Seattle is the gateway to some of the Pacific Northwest’s top ski resorts. After all the Cascades are practically the backyard of the Greater Seattle area. Powder-filled slopes, technical terrain, family-friendly groomers, and low-key ski towns are all just a short drive from Seattle. While a number of ski areas are a couple hours away, you can be hitting the slopes within an hour of arriving to Sea-Tac Airport. This makes Seattle a great destination to travel to for a ski getaway. Once you’ve gotten your fill of powder, you can spend a couple days in Seattle before flying home. The following guide highlights some of the best ski resorts near Seattle. See our complete list of Washington ski resorts here.
Where To Ski Near Seattle
Stevens Pass Resort
Located just 82 miles (an hour and a half to two hours) from Seattle via US Highway 2, Stevens Pass is one of Washington’s most popular ski resorts. An Epic Pass resort, Stevens Pass offers a fantastic mix of terrain, featuring 1,125 acres of skiable terrain and nearly 1,800 feet of vertical. Beginners can enjoy wide, groomed runs, while more advanced skiers will appreciate the steeper pitches and the resort’s renowned tree runs. The resort has 13 lifts, three terrain parks, and 52 trails. We also named it one of the best ski resorts in North America for night skiing. Stevens Pass is known for its abundant snowfall, receiving an average of 460″ of snow annually, making it an excellent choice for powder lovers.
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Crystal Mountain Resort
Crystal Mountain, located about 85 miles (roughly 2 hours) from Seattle, is the largest ski resort in Washington state, home to more than 2,600 acres of terrain and 2,400 feet to explore. It’s a scenic drive on WA-410, just north of Mt. Rainier, which meanders to the ski resort. Crystal Mountain is known for its incredible variety of terrain, with something for everyone — whether you’re an expert seeking challenging lines or a beginner learning the ropes. It’s home to Washington’s only scenic gondola and the highest-elevation restaurant in the state, Summit House, which boasts incredible views of Mt. Rainier and the Cascade Range.
Crystal Mountain also has a fun après-ski scene. We named the Snorting Elk Cellar, featuring a rustic atmosphere and great selection of beer on tap, one of the best aprés-ski bars in America.
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Summit at Snoqualmie
The Summit at Snoqualmie is the closest ski area to Seattle, located just 45 minutes away. It’s comprised of three base areas — Summit Central, Summit West, and Summit East — each offering a wide range of terrain. Summit West is ideal for those eager to learn and who are seeking gentler slopes. Summit Central has plenty of activities for the whole family like fireside s’mores and a good selection of après dining. And Summit East is ideal for both alpine and Nordic skiing. The resort has 1,994 acres of terrain and an average snowfall of 435″ per year. The Summit at Snoqualmie is also one of the best destinations for cross-country skiers, since it’s home to 50 kilometers of Nordic track.
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Just across I-90 from the Summit at Snoqualmie is Alpental, which though having some beginner and intermediate terrain, is more popular with advanced and expert skiers. It has 825 acres of skiable terrain, with 523 acres for backbowl skiing. Alpental is perfect for advanced skiers who want to escape the crowds and enjoy some of the best conditions in the Cascades.
Mt. Baker Ski Area
Located 135 miles (2.5 to 3 hours) north of Seattle, Mt. Baker is a legendary ski destination known for its abundance of snowfall and off-the-beaten-path vibe. To reach the resort, take I-5 North to the Mt. Baker Highway and enjoy the scenic drive to the mountain. Mt. Baker receives some of the heaviest snowfall in the country, averaging over 600″ per year, making it a powder lover’s paradise. Home to 1,000 acres of terrain, the resort offers a range of runs, but it’s best known for deep powder and expert-level terrain, headlined by bowls and steep lines for advanced skiers. Mt. Baker is without question one of the best ski resorts in North America for powder skiing.
Mt. Baker has limited on-mountain amenities, but nevertheless OnTheSnow users rate it the best ski resort in Washington for aprés-ski. Highlights include The Chair 9, serving up a classic mountain bar experience with pizza and live local music.
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White Pass Ski Area
Don’t miss some of Washington’s more overlooked ski resorts, like White Pass Ski Area, which offers a relaxed and uncrowded experience in the Cascades. From Seattle it’s about a 2.5-hour drive via I-5 South and US-12 East. White Pass has 1,400 acres of diverse terrain, with everything from wide-open, slow-rolling groomers to challenging tree skiing and powder-filled bowls for more advanced riders. It offers night skiing on a few select nights during the season. White Pass is perfect for those looking for less of a destination ski resort experience and a slightly off-the-beaten-path ski area. Not to mention that it’s one of the best values in Washington. Lift tickets are typically less than $100, even on peak days.
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Mission Ridge Ski Area
Mission Ridge Ski Area, located 160 miles (roughly 3 hours) from Seattle, offers a unique combination of sunny weather, reliable snow, and stunning Cascade Range and Mt. Rainier views. To get there, take I-90 East to US-97 South, and you’ll be on your way to one of Washington’s best-kept ski secrets. Mission Ridge boasts 2,000 acres of terrain, with an impressive variety of runs for all levels, from groomed beginner cruisers to challenging mogul runs and steep terrain for advanced skiers and riders.
Mission Ridge is known for its sunny weather, often seeing more than 300 sunny days per year. It provides clear skies and excellent visibility, making it a favorite for powder hounds and those who enjoy bluebird days. Mission Ridge has 70 trails served by seven lifts and 2,250 feet of vertical.
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Hurricane Ridge Ski Area
Located about 3 hours (over 100 miles) west of Seattle in Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge offers a unique ski experience with stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. To get there, take US-101 North from Seattle, then head up to the Hurricane Ridge entrance, where you’ll find this hidden gem. The resort features around 12 miles of Nordic trails and several downhill runs, making it perfect for those who enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or a more relaxed, low-key ski day. Hurricane Ridge uniquely operates one of only three remaining lifts inside U.S. National Parks. While the downhill terrain is relatively small, the slopes offer a variety of gentle runs, ideal for beginners and families. The après-ski scene is casual, with a small lodge serving hot drinks and snacks.
March 12, 2025
