Stevens Pass officially opened at noon Tuesday making it the first winter resort to open in Washington for the 2012/13 season.  With occasional snow showers and over two feet of fresh snow, more than 600 guests showed up to enjoy the festivities.

This marks one of the earliest openings in recent years and resort operators are excited to lead Washington into the new season.

This is the first time Stevens Pass has been the first Washington resort to open in recent memory.  As an extra incentive, Stevens Pass also issued free tickets today to anyone who showed their season pass from any other Washington resort.

Jason ischetti from Bellevue said, “My family and I always try to spend Thanksgiving skiing somewhere and this year it looks like we’ll be at Stevens Pass.”

Beginning tomorrow, operating hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and tickets will be $39 for all guests through the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

General Manager, Bill Bourton said, “We are excited to be the first resort to open in Washington state and are looking forward to a great Thanksgiving holiday weekend here on the slopes at Stevens Pass.”

Stevens Pass hopes to have up to three lifts operating with more coming online as conditions permit.  The early season terrain park is open with five rail features and plans to add more through the holiday weekend.   All amenities are available including lessons, rentals, and dining at the Cascadian Kitchen and the Bulls Tooth Bar & Grill.