Artist Point Ski Tours

To begin the tour, ski from the Mt. Baker ski area upper parking lot south along the cross-country trails on the west side of the ski area toward the interpretive center below Artist point. You will be skirting the western boundary of the ski area. Climb up the Blueberry Cat Track run for a short section of climbing to Austin Pass which is between Artist Point and Shuksan Arm.

Once at the pass, turn it directly southwest up a short steep section to the ridge that runs along the north edge of Artist Point. Take care to not take the farthest road switchback towards Artist Point as this is a known avalanche area in unstable conditions. Instead cut off the switchback early and climb straight west up the slope to Artist Point.

At the ridge line, pause to enjoy the views from Artist point of both Mt. Shuksan and Mt. Baker. The panoramic views are spectacular any time of year.

Once you have reached the ridgeline, you now have several descent options. Ski west along the ridge overlooking Bagley Lakes Basin to ski the Blueberry Chutes and find the desired chute or run you wish to descend.

The second decent option from Artist Point is to descend east into the Swift Creek basin, which is just southwest of the Blueberry Cat Track at the ski area. From the saddle at Artist Point, head east towards Austin Pass. From here, descend east into the basin. The east-facing slope often has a deep collection of powder that doesn’t get much sun and is a great intermediate run that is worth repeating.

The further west you traverse the steeper the terrain. The last three chutes are fairly obvious and are usually well covered most of the ski season. The first chute, Chute 1, is the furthest west and is on the eastern edge of the face of table mountain. It has the highest risk of avalanche danger as well as several cliff bands to avoid when descending. There are also cliff bands on either side of chutes 2 and 3 so scout your route carefully.

Easiest 40 degree slope of the 3 chutes.

The steepest chute - most prone to avalanches so best done in the late spring or early summer.

Starts at 45 degrees and is destined to bring out the jump turns.

Climb back out of the basin to the North and NW to return to the parking lot. Do not attempt to go any other direction to exit the Swift Creek drainage as several people have been lost in the gullies and ravines that lie to the south and west further down the drainage. Climb back up to Austin Pass and ski down northward to the parking lot where the tour began.