Places to Play in the Snow
When it comes to stunning snow-covered mountains and spectacular winter views, the Pacific Northwest does NOT disappoint! Below are some of my favorite places to enjoy the snow and have fun as a family, whether skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, ice skating, or more! Check each website for projected opening days, as many places are still closed (let it snow, let it snow, let it SNOW!). And before you take off for whatever adventure you’re going on, always check current weather and road conditions (and make sure you have chains!).
Crystal Mountain - Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Pierce County, WA
Washington’s largest ski resort, Crystal Mountain offers predominantly intermediate and advanced runs, but some beginner runs as well. Most winter activities are available here, from skiing, snowboarding, and terrain parks, to snowshoeing and night runs. You can even see the best views of Mount Rainier with a scenic gondola ride! A variety of skiing and snowboarding lessons are offered for different ages and abilities, or ask about opportunities to see the mountain’s backcountry on a guided snowshoe tour. Learn more about tickets and passes, lodging, and RV parking and camping.
Hurricane Ridge - Olympic National Park, Clallam County, WA
Within the Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge is a perfect choice for winter recreation, as its smaller scale eliminates some of the crowds and costs common to other ski areas. There are plenty of sports to choose from with downhill skiing, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, tubing, sledding for the kids, snowboarding, and a terrain park. Or, improve your skiing and snowboarding skills with their Winter Sports School. Whatever you decide to do, there are several places that offer rentals for any necessary equipment. Check out the options available for tickets and passes as well as lodging and camping.
Hyak Sno-Park - Lake Easton State Park, Kittitas County, WA
With its relatively low-grade slope, Hyak Sno-Park is a great place for beginning or young sledders, although everyone in the family is sure to have a blast. Outside the Sno-Park there is a snowshoe route as well as groomed cross-country ski trails. Note that you will need a Sno-Park permit and groomed trails permit, or a Sno-Park day pass.
Leavenworth - Chelan County, WA
Experience Bavaria in this charming Alpine town. Explore the area on skis, snowshoes, and snowmobiles, or have fun with other activities like sledding, tubing, and sleigh rides. There is even a reindeer farm you can visit! Take a stroll through the village with its distinctive shops featuring handcrafted soaps and candles, edible delicacies, clothing and jewelry, hats, and even unique specialties like clocks, nutcrackers, and music boxes. And don’t miss their Christmastown and Winter Karneval, presenting light displays seven days a week through February and other activities. If you want to make a weekend of it, there are lots of options available for lodging.
Mount Baker - Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Whatcom County, WA
Known for its extreme weather, Mount often records the most snowfall in the US. It even set the world record in the winter of 1998-99 with 1,140 inches! Although on the small side for a resort, it does provide ample variety for skiers and snowboarders, including options for lessons and rentals. Or, if you’d rather just play in the snow, you can’t beat tubing, sledding, and snowshoeing. Recommendations are to park at Heather Meadows Day Lodge, where you can access Highwood Lake for tubing and sledding and Artist Point for snowshoeing. Check out their website for information on lift tickets, including discounted prices as part of the Powder Pups Program and free rides for eligible 5th graders. If you’re planning to be there more than one day, there are options for overnight parking and other accommodations.
Paradise - Mount Rainier, Pierce County, WA
In the southwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park, Paradise is easy to get to and promises a beautiful and fun winter experience. Besides the typical skiing and snowshoeing there are additional options for winter recreation in the area, including backcountry camping and snow camping! If you aren’t up to spending the night in the great outdoors, though, there are plenty of lodging choices in the surrounding area. Note that the sledding area is not expected to be open this year due to staffing issues.
Stevens Pass - Chelan & King Counties
Sitting atop the crest of the Cascades, Stevens Pass borders the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest on the west and the Wenatchee National Forest on the east. With a majority of intermediate and advanced runs and a handful of beginner runs, it offers something for everyone: skiing and snowboarding, including lessons and rentals; snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, and sledding; night skiing and riding; and three terrain parks. Tickets can be purchased online, and lodging is available in Leavenworth, Sky Valley, and Snohomish County.
The Summit at Snoqualmie - Snoqualmie Pass, King & Kittitas Counties, WA
Only about an hour from Seattle, the Summit at Snoqualmie offers four areas with a variety of terrain for skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and snowshoeing. Take advantage of Nordic skiing lessons for all ages, or if you want to experience night skiing, this is the place to do it, with the most night terrain in the United States! Explore the beauty of the Cascade mountains and forests on snowshoes, with equipment available to rent for ages 7 and up. The Summit’s tubing park boasts over 20 lanes at the peak of winter, and also has a covered lift! Or check out their terrain parks, which accommodate all ages and abilities. Look online for information on tickets, as some activities require purchases in advance. Details on lodging and overnight parking can be found online also.
White Pass - Lewis & Yakima Counties, WA
Southeast of Mount Rainier National Park, White Pass has a nordic center, snowshoe tours, terrain parks, and ski and snowboarding lessons for all ages and levels. Additional options for winter fun can be found in their winter activity guide. They also offer discount packages which include lessons, equipment rental, and lift tickets. Check out their website for more information on season passes, tickets, lodging, and RV parking.
ICE SKATING
If you want to experience winter without going into the great outdoors, ice skating is a perfect option!
Sprinker Recreation Center - Tacoma
Experience a winter wonderland with the arena’s Ice Lights program, featuring lights and animated displays including a Christmas tree that sings, falling snow, and more! They also have ice bumper cars and a party room you can rent during Ice Lights skating times. *Through Sunday, December 31, 2023.
Ice Center - Bremerton
General admission is $15, with a $5 skate rental fee. Be sure to check their calendar for public skate sessions.
Ice Rink - Bellevue
Featuring over 9,000 square feet of real ice, this is the largest seasonal ice rink in the region! They make the season fun with special events, and even offer free lessons with a professional skating coach (select evenings). Go online to purchase your tickets. *Through Monday, January 15, 2024.
Oly On Ice - Olympia
Purchase tickets at the rink, or pay for and reserve your skating session online ahead of time (recommended). Rates and hours vary depending on the day. *Through Monday, January 15, 2024.
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