One of Washington states best kept secrets is about get some major upgrades. Bluewood is a small family-friendly ski area that advertises abundant hometown vibes and short lift lines coupled with world-class grooming and arguably some of the best snow in the PNW. It only has 24 runs and 4 lifts, but rapid changes have been underway recently and will continue over the next three years.
The upgrades involve first and foremost the replacement of the Skyline Express Triple Chair, an ironically named fixed-grip triple. It will be replaced by a chairlift which capacity and speed have yet to be named. The new chair will include an autoloader, which helps create an easier loading experience for beginners, along with speeding up the lift.
The second major announcement was the addition of a new lift in the Vinter’s Ridge area. You can see this terrain on the top right of their trail map, as it was only previously accessible from hiking or by snowcat. This will create a unique side country service for the ski area. Another project coming up will be a partnership with the US Forest Service and will involve tree thinning and general improvement of the gladded terrain at Bluewood.
The announcement happens in the midst of a transformative period for Bluewood. In the past couple of years, Bluewood has added a base yurt for ticket purchases, The Yurt at Sun Spot( a summit yurt with food and drink options), a new rental and snowsports building(Named The Hub), two Prinoth Snowcats, and two Easy Riders Conveyer Magic Carpets for the beginner’s area. During this offseason, a dramatic snowmaking expansion is planned in order to extend the season and grow the base area snow depth, along with a new overflow parking lot area that will include shuttle service. If you are looking for an affordable option in the Pacific Northwest without the big city crowds, Bluewood may be the place for you.
