Ski Washington: over 12 destinations for skiing, snowboarding and Nordic skiing

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It’s ski season in the Pacific Northwest. Washington State’s ski area includes non-profit and family-friendly community ski resorts, independent resorts, and full-service destinations. Although we may not have Whistler, snow can fall until mid-April for early spring skiing in some areas.

Ski Resorts: West Cascades

Westside Washington can occasionally be plagued with wet or spotty snow and foggy days, but at least we (often) have snow and good views, and the resorts aren’t too far away.

Col Stevens

Stay in: Seattle or Leavenworth

Slice through 1,125 acres of powder-covered terrain on day or night ski sessions at Stevens Pass. In total, 12 ski lifts provide access to 77 runs for all levels of skiing. Just five miles east of Stevens Pass, 30 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails and 10 kilometers of snowshoe trails. Book reservations (minimum) six days in advance to eat indoors. Full-day adult weekend lift tickets start at $104.

Crystal Mountain Resort

Stay in: Seattle or nearby hotels/condos

Over $30 million has been invested in the resort over the past decade on Crystal Mountain’s 2,600 acres. Ski 85 named runs (including night skiing), ride 11 lifts, and choose from dining options that include a food hall and mini-yurt serving draft beer. Soak up views of the Cascade Range with a ride on the Mount Rainier Gondola to Summit House, Washington’s highest restaurant. Nearby stay options are condo-style or offer in-room kitchens. Full-day adult weekend lift tickets start at $99.

Summit at Snoqualmie

Staying in: Seattle

One of Seattle’s closest ski destinations — just off I-90 — a family-friendly summit ticket includes 25 lifts across four mountain areas. These areas include Summit West, Summit Central, and Summit East Snowshoe and Nordic Trails, suitable for beginners. The famous Alpental Vertical Falls are just further up the road. The Summit’s 20 tubing runs have long drawn generations of Seattle kids, and 50 kilometers of groomed trails lure Nordic trail enthusiasts. Local hostels, hotels and vacation rental stays round out the options. However, prices can be high, with full-day adult weekend lift tickets starting at $119. $38 “beginner tickets” provide access to the ski lifts and mats for beginners.

White collar ski resort

Stay in: Accommodation nearby

Skiers looking for a full yet gentle experience can take in mountain views while riding eight lifts for 47 trails, as well as night skiing, a tubing slide run, sunset snowshoe tours or kilometers of Nordic trails. Hungry skiers, snowboarders and cross-country skiers can choose from more than half a dozen restaurants, pubs and yurts, with indoor and outdoor dining. The White Pass Village Inn offers condos ranging from studios to more than two bedrooms. Although bookable up to 150 days in advance and requiring a two-night stay, there is still plenty of midweek availability at the moment. One of the most expensive on the Eastside, weekend lift tickets start at $79/full day for adults.

Mount Baker Ski Area

Staying at: Bellingham

The 31 trails, eight quad chairs and two drag lifts of the Mount Baker ski area are surrounded by beautiful national forest, national park and wilderness and are perfectly wedged between the towering peaks of Mount Baker and of Mount Shuksan. Al fresco dining is available at two restaurants at three lodges and at a few smaller inns nearby. Full-day weekend lift tickets start at $75.46 for adults.

Hurricane Ridge Ski Resort

Staying in: Port Angeles

The nonprofit Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club operates this small, family-friendly ski and snowboard area with two drag lifts, 10 runs, and a tubing park in the middle of Olympic National Park. Fun Bonus: Lift tickets are printed with the phrase “I skied at the Olympics”. It’s one of the cheapest options in the area, with full-day weekend tickets starting at $22.

Ski Resorts: East of the Cascades

Eastern Washington’s many bluebird days create the perfect chute to hit the slopes or hike the rolling northern trails. You’ll find plenty of laid-back, family-friendly options for those who don’t need all the bells and whistles – just dry powder and shorter lift lines.

Methow Trails

The Methow Trail network is one of the most extensive cross-country ski networks in North America, with over 120 kilometers of Nordic ski trails. Download the new trail system app to navigate the network of ski and snowshoe trails. A winter punch card lets you combine the Methow trails and the Loup Loup Ski Bowl, and the beloved Sun Mountain Lodge adjacent to the trail is set to reopen. Day passes start at $20.

Wolf Wolf Ski Bowl

Stay in: Twisp/Winthrop

Owned and operated by a non-profit foundation, this low-key 300-acre Okanagan resort offers skiers and snowboarders 15 runs from “Peanut Rope Tow” to “Exterminator,” two lifts, a terrain park, and a tubing track with tubes for rent. . Day lift tickets start at $60/full day for adults.

Echo Valley Ski and Tubing Resort

Staying at: Lake Chelan

Enjoy eight groomed trails at the 70-acre, volunteer-run, non-profit Echo Valley Ski Resort, a six-lane tubing hill and a 1,400-foot Poma drag lift, an invention popular in Europe that takes skiers uphill. Even better, full-day weekend lift tickets start at $30, the cheapest downhill option east of the Cascades.

Mission Ridge Ski and Snowboard Resort

Staying at: Wenatchee

The Mission Ridge ski area sits within a 2,000-acre Cascade Mountain basin, with six lifts taking skiers to and from 53 designated trails, night skiing, and three terrain parks. Refuel and recharge your batteries at the cafe, pub or lodge. Tickets for the adult weekend lifts at Mission Ridge start at $77.

Bluewood

Stay in: Tri-Cities or Walla Walla

About 84 km east of the wine town of Walla Walla, Bluewood’s 24 runs offer mostly intermediate to challenging terrain, two chairlifts and two lifts in a laid-back atmosphere. For breaks, enjoy the Bluewood Grill, pub and yurt atop 5,670 feet. Full-day weekend tickets are affordable, starting at $60 for adults.

Mountain station 49 degrees north

Staying in: Spokane

North of Spokane, this twin-peak ski resort in eastern Washington offers seven lifts to access 82 marked trails. The newest quad chairlift is Washington’s longest chairlift at 6,644 feet, rising 1,850 feet to the tip of Chelawah Peak in 6 1/2 minutes. A cozy yurt and 25 km of groomed trails welcome Nordic skiers. Four dining options range from fast food to craft beer and burgers. Full-day weekend lift tickets start at $71 for adults.

Mount Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park

Staying in: Spokane

Just outside the city limits of Spokane, accessible 1,700-acre Mount Spokane offers 52 trails, seven lifts, Nordic and uphill ski routes, and a terrain park comprising four smaller parks. Night skiing starts at 3 p.m. and lasts until 9 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Weekend lift tickets start at $70/full day for adults.

To note: Carefully study the road conditions and requirements before loading the car. Check weather conditions and the ski resort’s website for recent updates and safety information – staff shortages are severe for many resorts. Pre-purchased tickets or reservations may be required on weekends, in particular. Familiarize yourself with Washington’s infamous tree pits and deep snow, and COVID-19 restrictions vary by resort or county.

Many resorts offer discounts for children 6 and under, military service members, students, and people over 65. To save money, investigate seasonal pass systems that allow you to visit multiple resorts, such as Indy Pass and Powder Alliance.

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