NWSA is Northwest Snowsports Advocates
White Pass Ski Area

White Pass

RE:  Two Additional Chairlifts and a Mid-Mountain Lodge on the Upper Slopes of Hogback Mountain

(1)  Federal District Court Update

As you probably know, the White Pass Company has been working on its ski area expansion plans for more than 20 years.  On September 9, 2008, U.S. District Court Judge James Robart moved the expansion process ahead in a very significant fashion.  In a 36-page opinion, Judge Robart granted the USDA Forest Service’s motion for summary judgment while denying the Sierra Club’s and Hogback Basin Preservation Association’s cross-motion.  The USDA Forest Service’s arguments ‘carried the day’ on all counts deliberated.  While this is a significant triumph, this decision is appealable to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.  As in the past, the White Pass Company will provide periodic updates as the expansion project makes its way through the federal district court proceedings.

(2)  The proposed White Pass expansion is comprised of three, key components:

Chair 5 (Quad chairlift approximately 3,500 feet in length with a top terminal elevation of approximately 6,150’).  Chair 5 would access low intermediate to advanced intermediate level terrain.  It would service four ski trails, as well as a mid-mountain lodge access trail.

Chair 6 (High-speed quad chairlift approximately 4,050 feet in length with a top terminal elevation of approximately 6,460’).  Similar to the Basin Chairlift, Chair 6 would service low intermediate to advanced intermediate level terrain (seven ski trails and an egress trail to the mid-mountain lodge).

Mid-Mountain Lodge.  The two-story, mid-mountain lodge would be constructed on a ridgeline situated between chairs 5 and 6 (on a footprint of approximately 2,000 square feet).  This structure is a critical component in the development of Hogback Mountain, and allows the White Pass guest to enjoy the two upper chairlifts without returning to the base area for services.  The lodge would provide limited food service, seating for 150 people, and requisite restroom facilities.

All developed and undeveloped ski trails are proposed in an area of naturally open country – necessitating very little tree removal and almost no ground disturbance.

(3)  How would the expansion improve my experience at White Pass?

§         Contribute more diverse skiing and snowboarding opportunities.

§         Reduce trail densities (i.e., guests per acre) within the existing White Pass Ski Area.

§         Expand guest services and reduce base area congestion.

§         Add additional intermediate terrain in a relaxed, backcountry setting.

§         Increases the ski area’s vertical drop by nearly 500 feet.

The White Pass Company thanks all skiers and snowboarders for their patience during this arduous ski area expansion approval process.  Come ski us in 2008/09 and learn more about our expansion terrain!

For More Information: Go to the White Pass website - click here.
 

Actions Taken By NWSCC:

• White Pass letter of support
  by Linda McGavin, December 2003

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