RESORT GUIDE 2010: #9 MT. BAKER

#9 — MT.BAKER, WASHINGTON
WEBSITE: MTBAKER.US
VERTICAL: 1,500 feet
ACREAGE: 1,000
SNOWFALL: 650 inches
TICKETS: $48 (2009-10)
Mt. Baker is a freak of nature. It gets pounded with double the snowfall of other resorts in the area (and the country), and Baker"™s inbounds terrain can hold its own. But that"™s not the most important feature. What"™s really unique is the bounty of hike-to and backcountry terrain "” some of the best in the Northwest "” that can be reached from Baker"™s lifts. The laid-back locals, coupled with the snowfall and backcountry access make Baker a must-visit resort. And remember, Baker got 1,140 inches of snow in the "˜98/"™99 season, so keep your fingers crossed for another record-breaking year.