Washington State offers some of the best places to ski and snowboard in the Pacific Northwest. Popular destinations like Crystal Mountain, Stevens Pass, Mount Spokane, and Mount Baker deliver winter adventure paired with stunning views. In Washington State, you can look forward to 351 kilometers of slopes served by 107 ski lifts. Have lots of fun skiing in Washington State!
Top Ski Resorts in Washington State
In the list of the best ski resorts in Washington State, the ski resort 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort is top with 3.4 out of 5 stars. The largest ski resorts offer up to 68 kilometers of slopes (49 Degrees North Mountain Resort). The highest ski resorts for skiing in Washington State extend up to an altitude of 2,137 metres (Crystal Mountain (WA)). And our tip for the best value for money is the ski resort White Pass.
Here's a look at some of the top ski resorts in Washington State:
- Crystal Mountain: Located around two hours east of Tacoma right outside Mount Rainier National Park, Crystal Mountain is one of the flagship places to ski and snowboard in Washington. The state’s largest ski resort covers 2,600 acres and is home to the Mt. Rainier Gondola, which takes visitors up 2,400 vertical feet to the summit for expansive views of the Cascade Range and the gondola’s namesake mountain. At the top, you can dine on Pacific Northwest cuisine at Washington’s highest-elevation restaurant, Summit House. Travel Tip: Crystal Mountain fills up quickly during peak season, so purchase lift tickets in advance. If arriving before noon on weekends or holidays, be sure to secure parking reservations.
- 49 Degrees North: Featuring 88 marked trails, seven lifts, and a total vertical drop of 1,871 feet, 49 ° North is one of the most reliable resorts for intermediate skiers and snowboarders while still offering quality options for beginners and experts. Located about an hour north of Spokane in Chewelah, the resort is known for beautiful glades, fantastic terrain, and high-quality grooming on the state’s east side.
- Stevens Pass: Located along Highway 2 in the Cascade Mountains about 45 minutes west of Leavenworth, Stevens Pass offers 1,125 acres of skiable terrain, 52 trails, 13 lifts, and three terrain parks. You’ll find approachable groomed terrain perfect for beginners as well as heart-pounding runs for those with more experience. Visitors can extend their visit into the evening and enjoy night skiing under the lights.
- Mount Baker: Located east of Bellingham, Mt. Baker Ski Area sees plenty of snow. In fact, the ski area holds the record for snowfall in a single season (1998-1999). The backcountry can be directly accessed from lifts and the area is renowned for its expert in-bounds. Visitors can enjoy two base-area lodges, Heather Meadows and White Salmon, as well as a mid-mountain hut. While there isn’t an overnight resort, lodging is plentiful in nearby Bellingham.
- The Summit at Snoqualmie: One of the most easily accessible ski areas in Washington for visitors flying into Seattle, The Summit at Snoqualmie along Interstate 90 offers opportunities for all skill levels and makes a great day-trip option from the state’s urban core. Alpental is known for providing some of the steepest expert runs in the state, while Summit West offers beginner-friendly learning terrain ideal for families or novices. Generally considered the most popular of the areas, Summit Central boasts a variety of lifts and terrain and a fun après ski environment. Don’t miss the two terrain parks for extra fun on the slops.
- White Pass Ski Area: Located along the White Pass Scenic Byway 12 miles southeast of Mount Rainier National Park and 20 miles west of the Yakima Valley, White Pass Ski Area features stunning mountain views and terrain for skiers and riders of all abilities. Eight lifts serve 1,402 acres. The Great White Express takes riders to steeper slopes, while Paradise Basin provides high-quality intermediate terrain. Stay overnight at the slope-side White Pass Village Inn or in nearby communities. The ski area boasts multiple dining options, including High Camp Lodge.
- Mission Ridge: Just 12 miles from Wenatchee in central Washington, Mission Ridge is built into a basin on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains. Mission Ridge is also home to the second-longest vertical drop night skiing operation in North America for those looking to hit the slops after dark.
- Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park: About an hour from Spokane, the state’s second-largest city, Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park sits atop its namesake mountain and provides impressive skiing and snowboarding for all ages and abilities. Mt. Spokane features two day-use lodges along with the historic Vista House at the summit offering fantastic views.
- Loup Loup Ski Bowl: Tucked away in the charming Methow Valley, Loup Loup Ski Bowl covers 300 acres of diverse terrain and features 10 runs, three lifts, and 1,240 vertical feet. The ski area boasts plenty of activities for all ages, from alpine skiing and snowboarding to Nordic skiing and even natural luge sledding. Take a break from your mountain activity with a visit to the Wolf Den Day Lodge. The Methow Valley itself boasts around 120+ miles of groomed, interconnected cross-country ski trails surrounded by forest lands.
- Hurricane Ridge: Set within gorgeous Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge is a small ski area located near Port Angeles on the northern tip of the Olympic Peninsula. With sweeping vistas and annual snowfall of 400-plus inches, the views alone are worth a visit. While there are a few groomed areas, the real draw is the steeps, bowls, and glades perfect for accomplished skiers or riders. Hurricane Ridge is open seasonally on weekends and some holidays. Travel Tip: If visiting on a weekend, consider taking the shuttle to Hurricane Ridge from Port Angeles. Operated by Olympic Hiking Co., the shuttle departs in the morning and returns by mid-afternoon.
- Echo Valley Ski & Tubing Area: A popular summer destination, the Lake Chelan area also boasts family-friendly winter recreation at the Echo Valley Ski & Tubing Area. The 70-acre ski area includes three rope tows, a 1,400-foot poma lift, and a six-lane tubing hill. The day lodge offers food concessions and a roaring fireplace.
- Bluewood: The premier skiing and snowboard resort in southeast Washington, Bluewood is also the closest ski area to Walla Walla in Wine Country, where visitors can find plenty of lodging options. Set atop the Blue Mountains, Bluewood is known for excellent powder and tree skiing. Amenities include three dining options serving up everything from breakfast and lunch favorites to cider.
Ski Resort Statistics
Here is a summary of some key statistics for selected ski resorts in Washington State:
Why Washington and Oregon Have NO Destination Ski Resorts
| Ski Resort | Vertical Drop | Slopes | Lifts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort | 564 m (1196 m - 1760 m) | 68 km | 7 |
| Crystal Mountain (WA) | 796 m (1341 m - 2137 m) | 50 km | 11 |
| Stevens Pass | 610 m (1185 m - 1795 m) | 26 km | 7 |
| White Pass | 708 m (962 m - 1670 m) | 9.6 km | 4 |
Planning Your Ski Trip
Accessibility
Being a resident of Seattle or Spokane and points in between is what makes skiing in Washington so cool. You can be on the slopes from less than an hour to a few more.
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Are there ski areas near Seattle? Absolutely. It means relatively close-in skiing for easy getaways. Leave at 0’dawn thirty and be on the slopes for those morning runs, even if you stop for some joe along the way. Closest is Summit at Snoqualmie and its four ski mountains, under an hour. But, Crystal Mt., Stevens Pass, Mt. Baker and Mission Ridge are all within a few hours. That’s a treat if you live there.
How do you get there? Most skiers and riders in the Pacific Northwest hop in their trust cars to ski in the Cascades, but you have a few choices if you’re winging your way here. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest and the 8th largest in North America. It’s a hub for both Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Spokane International Airport is a medium-sized airport about 7 miles southwest of downtown with domestic flights only. It is served by Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest, and United.
Snow Conditions and Weather
Washington averages 18 inches of snow per year. December is the snowiest month with 6.4 inches of snow, and 5 months of the year have significant snowfall. At a higher elevation there may be up to 100 inches. Winter storms can range from moderate snow over a few hours to blizzard conditions with wind-driven snow or freezing rain that can last several days.
Winter temperatures run from 31 to 54. December has the coldest nighttime temperatures with an average of 29.4 degrees. Washington has about 80 days annually when the nighttime low temperature falls below freezing.
Ski Towns
Are there cool ski towns here? Yes, a few, but nothing like the old mining towns in the Rockies at Breckenridge and Aspen or Park City in Utah. Bellingham is over an hour away from Mt. Baker, but it still works as a good base for exploring Baker’s slopes, thanks to its breadth of lodging and dining venues. Stop by Lettered Streets Coffeehouse for a cup of locally-roasted coffee and a pastry before heading out to the mountain for the day. Hotel Bellwether is a great high-end lodge directly on Bellingham Bay. Leavenworth and it’s Bavarian atmosphere is close to Steven’s Pass and has fun local shopping and dining. Go for the bratwurst at München House or Der Sportsman.
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Safety Tips
Skiers and snowboarders who plan to leave the groomed trail and venture into the backcountry should be aware of the risks of hazards and deep snow immersion. Tree wells can cause skiers or snowboarders to become immobilized and suffocate. In addition to always skiing with a partner within your line of sight, be sure to brush up on snow immersion safety.
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