Winter in Washington offers a wonderful opportunity for outdoor recreation, especially for ski and snowboard enthusiasts. Ample mountains provide fresh powder and thrilling runs for all skill levels, from family-friendly to expert-approved.
Where to Ski and Snowboard in Washington
Although not a complete list, here are some hot spots to ski and snowboard in Washington. Be sure to brush up on etiquette and snow immersion safety before you head out. The Pacific Northwest Ski Areas Association offers safety information and more.
Mt. Baker Ski Area
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). With 31 runs, eight lifts, two rope pulls, and 1,000 skiable acres, Baker is a relatively compact resort ideal for advanced snowboarders and skiers.
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.
Be advised you may need chains to reach the mountain during the winter months, and the area can see peak visitation during weekends, so aim to visit during the week if possible.
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. The Summit includes four base areas that were once distinct resorts: Alpental, Summit West, Summit Central, and Summit East.
Coined the ‘steepest and deepest,’ Alpental is known for providing some of the steepest expert runs in the state. 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 to relax with hot cocoa or whiskey after a day on the slopes. Those looking for advanced tracks, fewer crowds, and easy access to adjacent Nordic track and snowshoe areas should head to Summit East.
For the 2024-25 season, visitors can expect two new chairlifts including the Internationale Chair at Alpental, which will open access to nearly 1,400 vertical feet of expert terrain.
While The Summit doesn’t offer on-site lodging, there are plenty of vacation rentals and stay options in nearby Roslyn, Cle Elum, and Snoqualmie.
Also See: Winter Getaway in the Cascade Mountains
49° 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.
The resort also offers ski and stay packages with nearly a dozen surrounding properties ranging from motels and inns to cabins to full-service mountain lodges.
Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park
Easily accessible 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. The park features 1,700+ skiable acres, 53 runs (16 for night skiing), seven lifts, and an epic terrain park complete with jumps, hits, rails, and more.
Mt. Spokane features two day-use lodges along with the historic Vista House at the summit offering fantastic views. The main lodge (Lodge 2) is open on all operating ski days and offers visitors ticketing, rentals, and a variety of food options, while Lodge 1 and the Vista House offer services on weekends and holidays.
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. And the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Visitors can extend their visit into the evening and enjoy night skiing under the lights (subject to availability). Enjoy après-ski bites or to-go snacks from a variety of on-site dining options.
As with most ski areas during the winter months of December through February, aim to visit during the week if possible to take advantage of calmer slopes. For those looking for a quieter side of winter recreation, head to the Nordic Center in Mill Valley for snowshoeing or Nordic skiing surrounded by nature’s beauty.
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. Known for its drier snow — the area boasts 300 days of sunshine annually — Mission Ridge features seven lifts, 70 designated, a 2,250-foot vertical drop, and 2,000 acres of trails, chutes, and bowls.
Mission Ridge is also home to the second-longest vertical drop Night Skiing operation in North America for those looking to hit the slopes after dark. Vacation rentals and lodging options are available in nearby Wenatchee.
Hurricane Ridge
Set within gorgeous Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge is a small ski area located just 17 miles south of 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. Although there are no chairlifts, there are two rope tows and one poma lift. The ski area also offers a family-friendly tubing area.
Hurricane Ridge is open seasonally on weekends and Monday holidays. The ridge and road can close without notice due to inclement weather and parking can fill up quickly, so be sure to check conditions before heading out.
Travel Tip: If visiting on a Saturday, 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. Advanced online bookings are required.
Crystal Mountain
One of the flagship places to ski and snowboard in Washington, Crystal Mountain is located around two hours east of Tacoma right outside Mount Rainier National Park. 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.
Nearly half the resort’s terrain is ranked intermediate, making Crystal Mountain a solid choice for ski and snowboard enthusiasts. It also boasts a network of snowshoe trails in the Bullion Basin area. After the sun goes down, enjoy night skiing and riding on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays.
New for the 2024/25 season, visitors can enjoy expanded amenities at Mountain Commons Lodge, home to additional dining options and Crystal Mountain Outfitters.
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. The Crystal Express Shuttle also runs from the Enumclaw Expo Center.
Loup Loup Ski Bowl & Methow Trails
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. Lone Point Cellars offers excellent eats along with beer and wine.
The Methow Valley itself boasts around 130 miles of groomed, interconnected cross-country ski trails surrounded by forest lands. Operated by Methow Trails, the system includes 35 miles of trails that allow dog access.
White Pass
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. There’s also a tubing hill that’s perfect for families.
Stay overnight at the slope-side White Pass Village Inn or in nearby communities. The ski area boasts multiple dining options covering everything from hearty bistro fare to a mid-mountain yurt snack bar.
Also See: Explore Washinton’s Scenic Byways
Echo Valley
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. Those who visit in January can also enjoy Lake Chelan’s renowned Winterfest, one of Washington’s many festive holiday events.
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. It features three terrain parks, four lifts, and 24 runs that range from beginner-friendly options to more advanced black diamonds.
Amenities include three dining options serving up everything from breakfast and lunch favorites to cider. For those looking to stay near the base, RV camping is available in the parking lot.
New for 2024/25, all visitors will receive a reusable RFID access card for their tickets. The card can be used for all on-mountain purchases as well in an effort to streamline the mountain experience.
Know Before You Go
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. The Northwest Avalanche Center offers resources on backcountry basics as well as other safety and weather information.