I love Mt. Baker. Sure, it's a long drive from Seattle, but it's totally worth it. How many times have you stood in line at one of the other resorts, wishing you were already on the lift? That never happens at Baker. I've been up there 15+ times this year and I don't think I've ever waited more than 2 minutes in line (and even that long is rare). Sure, no high speed lifts, but you know what that means? The slopes are never crowded either--they can only get a relatively small number of people up to the top in a relatively longer time, so the slopes can't ever get crowded. High speed lifts only help the ski resort get more people up on the hill faster. More runs with high speed lifts? I doubt it--I think I did 25 runs each Saturday and Sunday last weekend.
You can't discount the tremendous variety of terrain and lift-served backcountry access. The scenery is awesome. And there's something inherently charming about a ski hill where you feel like a local and everyone treats you like one.
What's your favorite in-state ski resort?
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