MOUNT BAKER, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – With up to 3 feet of snow expected in the Cascades this week, skiers and snowboarders are closing in on a potential opening day at Heather Meadows.

Mike Trowbridge with the Mount Baker Ski Area spoke about slope conditions while wrapping up training weekend for their staff.

If weather predictions hold steady, they are looking at a potential opening date within the week of Nov. 18.

“Earlier this week we had quite a bit of snow up here, it was looking great,” Mike Trowbridge said. “It looks like a few of you even kind of walked around and checked the place out.” 

Heather Meadows needs a base of at least 2-3 feet of snow in order to open.

While the ski areas remain closed for now, Trowbridge says that some people have already done some self-guided exploring:

“With the way the forecasts have been and the way the snow’s been coming in, at this point we’re waiting to see some more snow on the ground. and we’ve got some more of this liquid moisture coming through at least tomorrow night. After that, the forecasts are looking pretty good for a significant amount of snow.”

They’re reminding any other recreational adventurers that they can explore at their own risk, but emergency medical and patrol services are not available.