Bluewood is a small but friendly "resort". Slow lifts and short runs make for fresh legs late in the day. I prefer a mountain that has steeper and longer runs as do my younger kids. Bluewood is pretty basic with not a lot of extras to offer and they are quite pricey for the limited amenities offered. Better to go here than not at all but if there is a choice think twice about going to Bluewood.

The best family friendly resort I've been to. It is the only one where I felt comfortable leaving my 11 year old practicing on the platter pull while I did other runs. I can't imagine anyone feeling comfortable doing that at Stevens or Snoqualmie. The lodge is pretty minimal and the food is basic (if decent) cafeteria fare. My kids have had both group and private lessons at Bluewood and had good experiences with the instructors.

The lifts are slow but there is almost never a lift line. Bluewood at its busiest still has shorter lines than Snoqualmie or Stevens on a normal weekend.

You aren't going to find any of the long thigh burner runs at Bluewood. But while they are short, the snow is generally very good to great and there are plenty of options.

Since I live less than two hours away from Bluewood, it is my mountain of choice. It's not a place that you'd plan a week long trip to, but it is a great place if you want to spend a low stress day on the snow.

BALLLLLLIIIIIIN'

Bluewood is one of the best powder spots in Washington. The drive means it is off the beaten path, but the country you travel through more than pays for the trouble. Dayton, the quaint town you pass through on your way into the "blues" has great amenities: lodging at the Weinhard, several great cafes and plenty of wired hot spots for that last bit of business and java before throwing yourself at the mountain. After winding your way up the North Touchet, you come into the high alpine zone at the edge of the wilderness. The lodge is pretty basic, but you can get a burger or a hot toddy. And the mountain! Rarely do you have to wait more than 10 minutes in line for the lifts, and the long trails means you spend much more time skiing than freezing. There are even nice X-country/snow mobile trails that you can take from the top: get a map at the lodge of the forest roads that give you miles of beautiful views and quiet contemplation as you wind down the mountain and back to the parking lot. As someone who has to deal with icy, Eastern skiing and "made" snow most of the time, I'm jealous of those of you who can hit Bluewood on a regular basis.