Winter Fun in the Mountains

The return of rain and wet weather in our area means SNOW in the mountains!  There are plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the mountains during this time of year.  Just because it's rainy and grey doesn't mean we can't get outside and have some fun.  Put on some warm clothes, grab your waterproof gloves, 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 "Beginner's Guide" that includes what to wear and what to bring:  http://www.summitatsnoqualmie.com/Plan-Your-Trip/Helpful-Hints/Beginners-Guide 

Here are some favorite spots for some fun in the snow:

1) Snoqualmie Pass:

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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 theAlpental area of Snoqualmie. 
Website:  http://www.summitatsnoqualmie.com/Lessons-and-Rentals
** Lift ticket price= $62 adult full-day or $54 adult half-day (1pm-5pm), Children $12;   Night skiing under the lights- $40 (4pm-10pm)
** Rental equipment 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: http://www.summitatsnoqualmie.com/Activities/Nordic-Skiing-And-Snowshoeing
** Nordic Trail pass= $20 adult full-day or $16 adult half-day
** Cross-country (Nordic) ski rental= $28 full-day or $24 half-day
** Snowshoe rental= $24 full-day or $18 half-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.
Website:  http://www.summitatsnoqualmie.com/Activities/Tubing

 

2)  Crystal Mountain:

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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.
Website: http://crystalmountainresort.com/The-Mountain/Hours-of-Operation
**Lift ticket price= $61 adult full-day (when purchased online on a reload-able "GoCard"); Kids 10 and under ski for $5
**Rental equipment= Board or Skis, Poles, and Boots are approximately $35-$39; Helmet rental= $10

**Guided Snowshoe Tour and Fondue 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 traditional fondue dinner back at the base of the mountain!
Website: http://crystalmountainresort.com/Activities/Guided-Snowshoe-Tours 
**Saturdays only.  
**Tour cost $49, includes gondola ride, snowshoe rental, guided tour, and fondue dinner.  Reservations required.

                             3)  Steven's Pass:


Downhill Skiing & Boarding--
Steven's 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.

Website: http://www.stevenspass.com/Stevens/the-mountain/hours.aspx
**Lift ticket price= $62 adult 4-hour pass or $67 adult 8-hour pass; Kids 6 and under ski free
**Rental equipment= $39 ski or board package; Helmet rental= $11  
**Rental snow jackets and pants are also available.

Snowshoeing & Cross-Country (Nordic) skiing--
Steven's 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
** Nordic Trail pass= $20 adult pass
** Cross-country (Nordic) ski rental= $34 full-day or $20 half-day
** Snowshoe rental= $25 full-day or $15 half-day


Hope you have some fun in the snow!  Enjoy!