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White Pass Ski Area is a family destination
By Cynthia Mudge
For the C-C Chamber of Commerce
The White Pass Ski Area has long been a favorite winter escape for skiers, snowboarders, tubers, and anyone who loves pristine mountain landscapes and outdoor adventure. Originally founded in 1952 by the Yakima Ski Club, the area took shape as Highway 12 was being constructed to connect Western and Eastern Washington. The club saw the perfect opportunity to relocate to White Pass—making it possible for skiers from both sides of the mountains to enjoy the same slopes.
One of the most striking features of White Pass is its setting—surrounded by the Gifford Pinchot and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests—which provide sweeping alpine vistas and a true sense of wilderness.
In 2021, five local families, each with a deep passion for skiing and their community, purchased the ski area and have since made significant investments in its future. Among the recent improvements includes replacement of chairlift #4 with a new four-seat lift, and construction has begun on a new base lodge scheduled to open in the fall of 2026. The lodge will feature a dedicated learning center designed to inspire and train the next generation of snow enthusiasts.
According to Kathleen Goyette, Director of Skier Services, the 2024 season was the strongest on record—a reflection of both regional population growth and the rising popularity of winter recreation. White Pass encourages planning ahead by purchasing your lift ticket online at skiwhitepass.com. “We carefully manage the mountain’s capacity to prevent overcrowded slopes and assure an excellent customer experience,” Goyette explained. “There’s now plenty of parking, and our reservation process has eliminated long lift lines.” The system, first implemented during COVID-19, worked so well that it’s become a permanent part of operations.
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White Pass Ski Area is best known for great skiing but other activities abound for non-skiiers as well.
