(thrilling music) - I'm Starla Sampaco in the "Crosscut KCTS9" newsroom.

Washington ski resorts are being tested by climate change and the pandemic.

Ski resorts face many issues; increased demand for skiing to during the pandemic, staff shortages, climate change's impact on snow pack and the ongoing challenges of running capital intensive operations.

To name a few.

There's also the issue of shorter winters and shorter ski seasons.

That means fewer days to generate revenue.

Ski resorts have taken several different approaches to respond to those challenges, such as finding uses for their ski areas during the off season.

Capacity challenges are also on the mind of every ski area operator and owner.

This led to the White Pass ski resort selling fewer season passes and day lift tickets.

Board president, Kevin McCarthy, says it's essential not to let the lure of additional profits come at the cost of the customer experience.

I'm Starla Sampaco finding nonprofit Northwest news every day on crosscut.com.

(thrilling music)