Washington’s ski resorts are highly regarded by some of the best skiers and snowboarders in the world. The main attraction? The steep and deep terrain! The rugged peaks of the central Cascades make for incredible slopes with no shortage of runs plus the record-breaking snowfall means deep pockets of fresh powder can be found almost any day of the season. There are lots of resorts to choose from, ranging from beginner hills to terrain that borders on backcountry. To plan your dream ski vacation experience, pick one of Washington’s epic ski resorts and you’ll be on the slopes in no time.
Mt Baker
Nestled far north and deep into the Snow Capped Cascade Mountains lies Mt. Baker, a name many skiers know for the record breaking 1998-1999 season in which the resort received the world’s greatest recorded snowfall of 1,140 inches. This ski area has the feeling of backcountry skiing with deep pockets of powder and ski-in log cabin dining lodges. Hit the steep and deep tree runs or some of their gnarly black diamonds for a challenge, or save and ski on their Chair 2 beginner hill.
Hurricane Ridge
Ski at Olympic National Park! Hurricane Ridge, just outside of Port Angeles, is one of the best winter spots on the Peninsula, and one of only three ski areas located inside a national park anywhere in the country. With some of the heaviest annual dumps of powder anywhere in the state, the Ridge offers some pretty incredible skiing. Shred the slopes on the hill or venture to some of the most incredible backcountry you’ll ever find. While there may be rain down in Port Angeles, up at the resort there is fresh powder just waiting to be cut. For the perfect Olympic Peninsula ski retreat, book a stay with A Hidden Haven’s cozy forest cottages. Relax in your own private retreat complete with fireplaces and whirlpool jacuzzi tubs.
Bluewood
While most people visit Walla Walla for a Romantic Wine Weekend, some go for the excellent skiing at Bluewood in the Blue Mountains just east of town. This smaller resort is a great place for beginner skiers as the terrain is smooth and tickets are moderately priced. Take a couple runs, enjoy the scenic drive to and from the mountain, and return to your charming suite at The Maxwell House Bed & Breakfast in the heart of Walla Walla. Grab a glass of Walla Walla wine and curl up next to your ensuite electric fireplace for the perfect apres snow evening.
Stevens Pass
At the peak of Highway 2 lies Stevens Pass, a small ski resort with some of the most incredible views in the state. This ski resort has something for everyone with casual blues and greens to steep and deep black diamonds atop the 7th Heaven lift. You can also go night skiing and hit the slopes with minimal crowds and cheaper tickets. From beginners to experts, this ski area is a classic that you’ll want to visit time after time.
Snoqualmie Pass Ski Resorts
On Snoqualmie Pass, there are several ski resorts nestled at the top. Alpental is known for steep terrain and great tree skiing with plenty of black diamonds spread around the mountain. The Summit at Snoqualmie has a wide variety of terrain accessible from several chairlifts. These are the closest resorts to Seattle being only an hour away. Ski all day and drop down the valley into the charming town of North Bend where the Roaring River Bed & Breakfast is located. Take a luxurious bubble bath in one of their en suite whirlpool tubs to relax your muscles and be ready to get back on the mountain the next day.
Crystal Mountain
As the largest ski resort in Washington, Crystal Mountain attracts skiers and snowboarders from all over the world to ski and ride the incredible snow. You’ll want to plan a couple of days to ski the 2,600 acres of terrain. Make sure to take the Rainier Gondola for some of the best views of Mt. Rainier and dine at Summit House Restaurant, the highest eatery in Washington State for an amazing meal and unparalleled views.
Mission Ridge
On the Eastern side of the Cascades lies Mission Ridge Ski Resort, a 2,000-acre skiers haven. Snow at Mission Ridge is known to be lighter and fluffier than the resorts on the Western slopes and blue sky days are almost guaranteed with 300 days of sunshine. That means your trip will either be met with fresh powder or a sunny beautiful day. What’s not to love? For a truly unique skiing experience, head up the road around 3:30 in the afternoon for some night skiing. Catch the sunset as you shred and watch the slopes light up. Afterward, you can snuggle up at the Warm Springs Inn and Winery in Wenatchee with a glass of wine from the Brender Canyon Vineyard.
From beginner bunny hills to backcountry terrain, Washington has a ski area for everyone. Grab your skis and shred the slopes this season at any of these epic ski areas.
Hit the slopes and let Washington INNSiders help you pick out the perfect B&B, inn, or hotel for your dream ski getaway!
