Skiing in Washington

Washington is home to some of the world's great skiing destinations, and enjoys heavy mountain snowfall during winter months. Mt Baker Ski Area boasts the world record snowfall during a single season - almost 95 feet! The Cascade Mountains have long been the main draw for skiers and snowboarders, but some of the largest ski areas are found north of Spokane. The Cascade Mountains and the northern forests around Kettle Falls offer superb cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

Destinations to consider are grouped below by region - follow the links to any skiing destination that interests you. Go Washington offers in-depth coverage of all Washington ski destinations, which can be accessed from our Washington Skiing page.

WESTERN WASHINGTON

Olympic National Park experiences heavy, but weather-dependent snow, throughout the winter, and much of the mountains remain inaccessible in the winter to everyone but the most determined. A better bet is Hurricane Ridge Ski Area, located on the north edge of the park. A smaller ski destination, Hurricane Ridge is a great departure point for cross country skiing and snowshoeing as well.

NORTHWEST WASHINGTON

A half-dozen ski resorts follow the Pacific Crest Trail through the Cascade Range, most within a short drive from Seattle to the west, and Leavenworth and Ellensburg to the east. Close to Mount Rainier, itself a world class backcountry (and very technical) winter destination, Crystal Mountain is the largest ski resort in Washington.

East of Bellingham, Mt Baker Ski Resort provides a powdery taste of what awaits heli-skiing in the North Cascades.

NORTHEAST WASHINGTON

In addition to sharing the ski resorts along the Cascade Range, visitors to northeast Washington frequent 49 Degrees North and Mt Spokane Ski Area. Much of the higher points of this corner of Washington is blanketed by good quality snow during the winter, with hundreds of miles of trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

SOUTHEAST WASHINGTON

Tucked in the southeast corner of Washington in the Blue Mountains, Bluewood is a great escape from "cascade cement." High altitude and clear skies, with dry, unlimited powder is only a short drive from Walla Walla or Clarkston.