Skiers, snowboarders and tubers take to the slopes of White Pass for ‘Dragons vs. Dinosaurs’ Winter Carnival

Thousands of people visited the White Pass Ski Area for its annual Winter Carnival on Saturday and Sunday.

The carnival’s theme was “Dragons vs. Dinosaurs.” As is customary for the event, a team of volunteers spent over two weeks building a giant snow castle complete with a tubing and sledding run going through it. Giant snow dragons and dinosaurs were also sculpted, along with an obstacle course.

Though only skiers and snowboarders lucky enough to purchase a limited number of lift tickets had access to the actual ski lifts and slopes of White Pass, the snow castle and obstacle course were free to use for any families and visitors who could find a parking spot.

After sunset on Saturday, a special night skiing session was held, along with a torchlight parade led by the White Pass Ski Patrol who, along with dozens of other skiers and snowboarders, made a snakelike procession down the Poma Face run holding flares. 

Following the torchlight parade, a fireworks show lit up the night and painted the slopes a variety of different colors as hundreds of onlookers marveled. The night ended with a dance party inside the main White Pass Ski Lodge at the base of the mountain.

Next Saturday, March 9, White Pass will hold a 70s Prom at its High Camp Lodge, located on the Basin Boulevard Run.

Additionally, on March 9 and 10, the White Pass Ski Club will hold the 2024 Bantam Cup, with the giant slalom event on Saturday and slalom on Sunday on the Lower Roller Coaster Run. Deadline to register is Wednesday, March 6.

Although the “Dragons vs. Dinosaurs” Winter Carnival may be over, the snow castle will now be readied for the Castle Jam event on Saturday, March 16, with competition starting at 1 p.m.

Rails, quarter pipes, jumps, jibs and other features will be added to the snow castle to give skiers and snowboarders the chance to stomp their best tricks. Tickets are $25 online or $45 the day of the event.

Then, to round out March’s events, on Saturday, March 23, White Pass will host the Great White Get Down where International Freeskier and Snowboarder Association (IFSA) junior athletes compete to see who can navigate their way down the Mahre Run — formerly known as the Chair Run — going into the Execution Run, a double black diamond run.

To register for one of these upcoming events, purchase lift tickets or for more information, visit https://skiwhitepass.com/.