Uphill Policy

On February 15, 2023, Our Human Powered Uphill Travel Policy will Change - - Please Read Carefully:

Before and after chairlift operations from February 15, 2023, to April 9^th, 2023:

Acceptable forms of human-powered uphill travel include skis, split boards, and snowshoes. Boot-only hiking is usually too damaging to the snow surface and is only allowed in snow conditions where the boot imprint is less than 1”.  

Human-powered uphill travel is allowed up until 30 minutes before first chair, and then again 30 minutes after last chair. Anyone wishing to explore within the ski area boundaries should be informed about the potential dangers, follow the protocols noted here, and avoid any travel on the slopes when any snowmaking operations or equipment is present weather currently making snow or not, or when grooming operations are taking place in the vicinity. If in doubt, the best approach is to stay out.

Snowmaking equipment, when present, includes the presence of high voltage electric cables (480 volt) and high-pressure hoses carrying water pressurized to between 300-450 psi. Skiing/riding or hiking over these lines creates the potential for costly damage to the hoses and cables and could result in serious injury or even death. Damage to these lines also presents increased risk to our snowmaking team as they move and handle those lines. In the winter environment these lines can easily become covered or hidden by snow. No uphill travel will be allowed when snowmaking is in progress or when snowmaking equipment is present on the ski run weather currently making snow or not. Violation of this rule will be considered as trespassing on a closed ski run and may be prosecuted under RCW 79A.45.070.

49° North asks that all uphill travelers respect the work of our grooming team and stay off any freshly groomed runs. There is significant time and expense in creating those smooth, corduroy surfaces. Skiing/riding or hiking these freshly groomed trails before they are opened damages the product that we work so hard to present to our guests. When exposed to skier traffic at the wrong time, it can also create safety issues for guests once the runs are open. With the addition of a winch cat to our grooming fleet, there will also be winch lines in use on the slopes throughout the season. Groomers will not always be visible on slopes where winch lines are present. Obey all posted signs and avoid any travel in areas where winch cat grooming is taking place.

During chairlift operations from February 15, 2023, to April 9, 2023:

Human-powered uphill traffic will be allowed within the ski area boundary during operating hours with the following restrictions:
1. A valid ticket or pass is required. Acceptable tickets or passes include a Downhill season pass, a Downhill day ticket for the day climbing is taking place, a No-chairlift/Climb Only day ticket, or a No-chairlift/Climb Only season pass. Tickets can be purchased in the ticket office, in Cy’s Café, or online.
2. The only approved uphill route during operating hours is as follows:
The route ascends Big Bear and then climbs Huckleberry Ridge to Silver Ridge, then on to the summit, the climber is to keep as close to the climber’s left-hand tree line as is practical and safe (see the trail map.)
3. All climbers are to wear an ANSI Class 2 high visibility vest. These vests are available for a rental fee in Cy’s Café.
4. Uphill travel may not unduly damage the snow surface, boot only hiking is only allowed when the boot imprint is less than 1”

Fall and Winter of 2023-2024

Beginning November 1^st 2023, Uphill Tickets and Passes will be required for all uphill travel regardless of the status of chairlift operations. Day tickets are available for purchase online and can be picked up regardless of the time of day at the ticket kiosk at the main base area. Approved routes are:
During chairlift operation- Big Bear to Huckleberry Ridge.
Outside of chairlift operations- Runs without snowmaking equipment or active grooming operations. 
Uphill travel can be demanding and dangerous, please make sure you are adequately prepared, and do so at your own risk.