Long famous as the earliest-opening downhill skiing resort in Washington, Mount Baker’s title as “snow champ” was recently re-confirmed by Powder Magazine, which noted the resort's average annual snowfall of nearly 600 inches.

Abundant snow is truly the hallmark at Mount Baker, but new lifts, new terrain, and the award-winning new White Salmon Day Lodge (best in North America according to Snow Country Magazine) have attracted national attention. Moreover, snowboarding was virtually invented at Mount Baker, and the resort continues to offer every nuance that wild and woolly “shredders” can dream up. On top of that, Nordic skiers will find superb alpine backcountry skiing around Table Mountain, complete with views of both Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. The ski area is 50 miles east of Bellingham on SR 542. Call 360-734-6771.

Avalanches are controlled inside the ski area. But if you venture outside the boundaries, check avalanche danger first. (Call 206-526-6677.) Miles of ungroomed backcountry ski and snowmobile routes are accessible from state Sno-Parks on the north and south sides of Mount Baker.