Alpental Base Area Live Cam, Snoqualmie Pass

Alpental is the steep, expert-oriented part of The Summit at Snoqualmie, a group of four ski areas at Snoqualmie Pass in Washington's Cascade Range, less than an hour's drive east of Seattle along I-90. This camera watches the base area.

Alpental has a big reputation among Pacific Northwest skiers. Its terrain is rugged and challenging, with cliffs, chutes and deep powder on good days, and the backcountry beyond the boundary draws experienced skiers and splitboarders. The lower mountain offers easier runs, and like the rest of The Summit, Alpental is known for night skiing, so the lights often come on as the afternoon fades.

Snoqualmie Pass catches heavy Cascade storms, and snowfall can be very deep, although the relatively low elevation means rain sometimes mixes in. Watching the base area is a good way to judge the snow line, how busy the parking lots are, and whether conditions are worth the drive.

What to watch for

• Fresh snow piling up on cars and roofs
• Skiers gathering at the base lifts in the morning
• Night skiing lights in the evening
• Fog and rain blowing over the pass

The camera is provided by The Summit at Snoqualmie.