Winter Fun in the Mountains!

The rainy winter season means SNOW in the mountains! There are plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the mountains during this time of year.  Put on some warm clothes, grab your waterproof gloves & cozy hat, and head to the higher elevations for some great outdoor activities in the snow.

Not far from our area is terrific downhill skiing and snowboarding, as well as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and even snow-tubing.  Don't worry if you don't own any equipment-- you can rent almost everything you'll need!  

If you are a beginner, you might want to read this "First Timer's Guide" that includes what to wear and what to bring.

Here are some favorite local spots for some fun in the snow:
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1) Snoqualmie Pass:

Downhill Skiing & Boarding--
If you are a beginner, you'll want to start by taking a lesson.  Snoqualmie Pass is the closest ski resort to the Seattle and Eastside area, less than an hour's drive. It is a great hill for beginners.  You can rent equipment there and take a lesson.  There is also terrain for more advanced skiers, particularly at the Alpental area of Snoqualmie. 
** You can take lessons, if you are new to this sport.
** You can rent skis, boots, helmets by the day or longer.
** Lift ticket prices vary.  Check the website.

Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing--
Snoqualmie Pass offers great snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on weekends only (Fri- Sun).  They have plenty of beautiful and well-marked trails.  You can take a lesson, if you are a beginner.  It's lots of fun and great exercise, too!
Website: www.summitatsnoqualmie.com/activities/nordic
** You can rent snowshoes or cross-country (Nordic) skis for a half-day or full-day.

Snow-Tubing--
Have you ever tried snow-tubing?  Coast down the mountain on an inflated tube!  It's fun for kids and adults.  Even little kids and toddlers can sit in a parent's lap and enjoy the ride.  Weekends only.  Reserve your tickets and session time online, in advance. Price: $24-$26 per person,  and children 0-5 years are $8
Website: https://summitatsnoqualmie.com/activities/snow-tubing

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2)  Crystal Mountain:

​If you are an experienced skier or boarder, you might want to try some of the larger ski areas that offer more terrain.  They are not quite as close as Snoqualmie Pass, but you can drive to these areas in around 2 hours or less.  My family's favorite is Crystal Mountain.  

Downhill Skiing & Boarding--
Crystal Mountain is a large ski area with a lot of terrain for all levels and stunning views of Mt. Rainier on a clear day!  Crystal is the only local resort with a gondola, which allows for late-season skiing in high elevations and downloading on the gondola.  The gondola is also perfect for non-skiers, so that they can experience the top of the mountain without having to ski back down.  Lessons are available for all levels.

**Lift ticket prices vary.  Check the website.  Kids 10 and under ski for FREE with a paying adult.
**You can rent skis, boots, helmets, AND even ski jacket & pants can  be rented at Crystal Mountain!

Guided Snowshoe Tour and Dinner--
Crystal Mountain offers a really fun Alpine Wilderness Snowshoe Tour, followed by dinner.  The 2.5 hour guided tour takes you up the mountain by gondola, where you'll strap on your snowshoes and hike along the ridge line for some wonderfully scenic views.  The tour ends with a family-style dinner back at the base of the mountain!
Website: www.crystalmountainresort.com/plan-your-trip/winter-activities/snowshoe-tours/
**Saturdays only.  
**Tour cost $70, includes gondola ride, snowshoe rental, guided tour, and dinner. Reservations required.

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​3)  Stevens Pass:

Downhill Skiing & Boarding--
Stevens Pass is another family favorite of ours.  It offers great terrain for beginners, intermediate, and advanced skiers and boarders.   Lessons are available for all skill levels.
**Lift ticket prices vary. Check the website. Kids 6 and under ski FREE
**This year they have a special 5th GRADERS SKI FREE all season!
​** Skis, boots, and helmets, AND even ski jacket & pants can be rented at Stevens Pass  

Snowshoeing & Cross-Country (Nordic) skiing--
Stevens Pass is a really beautiful area for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, on Thursdays thru Sundays.  Miles of scenic trails are there to explore.  And you can take a lesson if you are a beginner.
Website: http://www.stevenspass.com/Stevens/nordic/nordic.aspx
** Snowshoes or cross-country (Nordic) skis can be rented at Stevens Pass

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 4) Whistler/Blackcomb:

If you're willing to drive several hours north and cross the border into Canada, you can experience the ultimate in Winter Fun at Whistler/Blackcomb Resort... rated the best resort in all of North America! 

Whistler is famous for hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics.  The village is charming in all seasons, with plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes and more.  There is so much to do, you can never get bored!  Even if you are not a fan of snow sports, you will enjoy strolling the village and taking in the sights.  

Visit their website for all the information about skiing, snowshoeing, snowtubing, and even winter zip-lining:
https://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/discover/why-whistler

**Discount Cards are available to Washington residents through the Whistler EDGE card program.

**If you are not a U.S. citizen or Greencard holder, you might need a Visa from the Canadian consulate to visit Whistler.  You can find more information about whether you need a travel visa here:  
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp
http://www.immigrationdirect.ca/countries-and-territories-requiring-visas-for-canada/
Canadian Consulate in Seattle: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/seattle/index.aspx?view=d


Hope you have some fun in the snow!  Enjoy!!!

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