offer diverse terrain that has managed to retain a family-friendly and relaxed atmosphere, far from the crowds of large commercial resorts.
The 49° North Ski Resort has undergone significant expansion, such as the opening of Sunrise Basin in 2006, which added 200 hectares of untouched terrain and 20 new runs. Today, 49° North is not only a benchmark for its size, but also for its commitment to preserving the wooded environment, offering a skiing experience amongst glaciers and pine forests that seems frozen in time, yet supported by modern infrastructure.
What 49° North Ski is like: the ski resort and its slopes
The layout of 49° North is a dream come true for those seeking variety without the hassle. The resort is broadly divided into three basins, each with its own distinct character. The infrastructure includes seven lifts, notably the Northern Spirit Express, a high-speed quad chairlift that whisks you to the summit of Chewelah Peak in a matter of minutes, eliminating queues even on busy days.
Beginners’ Areas: The lower slopes are ideal for taking your first steps. The Silver Ridge run is the jewel in the crown for novices; it is a long, gentle and extremely scenic descent that allows beginners to experience the grandeur of the mountain without fear.
Top-Rated Runs: For intermediate skiers, Mahre’s Gold and Lost Dutchman offer impeccable grooming for carving. Experts, meanwhile, head straight for the glades. 49° North is legendary for its tree skiing; areas such as Cy’s Glades or the terrain at Angel Peak offer technical challenges amongst perfectly spaced trees.
Snow Capacity: Although the resort receives a generous average of 760 cm (300 inches) of natural snow per year, it has snowmaking systems to ensure connectivity between the bowls at the start of the season, guaranteeing that the main routes to the base are always open.
Development and Sustainability at 49° North Ski
As a resort operating under a special permit from the Colville National Forest, sustainability is not an option but a cornerstone of our operations. 49° North has implemented strict policies to minimise its carbon footprint and preserve local biodiversity.
Land Management: The resort prides itself on its ‘selective thinning’ technique rather than clear-cutting. This not only enhances the skiers’ experience in the glades, but also maintains the health of the forest ecosystem and protects the habitat of local wildlife.
Energy Efficiency: There have been ongoing investments in modernising the ski lifts to reduce electricity consumption. Furthermore, the resort promotes comprehensive recycling schemes at the Day Lodge and encourages the use of car-sharing to access the mountain.
Water Conservation: The resort uses runoff management methods to ensure that spring snowmelt does not degrade the water quality of nearby streams, maintaining the purity of the Chewelah watershed.
Recommendations from the I Love Ski community: 49° North Ski
Accommodation: If you’re looking for total comfort, the Mid-Mountain Cabins are unbeatable for a ski-in/ski-out experience. For something more sociable and with full amenities, the Mistequa Casino Hotel in the nearby town of Chewelah (about 15 minutes away) offers very competitive ‘Ski & Stay’ packages and modern rooms.
Food and drink: Up in the mountains, the Boomtown Bar & Grill is the place to be. Its burgers are a favourite among locals looking to refuel. If you’re after something a bit more laid-back, the Quick Turn Café is perfect for a quick coffee and some homemade cakes before your first run.
Après-ski: The atmosphere here is authentic and unpretentious. Cy’s Hut offers that classic mountain lodge vibe, where skiers gather round the fire to share stories of their day. In the village of Chewelah, you’ll find local pubs with a warmth and friendliness that you only find in small mountain communities.
Must-try runs: Huckleberry Ridge is perfect for experiencing the thrill of speed on a wide, well-groomed run. And The Face… if your legs are up to it, this is the place to show off your skills on bumpy terrain and steep slopes just below the main ski lift.
Viewpoints and Views: You can’t leave without taking the Northern Spirit Express up to Chewelah Peak. From the summit, on a clear day, you’ll enjoy a 360-degree view stretching as far as the mountains of Canada to the north and the Columbia River basin. It is, without a doubt, one of the most spectacular photo spots in the whole state.
