MOUNT BAKER SKI AREA, WA. – (KGMI.com) With anticipated winter weather on the horizon, WSDOT has announced the annual closure of the road leading to Artist Point.

As of this Monday morning, October 23rd, gates have sealed off the last 2.7 miles of the Mount Baker Highway for cars.

The annual closure is a preventative measure ahead of the season’s first major snowfall in the North Cascades.

It also becomes a part of the Mount Baker Ski Area once their season opens later this year.