Yeager’s Ski Shop Opens as Early Snow Falls at Mt. Baker

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Ski season is getting closer in Whatcom County, with Yeager’s Sporting Goods opening its ski and snowboard shop and early-season snow reaching the Mount Baker area.

Early-season snow is already accumulating near Mount Baker, offering a preview of the winter ahead.

The Wells Creek snow stake at 4,200 feet reported 2 inches of snow depth as of Oct. 30, according to SNOTEL Station 909, with 4 inches of snowfall over 48 hours and 7.6 inches over 72 hours. The snowpack measured 0.6 inches of snow water equivalent and ranked No. 9 among 31 seasons recorded for the date, sitting 2 inches above the reported average.

With winter on the horizon, local skiers and snowboarders can start preparing now by arranging equipment rentals, shopping for gear and checking season pass options at Mt. Baker Ski Area.

Yeager’s Opens Ski and Snowboard Shop

Yeager’s Sporting Goods in Bellingham has opened its ski and snowboard shop for the 2026-27 season, giving local winter sports enthusiasts a chance to get equipment ready before the mountain opens.

The store offers skis, snowboards, boots, bindings, helmets, goggles and other winter sports gear. Shoppers can also arrange season-long equipment rentals, an option that can save time for families and anyone planning multiple trips to the mountain.

Season rentals allow customers to pick up equipment once and use it throughout the winter instead of standing in rental lines each time they visit the slopes.

This Outdoor Report is sponsored by Yeager’s Sporting Goods, located at 3101 Northwest Avenue in Bellingham.

2026-27 Season Rental Rates

Yeager’s offers season-long ski and snowboard packages at three age-based price levels.

• Kids ages 0-9: $195 for a complete package
• Juniors ages 10-15: $225 for a complete package
• Adults ages 16 and older: $295 for a complete package

A ski package includes skis, boots and poles. A snowboard package includes a snowboard, bindings and boots. Helmets are not included in season rentals.

Customers can also rent individual equipment rather than a complete package.

• Kids ages 0-9: $120 for skis or a snowboard only, or $95 for boots only
• Juniors ages 10-15: $140 for skis or a snowboard only, or $105 for boots only
• Adults ages 16 and older: $180 for skis or a snowboard only, or $135 for boots only

Yeager’s also lists an upgraded adult performance package for $345.

Season rental customers can receive a 15% discount on retail purchases in the ski shop.

Get fitted for the season at Yeager’s Sporting Goods, located at 3101 Northwest Avenue in Bellingham.

Mt. Baker Season Passes

Season passes are another part of preparing for winter at Mt. Baker Ski Area.

The resort’s 2026-27 pass information includes a Mostly Midweek option, valid on most operating Mondays through Fridays during the season. The pass also becomes valid on weekends beginning March 13, 2027, through the end of the season.

Blackout dates apply. The Mostly Midweek pass is not valid on weekends from opening day through March 7, 2027.

The resort announced an October purchase window for the limited-availability Mostly Midweek passes, with sales starting at 9 a.m. Oct. 7 and continuing until the resort caps sales.

The resort’s any-day passes have sold out, according to the information provided for this report. Buyers should check the official Mt. Baker Ski Area website for current pass availability and pricing.

This Outdoor Report is sponsored by Yeager’s Sporting Goods, located at 3101 Northwest Avenue in Bellingham.

Could El Niño Bring a Big Snow Year?

Mt. Baker Ski Area has highlighted the region’s snowfall history during three particularly strong El Niño seasons.

• 1982-83: 657 inches
• 1997-98: 648 inches
• 2015-16: 622 inches

Each season brought more than 600 inches of snowfall to Mt. Baker, according to the resort.

Those historical totals offer an interesting look at the mountain’s snowfall potential, but they do not predict how much snow the 2026-27 season will bring.

For now, the early snow, open equipment shop and seasonal rental options are reminders that winter preparations are underway in Whatcom County.

Whether planning a family’s first ski season or getting ready for another winter on the mountain, local skiers can start preparing before the busiest days arrive.

Skiers should continue checking the official Mt. Baker snow report for current conditions and operating updates.

Gear up for winter at Yeager’s Sporting Goods, located at 3101 Northwest Avenue in Bellingham.

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