Wherever you happen to be in Seattle, you're likely to see snow in the mountains' lower peaks once October hits. If you're a skiing or snowboarding enthusiast, the most enticing sight you will see is the approaching white blanket of winter. It is the first sign that you need to prepare for a snowy, incredible experience in the Evergreen State mountains. But, can you ski and snowboard near Seattle?
Those who snowboard and like skiing near Seattle or around the Pacific Northwest likely know where to find their favorite slopes. But we will look at seven destinations that are within a few hours of Seattle.
Snoqualmie Pass
Snoqualmie pass is known as Seattle's home mountain and isn't easy to beat. There's a variety of terrain for all levels of skiing enthusiasts at Snoqualmie. It has incredible snow runs, from cross-country skiing to night skiing, as well as family-friendly snow tubing.
Since the 1930s, the Summit at Snoqualmie has been a local favorite and is only 52 miles from downtown Seattle. The Summit boasts a chairlift opened in 1949 and was the first-ever constructed in Washington State. Snoqualmie has four base areas: Summit Central, Summit East, Summit West, and Alpental. If you don't have the equipment, you'll be able to rent it for a day.
Head to Summit West if you're looking to refresh your skills or you're a beginner since it has the best learning terrain. The Summit Learning Center provides lessons and a variety of places to dine.
Summit Central offers all levels of expertise a variety of runs. It is the most popular place to ski and snowboard, but you can still find slopes that let you enjoy the day and take your time. Summit Central also has dining areas.
Suppose you're looking forward to more Nordic-style or Alpine skiing. In that case, head over to Summit East. You will find suitable terrain whether you want to enjoy a day of skiing or snowboarding. For deep snow and steep runs, visit Alpental. You'll find plenty of adventure and some of the best of what the area has in store. Alpental has a few dining areas where you can enjoy craft beers, sandwiches, pizza, and tacos.
Stevens Pass
Stevens Pass has been a popular destination for Seattle skiing since 1937. It is located almost 80 miles from downtown Seattle. The terrain is suitable for skiing if you're an intermediate or advanced snowboarder or skier.
There are more than 1,000 acres of skiing terrain at Stevens, and you'll be able to explore on your own or rent gear if you don't have any. When you're between runs, you can explore the different areas and find a place to get a full meal or a snack and a drink. Stevens Pass is also one of the best places for those interested in snow tubing or snowshoeing.
The snow tubing area is free of charge and is located northwest of the ski area. You will have to get a trail pass into the snowshoeing area that allows you to trek through advanced, intermediate, and beginner trails.
Crystal Mountain
One of the best Seattle skiing experiences is to be looking directly at Mount Rainier before you whizz down a snowy slope. For this, you should visit one of the best ski resorts near Seattle- Crystal Mountain, 85 miles from downtown Seattle. The resort is right next to the iconic mountain and was opened in 1962.
Crystal Mountain offers 57 runs, a terrain park, 10 lifts, and 3,000 feet of vertical drop. The resort is one of the snowier places for skiing in Washington State. This destination is best for advanced and intermediate skiers and snowboarders, but beginners can enjoy the lessons and gentle runs.
The area is home to 2,600 acres of skiing terrain, and you can dine at a variety of places, including the high-altitude, 6,872 feet Summit House Restaurant. Other dining areas offer grilled foods, gourmet meals, snacks, and cold beer.
Beyond The Big Three Skiing Destinations
Residents who like skiing in Seattle prefer Stevens, Snoqualmie, and Crystal as their most popular destinations. However, four other skiing areas have stunning views and incredible powder within a three-hour drive from Seattle.
Mount Baker ski area is two and a half hours from Seattle and 10 miles from the Canadian border. It has an average of 640 inches of snow every winter and is believed to be the resort with the highest average annual snowfall. With this kind of deep snow, the area doesn't have a variety of amenities but makes up for it in splendid views, powdery snow, and unique experiences.
The White Pass Ski Area is popular with people residing in the southern areas of Western Washington. It is an excellent destination for those skiing at all levels. It is approximately three hours from downtown Seattle and is perfect for cross-country skiing and snowboarding. The area has six chairlifts, a terrain park, more than 1,400 acres, and 45 runs.
Mission Ridge is also three hours from Washington. The area offers at least 300 days of sun and incredible powder when storms are raging on the Cascades' west side. It is home to almost 2,000 acres of skiing terrain and includes four chairlifts and a small terrain park.
One of the well-known minor areas but yet overlooked as an excellent skiing destination is the Olympic Peninsula. It is home to one of the three snowboarding and skiing areas in U.S. national parks. The area receives an average of 400 inches of snow every winter and provides excellent views of the Salish Sea. The slopes at the Olympic Peninsula offer 10 runs, limited crowds, a small terrain park, and three surface lifts.