Your Complete Winter Guide to 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort

December 25, 2025

Eastern Washington’s largest ski area with 7 lifts and 2,325 acres of terrain near Chewelah, Wash. 

Cover photo courtesy of 49 Degrees North

Lifts:

Vertical: 1,851 

Acres: 2,325  

Summits:

Number of Runs: 90 

Nordic Center: Included with day ticket or pass 

Operating Schedule: 7 days a week (as conditions allow) 

What’s New on the Mountain  

Resort upgrades continue across 49° North both in the lodge and out on the mountain. The Calispell Creek Lodge received another major enhancement this season with 150 additional guest seats on the lower level, plus brand-new ADA and family restrooms — all made possible by last year’s relocation of skier services to the 7,000 sq. ft. Experience Center. 

On the slopes, extensive summer trail work resulted in brush-cutting on 80 of 90 runs, improving early-season coverage and snow consistency across the mountain. Grooming also levels up with the addition of the Prinoth Leitwolf, the world’s largest and most advanced groomer, capable of laying down 21–22 feet of beautifully consistent corduroy in a single pass. 

Looking ahead, engineering and forestry preparation is 95% complete for next summer’s replacement of the Payday Lift with a new fixed-grip Doppelmayr quad. The refined alignment will streamline loading and unloading and improve access to the popular Animal Trails zone. That area also underwent a major forest-health and fuels-reduction project, removing over 3,500 tons of hazardous material and preparing the terrain for future mountain bike development. 

Guests will also notice four new connector trails that improve navigation and flow, including a smoother link from Klondike to Silver King. 

Photo courtesy of 49 Degrees North

The Corporate Season Pass 

New this year, 49° North’s Corporate Season Pass brings a fresh perk to local businesses looking to share some mountain time with their teams. The pass is fully flexible and transferable, making it easy for employees to take turns getting in some midweek laps or for companies to host laid-back client outings in the snow. It also fits right into workplace wellness efforts, giving staff a fun incentive to get outside and stay active all winter. If your office has been hunting for a unique benefit with real stoke value, this one’s worth a look. 

Primetimers’ Club  

The Primetimers’ Club at 49° North has become a lively home base for skiers and riders 55 and older who want to stay active and connected on the mountain. Each week, the crew gathers for casual ski meetups that blend easygoing laps with plenty of chairlift chatter. Throughout the season, they mix in social get-togethers and fun winter-long events that make the club feel more like a community than a program. It’s a welcoming way for adults to find their people on the slopes and keep the stoke high all winter long. 

Gift Cards Make the Best Stocking Stuffers  

Still looking for last minute Christmas gifts? Or the classic question, “What do you get for the person who has everything?” Gift cards to 49 Degrees North make the perfect stocking stuffer no matter who you’re shopping for. Recipients can use their gifts for rentals, lift tickets, lessons, in the lodge and more.  

Ski, Stay and Save 

Planning to stay? Ski or ride all day (weekend or weekdays) and then spend the night at one of 49’s neighbors’ fine facilities. Ski & Stay lodging/lift packages are available from partners like the Chewelah Motel and RV Park, Mid-Mountain Cabins, Mistequa Casino Hotel and more. It’s the perfect opportunity to plan a winter staycation.  

 

Photo courtesy of 49 Degrees North

Snowsports Schools  

If you’re looking to level up your skiing or riding this winter, 49° North’s snow school lineup is packed with options for every age and ability. The mountain offers everything from tiny-tot first turns to adult confidence-building sessions, making it easy to jump into whatever progression path fits your style. 

Families will love the kid-focused programs, starting with Lil’ Cubs for ages 3 to 6 and moving into Youth Lessons for riders ready to build skills and explore more terrain. First-timers of any age also get plenty of support, thanks to beginner-friendly lessons designed to make that very first day on snow both comfortable and fun. Teens and adults have their own dedicated sessions too, covering everything from boosting confidence to dialing in more advanced technique. 

For anyone wanting a season-long push, the multi-week programs deliver steady progression in a fun group setting, while specialty clinics offer deep dives for skiers and riders chasing those “aha” breakthroughs. Together, they round out a snow school menu that makes improving at 49° North both approachable and exciting. 

Find more info at Ski49n.com.  

Featured Events 

  • Nordic Wintersports Festival: Jan. 31 
    A full-day celebration at the Nordic Center with tours, clinics, demos, and family-friendly cross-country skiing activities. 
  • Melody Riders Skijoring Competition: Jan. 24–25 
    Two days of high-energy skijoring with horses, riders, and skiers racing a fun, fast-paced course—always a crowd favorite. 
  • Chewelah Winterfest: Feb. 7 
    49 Degrees North is hosting an evening rail jam in downtown Chewelah as part of the community’s Winterfest event. 
  • Valentine’s Snow Moon Dinner: Feb. 14 
    An elegant five-course dinner with wine or champagne pairings, live music, and gorgeous night-sky views under the Snow Moon. One lucky couple will also win a tour in 49’s state-of-the-art Prinoth Leitwolf groomer. 
  • Toyota Ski Free Day: March 6 
    The driver of any Toyota vehicle receives a free lift ticket for the day, with a deck party and live music adding to the fun. 
  • Mardi Gras Seafood Boil: March 14 
    A Mardi Gras–themed, family-style seafood boil on the deck, featuring shrimp, crab, clams, crawfish, sausage, potatoes, hushpuppies, beignets, drinks and live music. Costumes encouraged! 
  • Hawaiian Days: March 21 
    A spring tradition with a pond skim, snow golf, costume contest, poker run, scavenger hunt, silent auction, live music and a big deck party. Proceeds support the 49° North Volunteer Ski Patrol and Mountain Hosts. 

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