Discovering 49° North Mountain Resort: A Hidden Gem in Washington’s Northeast
Nestled in the picturesque Colville National Forest in Stevens County, Washington, 49° North Mountain Resort (commonly known as 49 Degrees North Ski Area) stands as one of the Pacific Northwest’s most underrated ski destinations. Located just 10 miles (16 km) east of the small town of Chewelah and approximately 52 miles (84 km) north of Spokane, this resort offers a perfect escape for skiers and snowboarders seeking uncrowded slopes, abundant natural snow, and a classic, no-frills mountain experience. The resort’s coordinates are approximately 48.301°N 117.563°W, placing it in a region blessed with consistent snowfall and stunning forested landscapes.
The mountain primarily features north-facing slopes on Chewelah Peak (also referred to as Chewelah Mountain), which help preserve powder conditions longer than many other resorts in the region. With a base elevation of 3,923 feet (1,196 m) and a summit reaching 5,774 feet (1,760 m), the resort boasts an impressive vertical drop of 1,851 feet (564 m). This substantial vertical allows for long, satisfying runs that wind through diverse terrain, from wide-open groomers to challenging glades.
Spanning over 2,325 acres (9.4 km²) of skiable terrain, 49° North has seen significant expansions over the years. The addition of 12 cut runs and extensive gladed areas in the East Basin effectively doubled the available skiing terrain in recent decades. Today, the resort features 82 marked runs, catering to all ability levels: 30% easiest (green circle), 40% more difficult (blue square), 25% most difficult (black diamond), and 5% experts only (double black diamond). The longest run stretches an exhilarating 2.75 miles (4.4 km), providing ample opportunity for cruisers to enjoy uninterrupted descents.
The lift system at 49° North is efficient and well-distributed across the mountain. The resort operates six chairlifts: one high-speed quad and five double chairs, with a total capacity of approximately 6,600 skiers per hour. This setup ensures that visitors are spread out across the terrain, resulting in minimal lift lines even on weekends. The Chair 2 terrain park is particularly noteworthy, recognized as one of the longest in the Northwest and a favorite among freestyle riders.
Snow conditions are a major highlight, with an average annual snowfall of 301 inches (760 cm). The inland location produces light, dry powder that skiers and riders rave about. Snowmaking supplements natural snowfall on key runs, ensuring reliable coverage early and late in the season. Limited night skiing is available on select terrain, offering additional flexibility for locals and visitors.
Terrain parks add variety for freestyle enthusiasts, with two dedicated parks featuring a progression of jumps, rails, boxes, and other features suitable for beginners through advanced riders.
A Rich History of Growth and Community
The origins of 49° North date back to the early 1970s, when the ski area opened in 1972 with basic infrastructure. The name references its proximity to the 49th parallel, the border between the United States and Canada, even though the resort sits slightly south at around 48.3° north latitude. An earlier ski area known as Chewelah Peak operated in the 1930s on nearby terrain, but the modern resort developed independently.
During the 1990s, under dedicated local ownership, the forest across the vast acreage was carefully thinned to create expansive gladed skiing. This thoughtful development turned 49° North into one of the premier destinations for tree skiing in the region, with hundreds of acres of varied, natural lines through old-growth stands.
In 2019, the resort changed hands to CMR Lands LLC, a group that also owns Silver Mountain in Idaho. This transition ushered in a new era of investment and modernization while preserving the mountain’s authentic character. Recent upgrades have focused on improving access and guest experience without compromising the laid-back, community-oriented atmosphere that regulars cherish.
Terrain Breakdown: Variety for Every Skill Level
One of the resort’s greatest strengths is its natural division into multiple basins and peaks, primarily centered on Chewelah Peak with additional terrain on Angel Peak. The predominant north-facing aspect helps retain high-quality snow throughout the season, while the varied topography creates distinctly different skiing experiences across the mountain.
Beginners find a welcoming environment with dedicated learning areas featuring gentle slopes, progressive terrain, and often separated from higher-speed traffic. Wide, forgiving green runs allow new skiers and snowboarders to build confidence in a low-pressure setting.
Intermediate skiers and riders have abundant options, with expansive blue terrain that consistently ranks among the best in Washington State. Groomed cruisers offer consistent pitches, sweeping turns, and panoramic views, perfect for linking high-speed carves or practicing technique over long descents.
Advanced and expert skiers are drawn to the challenging black and double-black diamond runs, particularly the legendary gladed areas and steeps on Chewelah Peak. The East Basin and other off-piste zones hold fresh powder long after storms due to lower visitation compared to larger resorts. Natural mogul fields form on ungroomed pitches, and hidden lines reward those willing to explore.
Freestyle enthusiasts enjoy the two terrain parks, with the Chair 2 park standing out for its length and creative feature progression. From small beginner elements to larger jumps and rails, there’s something to challenge riders at every stage.
In addition to alpine skiing and snowboarding, the resort maintains a Nordic center with groomed cross-country trails open to classic and skate skiers, as well as snowshoers.
Amenities and Mountain Culture
The base lodge provides all essential services: ticket sales, rentals, tuning and repairs, ski school, and food and beverage options. Dining ranges from hearty cafeteria-style meals to grab-and-go items, with a focus on practicality rather than luxury. The overall vibe is decidedly relaxed and family-friendly—many visitors describe it as a “locals’ mountain” where people bring their own lunches and prioritize time on the snow over resort extravagance.
Accommodations are primarily found in nearby Chewelah, which offers motels, bed-and-breakfasts, and the Mistequa Casino Hotel for those seeking more amenities. Spokane, just under an hour’s drive away, provides a full range of hotels, restaurants, and an international airport, making the resort accessible for weekend getaways or longer vacations.
Visitor feedback consistently highlights the friendly staff, short-to-nonexistent lift lines, excellent snow quality, and outstanding value. As part of the Indy Pass network, 49° North appeals to multi-resort skiers looking for variety without premium pricing. The lack of crowds means fresh tracks can often be found days after a snowfall, a rarity at more popular destinations.
Why Choose 49° North?
In a state blessed with world-class skiing, 49° North distinguishes itself through authenticity and balance. It combines substantial vertical, diverse and expansive terrain, reliable deep snow, and modern essentials with the charm of a community-owned feel—even under its current ownership. Families appreciate the manageable size and progressive difficulty, powder enthusiasts love the glades and low competition for fresh lines, and value-conscious skiers find exceptional bang for their buck.
Whether you’re carving perfect corduroy, floating through bottomless trees, sessioning the terrain park, or simply soaking in the serene forested views, 49° North delivers a pure, unpretentious mountain experience. For anyone exploring Washington’s ski options beyond the big-name resorts, this northeastern gem offers a refreshing reminder of why we fell in love with sliding on snow in the first place.
As the resort continues to evolve with thoughtful improvements while staying true to its roots, it remains a beloved destination for those in the know—and a delightful discovery for first-time visitors seeking something genuine in the modern ski world.