Currently, it is sunny and 20 degrees at the summit of Sterling. Today’s forecast is calling for sunny skies early with increasing clouds throughout the day, a high of 36 degrees at the base and 29 degrees at higher elevations. Today, we have Sterling Lift operating with 5 trails open. All 5 trails have been groomed for today for a total of 20 acres of freshly groomed terrain. We have intermediate and expert terrain available at this time. Surface conditions are machine-groomed and variable, with average base depths of 8 to 18 inches. We are presently making snow on Lower Rumrunner, Black Snake, and Burton Riglet Park.
Archives: November 2023
Wonderful day on the slopes
We have the Sterling Lift operating with 5 trails open. We have terrain for intermediates and experts only at this time. All 5 trails will be groomed for tomorrow; that’s a total of 20 acres of freshly groomed terrain. We are presently making snow on Lower Rumrunner and Black Snake. Surface conditions are machine-groomed and variable, with average base depths of 8 to 18 inches. Currently, it is sunny and 20 degrees at the summit of Sterling with winds of 5 to 10 mph. Tomorrow’s forecast is calling for mostly sunny skies early, becoming partly sunny skies in the afternoon with a high of 36 degrees at the base and 31 degrees at higher elevations.
Snowmaking in progress
It’s going to be a beautiful day!
Currently, it is sunny and 12 degrees at the summit of Sterling with winds of 5 to 10 mph. Today’s forecast is calling for mostly sunny skies with a high of 30 degrees at the base and 24 degrees at higher elevations. We have the Sterling Lift operating with 5 trails open. We have terrain for intermediates and experts only at this time. All 5 trails have been groomed for today; that’s a total of 20 acres of freshly groomed terrain. Surface conditions are machine-groomed and variable, with average base depths of 8 to 18 inches. We are presently making snow on Black Snake and Lower Rumrunner.
Great Opening Day
We received a dusting to an inch of new snow overnight. The cloudy morning skies cleared up for a nice sunny afternoon. The temperature fell throughout the day, and our snowmakers fired up Lower Rumrunner. Tomorrow, we will have the Sterling Lift operating with 5 trails open. We have intermediate and expert terrain available at this time. All 5 trails will be groomed for tomorrow for a total of 20 acres of freshly groomed terrain. Surface conditions are machine-groomed and variable, with average base depths of 8 to 18 inches. Currently, it is partly sunny and 11 degrees at the summit of Sterling. Tomorrow’s forecast is calling for mostly sunny skies with a high of 29 degrees at the base and 24 degrees at the top.
Thank you Mountain Operations
Patrollers headed to the Sterling Lift
Getting the mountain ready to open takes a great deal of work. Our snowmakers have been busy taking advantage of the cold temperatures to produce great coverage on Smugglers’ Alley, Upper Rumrunner, Crossover, Treasure Run, and Lower Exhibition. Groomers then pushed out all the snowmaking whales to make a beautiful smooth surface. Our lift staff got Sterling ready for swirling and reserved a seat for you. Patrollers got their equipment ready and made sure the slopes were ready for your skiing and riding pleasure. Thanks again for all your efforts to get the 2023 – 2024 season started!
The 2023 – 2024 season is now underway!
We have the Sterling lift operating today with 5 trails open. All 5 trails have been groomed for today, including Smugglers’ Alley. We have intermediate and expert terrain available at this time. Currently, it is partly sunny and 12 degrees at the summit of Sterling with winds of 10 to 15 mph. Today’s forecast is calling for a chance of flurries early, with skies clearing and a high of 23 degrees.
It’s almost that time!
The Opening Day of the 2023 – 2024 Winter Season is this Friday, November 24th. We will have the Sterling Lift operating with terrain for experts and intermediates only. We will have 5 trails open: Smugglers’ Alley, Upper Rumrunner, Crossover, Treasure Run, and Lower Exhibition. We have dining and drink options at the Base Lodge and in the Village. Don’t forget the Apres Sports Party on Friday and Saturday. It is going to be another wonderful season! See you on the slopes.
When are we opening?
Get ready for another season of slippery fun! The perennial question of “When are you opening?” has hit us. We’re keeping a close eye on the forecast, and we’re, as usual, aiming for the Friday after Thanksgiving.
To prep Sterling, we need a good cold for 48 hours. Based on the current forecast, we’re eyeing Sunday and Monday for snowmaking, with Wednesday and Thanksgiving day into Friday looking promising. Our tentative opening plan includes Upper Rumrunner, Crossover, Treasure, Lower Exhibition, Smugglers’ Alley, and a connection to and from Lot 1. Lower Rumrunner might make the cut depending on temperatures next week.
For now, uphill access remains closed due to limited natural snow. We’re waiting for safer conditions before opening preseason uphill access on Madonna and Morse.
Stay tuned for an opening update next Monday morning, and in the meantime, dust off those skis and boards and buy your pass or badge if you haven’t yet – the season is almost here!
Join us for Thanksgiving!
Stay three nights or more on our Thanksgiving package, November 22-26, 2023, and get the next night of lodging absolutely free. Check out our schedule of special activities we have planned for the weekend.
Annual BrewFest
Celebrate post-Thanksgiving at our Annual BrewFest, December 8-10, 2023, and turn it into a weekend getaway. Season Pass holders enjoy substantial lodging discounts – call 800-521-0536 to book and join the festivities!
Winter has arrived!
While we share your excitement for the new snowfall, please note that uphill travel on our three mountains is presently closed due to ongoing snowmaking and grooming activities. These operations are in full swing to ensure a fantastic opening on November 24th. Your cooperation and consideration for our hardworking staff are greatly appreciated during this preparation period. Keep an eye on our blog and snow report for updates on the potential opening of uphill terrain and read our Uphill Policy
For those eager to venture uphill once available, please check the daily Snow Report for open routes and times. Safety is our priority, and weather changes can affect our grooming schedules, particularly in the mornings on Sterling.
When accessible, nighttime access will be available on Morse, Madonna, and Sterling mountains on specific days and times, and morning access will be open daily on Sterling for a limited period. Uphill access rules and guidelines will be strictly enforced, including specific times for access, respecting ongoing operations, and a strict no-pets policy.
Be vigilant, stay safe, and abide by the rules outlined to ensure a smooth winter experience. We’re aiming to introduce uphill access on Lower Chilcoot during operating hours once fully open, which will be communicated via the Snow Report. Remember, your safety is paramount. Uphill travel is at your own risk, and it’s crucial to follow the guidelines and check the Snow Report regularly for any changes.
Your cooperation is crucial for a fantastic winter season! If you have any queries or concerns, please contact us at mtnops@smuggs.com.
Thank you, and let’s have an amazing winter on the hill!