Mount Pilchuck - The Lost Resorts, Episode 19

Today, the western half of Washington state is is woefully under built in terms of ski resorts. This has led to increased demand at existing ski resorts, like Stevens Pass, Summit at Snoqualmie and Crystal Mountain. These mountains have recently implemented measures, such as paid parking to try and curtail overcrowding. What’s really unfortunate, in light of the present challenges faced by the Washington ski market, is the untimely closure of Mt. Pilchuck. This video will explore the history of the ill-fated Mount Pilchuck.
The Lost Resorts is a weekly video series that focuses on the history of lost ski resorts in North America. New episodes release every Thursday at 5:15am MST (unless otherwise notified). Join me as we take a look at the lost resorts of North America.
Mount Pilchuck (Washington) Information:
Years of Operation: 1957-1979
Run Count: 10-15
Lifts: 2 Doubles (Riblet), Rope Tows
Music by Artlist.io
Timestamps:

[@nottwo6492]

I have hiked past the highest point of this ski resort on my way to Mt Pilchuk. Amazing how fast nature takes over. 30 years after closure, you would not believe it ever existed.

[@OnTheHorizonSomewhere]

I’ve lived in WA for 20 years and just now learned about this resort. Thanks for the education!

[@stipcrane]

There was an online mountain pass report in the late 60s and 70s (telephone line!) that played a continuous loop stating the temperature, sky, and snow conditions. When Pilchuck came up, the report was always a few degrees warmer, a few inches less new snow, and ~40% less base than every other area. It seemed to always be overcast & raining at Pilchuck. We would snicker and guess at how bad Pilchuck would be before we called the recorded line. I never skied there, and I never had the motivation to try it because of the consistently inferior snow conditions.

[@ryann3698]

You have been doing great videos. I am in NH and love seeing the ski history even no where near me. Abandoned ski areas are interesting.

[@Skier72]

Appreciate it!

[@tomskitv]

The Snoqualmie Mountaineers ski area 1949-2006 bought the rope tows. Ski Acres now part of the Summit at Snoqualmie ended up with the T-bar. I was part of the crew that dismantled and rebuilt the tows. Never skied the mountain however I do remember climbing to the top before the chairlifts were removed.

[@craigbosko2229]

2024,WOULD of been nice if Mt.Pilchuck would still be open, with newer lodging, maybe more chairlifts.Looks like a really good mountain to ski and ride on.

[@richardhawkinson3020]

I still have a Ski Mount Pilchuck button from a long-ago ski fair in Seattle. My dad's truck, if it still exists, may still have a Ski Mount Pilchuck sticker in the back window.

[@skepler2]

I just walked up to the summit yesterday. I had no clue there was ever a ski resort there. It was hell getting up through the snow, it would have made a decent ski resort.

[@erickeenan7562]

The "hands-off" policy of the US forest service and state landowners is oppressive. People have to drive farther distance and because there is no competition, we have have to have higher prices because of no competition. I agree with your statement in the begining in that we in WA don't have the skiing options we should have.

[@timreminga4568]

Love the videos! We have over 40 lost resorts here in Michigan with SugarLoaf being the most famous. I hope at some point you can go right down the list from MILSAP with your awesome content!

[@nathanjanuszewski]

Low key looked like a good resort. Resorts in Washington in general need to get better tho. Great vid as always. Love the work.

[@Skier72]

Yeah it looked amazing. I have to imagine if Pilchuck was able to expand their terrain, they would've become a smaller version of Alpental is today.

[@JamesRegister-np7gn]

Please post, or at least try to make a new community list of future lost ski areas, and post it, as soon as possible.

[@Skier72]

Will try to make something in the coming weeks, though I can't guarantee anything.