Compiling a list of the best ski resorts in Washington was not only easy, but also fun. That’s because my family and I go skiing every year, and we love exploring the resorts around Washington.
The trick to uncovering the best ski spots in WA is to know what you want to do. Most visitors crave big resorts with amenities, but it’s good to know about the smaller spots since they tend to have fewer crowds. Plus not every resort offers unique activities like night skiing or snowshoeing, so it’s good to know what to expect in advance.
Whether you’re after the best Washington ski hills or you want to know where to stay near each resort, consider this your guide to getting the most out of your ski vacation!
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Ski Resorts in Washington
Save this to Pinterest for later because I’ll add more of the best places to ski in Washington as I discover them!
Crystal Mountain Resort
website | town: Enumclaw (get directions) | price: ~$89-189pp lift tickets | best for: intermediate & advanced skiers
Crystal Mountain Resort is located on the northeast corner of Mt. Rainier National Park about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Seattle. It’s Washington’s largest ski resort, with over 2,600 acres and 2,400 vertical feet to explore. In fact, on a clear day you can spot all five of Washington’s volcanoes!
There are more than 80 named runs on the hill, including 6 snowshoe trails with varying difficulty. While this Washington ski resort has runs for all levels, the majority of them are blues and blacks. Therefore, if you want a lot of terrain options, Crystal is best for people comfortable cruising at least intermediate blue runs. However, there are a lot of programs for people just starting out who are ok staying on just a few trails.
Aside from daytime skiing and snowboarding, the resort also offers night skiing on weekends and holidays from December through February. If you have have advanced Nordic skiers in your group, the ungroomed Silver Springs Sno-Park is nearby.
When you’re not on the slopes, you can take in the sights from the scenic gondola or grab lunch at the highest-elevation restaurant in the state, the Summit House Restaurant.
Where to stay near Crystal Mountain
Crystal Mountain Resort is about 50 minutes away from downtown Enumclaw, so your best bet is to find lodges and cabins along route 410 going toward the mountain. Here are some cozy options to consider.
Four Stone Lodge
link to book | town: Greenwater | price: ~$230/night | bedrooms: 3 | bathrooms: 2
This stunning wood-paneled lodge sits about 6 miles from the northeast entrance of Mount Rainier and 20 miles south of Crystal Mountain. There’s a waterfall on the property that you can access through multiple trails. After a long day of runs, you can cozy up with the wood stove and elk-peep from your deck.
The Lindgren Haus
link to book | town: Enumclaw | price: ~$158/night | bedrooms: 1 | bathrooms: 1 | pet friendly
This modern yet cozy cabin is nestled in a small clearing among mountain pines. There’s limited cell service, but why would you need it when there’s a gorgeous view and you’re under 20 miles from the best skiing in Washington?
Riverfront Cabin
link to book | town: Enumclaw | price: ~$384/night | bedrooms: 3 | bathrooms: 1 | hot tub
If you’re looking for a quintessential cabin with fir floors and cedar walls, this is it. Staying here puts you within walking distance of the nearest general store, coffee shop, and tavern. After skiing, retreat to the hot tub and listen to the sounds of the flowing river.
Mount Baker Ski Area
website | town: Deming (get directions) | price: ~$94pp lift tickets | best for: advanced skiers
The Mt. Baker Ski Area is one of the most popular ski resorts in Washington for advanced and intermediate skiers. It has 1,000 acres of skiable area, with 38 runs altogether including backcountry and snowshoeing trails. Fun fact: Mt. Baker has the longest ski season in Washington, making it the perfect ski town to visit in the off months (namely March and April).
Aside from skiing, Mt. Baker is close to the Baker Hot Springs, a free, public hot springs in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. It’s also close to Bellingham, one of the cutest small towns in Washington.
Where to stay near Mt. Baker
While you can drive to and from Seattle in one day, it’s about 2.5 hours each way so your best bet is to stay near Mt. Baker. Glacier is the closest town with amenities and shops, but be ready for that quintessential small town feel vs. a bustling city.
Modern Mt. Baker Cabin
link to book | town: Maple Falls | price: ~$254/night | bedrooms: 2 | bathrooms: 1 | hot tub
This little red cabin is tucked away in the woods and includes a fireplace, private hot tub, and secret trail leading to Red Mountain at the end of the driveway. Not to mention you’re only 26 miles from Mt. Baker.
Riversong Retreat
link to book | town: Glacier | price: ~$280/night | bedrooms: 2 | bathrooms: 2 | hot tub | pet friendly
This romantic condo is located in the Idyllic Snowater Resort on the doorstep of the Snoqualmie National Forest, about 30 minutes from Mt. Baker. Your stay includes access to the jacuzzi, two heated indoor swimming pools, a sauna, a gym, and surrounding trails.
Charming Condo
link to book | town: Glacier | price: ~$180/night | bedrooms: 1 | bathrooms: 1 | hot tub | pet friendly
This pet-friendly condo is also located in the Snowater Resort and includes a private balcony where you can sip coffee and listen to the sounds of nearby Nooksack River. In addition to the jacuzzi and pools, there’s a communal fire pit for keeping warm and drying off your snow boots.
Stevens Pass
website | town: Skykomish (get directions) | price: ~$159pp lift tickets | best for: all ski levels, night skiing, & cross-country skiing
Stevens Pass is one of the ski resorts in Washington I find myself at the most. That’s because it’s ideal if you’re traveling with people of all skill levels, and I’m always nearby on winter trips with my nieces.
This mountain resort is at a higher elevation than most others, meaning the trails often have great snow conditions and a wider variety of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, with 37 in total.
Stevens also offer night skiing on weekends and has a phenomenal Nordic center if you’re into cross-country skiing. You’ll also be near Leavenworth, one of my favorite Washington towns for a winter getaway. It’s an adorable Bavarian-themed town that comes alive during the holidays with Christmas lights, restaurants, and wine tasting to boot.
Where to stay near Stevens Pass
Stevens Pass is about 1.5 hours from Seattle, so you could reasonably go for just the day. However, it’s near all the cozy things to do in Leavenworth in winter, so I recommend staying for a few nights! Here are some options, but I also have a whole post on the best Leavenworth cabins if you want more ideas.
Tye Haus
link to book | town: Skykomish | price: ~$347/night | bedrooms: 1 | bathrooms: 1 | hot tub | pet friendly
This charming getaway is perfect for couples and small families who want to stay within 20 minutes of Stevens Pass. There’s a gas fireplace for keeping warm, a steaming hot tub, and a massive deck for enjoying coffee or a glass of wine.
Mountain View Cabin
link to book | town: Leavenworth | price: ~$299/night | bedrooms: 3 | bathrooms: 2 | hot tub | pet friendly
This family-friendly cabin features massive two-level walls of windows to let in tons of natural light, along with a pristine view of Dirtyface Mountain. Plus, staying here keeps you within walking distance of Lake Wenatchee, close to all the awesome nordic skiing in Plain, and under 20 miles from downtown Leavenworth.
Lake & Forest View Chalet
link to book | town: Leavenworth | price: ~$277/night | bedrooms: 3 | bathrooms: 1 | hot tub | pet friendly
If I were staying here, you would have a hard time convincing me to leave to ski. The chalet includes gorgeous cathedral ceilings, cherrywood floors, a private hot tub, and sweeping mountain views. Plus, you’re in enviable proximity to downtown Leavenworth and Stevens Pass.
The Summit at Snoqualmie
website | town: Snoqualmie Pass (get directions) | price: ~$79pp lift tickets | best for: night skiing, beginner skiers, & terrain park
Most people consider the Summit to be the best of the ski resorts in Washington because it’s close to Seattle. Unfortunately, this means you’ll often have to wade through crowds. But on the plus side, it’s a versatile resort with a wider variety of activities.
There are four base areas in the resort. Summit West is where you’ll find the most family-friendly runs, whereas Alpental is better for rugged backcountry skiing. Summit East is home to 50 kilometers of stunning Nordic and snowshoe trails. Lastly, Summit Central is where you’ll find most bars and restaurants.
The Summit is also home to the most night skiing terrain in Washington, with 600 acres of gorgeous nightscape to explore. It’s available six days a week at Summit Central and four days a week at Alpental and Summit West.
Where to stay near The Summit
The Summit at Snoqualmie is just 50 minutes from Seattle, making it the closest of the ski resorts in Washington. However, it’s near a ton of great snowshoeing trails and sno-parks, so it’s worth staying for a few days if you can!
Family-Friendly Ski Cabin
link to book | town: Snoqualmie Pass | price: ~$425/night | bedrooms: 2 | bathrooms: 2 | hot tub
This charming A-frame includes floor-to-ceiling windows, vaulted ceilings, and a spacious lofted bedroom. Take in the mountain views of Rampart Ridge and Guye Peak from the wraparound deck or hot tub before embarking on a day of skiing.
Summit Chalet
link to book | town: Snoqualmie Pass | price: ~$220/night | bedrooms: 1 | bathrooms: 2
This eclectic, three-story cabin is a short walk from Summit Central, with beautiful views of snow-dusted mountains visible from your upstairs deck. When you’re home, relax with an arcade game or make use of the spacious kitchen.
Snowy Slope Sanctuary
link to book | town: Snoqualmie Pass | price: ~$651/night | bedrooms: 3 | bathrooms: 3 | pet friendly
This shareable property is perfect for splitting with a group of friends. There’s room to spread out, and you’re only a short walk from the lifts and popular spots like Dru Bru Brewery and The Commonwealth restaurant.
Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort
website | town: Wenatchee (get directions) | price: ~$139pp lift tickets | best for: intermediate skiers & snowboarders
Mission Ridge is one of the smaller ski resorts in Washington located between eastern Washington and the Cascade Mountain Range. Being smaller, it’s usually less crowded, and its elevation plus annual snowfall makes it some of the best powder in the state.
While Mission Ridge is heavy on downhill skiing and snowboarding, there is snow tubing and you can access several snowshoe trails from the parking lot. There are 36 runs across 2,000 acres, including a small hill for beginners. Post Christmas, there’s also night skiing Wednesday through Saturday.
Where to stay near Mission Ridge
A trip to Mission Ridge is the perfect excuse to explore all the cute things to do in Wenatchee, the Apple Capital of the World that’s about 3 hours east of Seattle.
Selah Vivienda
link to book | town: East Wenatchee | price: ~$239/night | bedrooms: 2 | bathrooms: 2
This cozy home is so aesthetically pleasing it hurts. In addition to being immaculately designed, it’s also centrally located near Wenatchee’s famous Pybus Market, Mission Ridge, Lake Chelan, and Leavenworth.
Modern East Wenatchee Studio
link to book | town: East Wenatchee | price: ~$133/night | bedrooms: 1 | bathrooms: 1
This cozy studio is situated on a working farm in the heart of East Wenatchee 13 miles from Mission Ridge. The studio includes a washer and dryer, a full kitchen, and sweeping views of Wenatchee’s countryside.
Charming Home with Columbia River Views
link to book | town: East Wenatchee | price: ~$285/night | bedrooms: 3 | bathrooms: 2 | pet friendly
This convenient rental home is close to multiple winter parks, including Mission Ridge and the super new skier-friendly Leavenworth Ski Hill. You can even hit Steven’s Pass for a long day trip.
White Pass Ski Area
website | town: Naches (get directions) | price: ~$95pp lift tickets | best for: beginner/intermediate skiers & Nordic skiing
White Pass is located 12 miles southeast of Mt. Rainier National Park and east of Packwood. It’s best known for its 47 runs of downhill skiing and being one of the few ski resorts in Washington near Mt. Rainier National Park. Most of the trails are greens and blues, so newer skiers get the chance to catch unfettered views of Mount Rainier and the Cascade Crest without more advanced skiers whipping by.
This Washington ski resort also has some of the best cross-country skiing in Washington. There are 26 kilometers of Nordic and snowshoeing trails suitable for beginners to more advanced skiers. The resort also offers snow tubing as well as snowshoe tours.
Where to stay near White Pass
At about 3 hours from Seattle, you’re going to want to stay overnight when visiting White Pass. Plus it’s a great excuse to snowshoe some of Mt. Rainier’s best hiking trails. Here are some accommodation options.
The Cabin at Packwood
link to book | town: Packwood | price: ~$240/night | bedrooms: 2 | bathrooms: 1 | hot tub
This rustic cabin is located at the end of High Valley, roughly 30 minutes from White Pass and 10 minutes from downtown Packwood. There’s an optional guest unit that includes its own jacuzzi and wood stove for an additional $75 per night.
Baby Bear Cabin
link to book | town: Packwood | price: ~$200/night | bedrooms: 2 | bathrooms: 2+ | hot tub
This newly constructed cabin is situated on a quiet, well-maintained dirt road in the forest near Mt. Rainier and White Pass. It’s about half a mile from downtown Packwood and comes equipped with a 50-jet hot tub under the stars.
The Cedar Cabin
link to book | town: Packwood | price: ~$135/night | bedrooms: 1 | bathrooms: 1 | hot tub | pet friendly
This cedar cabin rests discreetly on 8 acres of the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest, 25 minutes from White Pass and 45 minutes from Mt. Helens. There’s a communal hot tub, fire pit, koi pond, and open fields to play games with your family or four-legged friends.
Echo Valley Ski Area
website | town: Manson (get directions) | price: ~$40pp lift tickets | best for: beginner skiers & snowboarders, plus tubing
Echo Valley Ski Area is one of the best ski resorts in Washington for those visiting Lake Chelan and wanting to learn how to ski. It’s a small, family-friendly, volunteer-run resort that offers a range of activities like downhill skiing and snowboarding, along with 6 snow tubing lanes.
Being a smaller resort, there are only 8 runs, mostly for beginners. They also offer drop-in classes and rentals, so you don’t need to plan weeks in advance if you’ve always wanted to learn how to ski or snowboard. The best part is that all proceeds go to local charities, meaning everything is reasonably priced and for a good cause.
Want to Nordic ski? Just a few miles up the road from Echo Valley Ski Area is the Echo Ridge sno-park. This is one of my favorite places to go cross-country skiing because it gives you epic views of Chelan Valley.
You can also drive about an hour to the Methow Valley to experience the largest groomed Nordic skiing trail network in North America and all the best winter activities in Winthrop.
Where to stay near Echo Valley
Echo Valley is more than 3 hours away from Seattle, so you’ll definitely want to book accommodations. This also gives you the perfect excuse to explore the Chelan wineries, restaurants, and all the fun things to do in winter in Chelan!
Here are some accommodation options, but I have a whole article on places to stay in Lake Chelan.
Chelan Avenue
link to book | town: Chelan | price: ~$189/night | bedrooms: 2 | bathrooms: 2 | pet friendly
This recently renovated historic home is smack in the middle of downtown Chelan. There’s a fully-fenced backyard for your furry friends, a 5-person hot tub, and a modern, fully-equipped kitchen.
The Landing 211
link to book | town: Chelan (get directions) | price: ~$131/night | bedrooms: 1 | bathrooms: 1
This swanky hotel is located in downtown Chelan, and this suite in particular includes a fireplace, balcony, and spa bath. The hotel is located above a restaurant overlooking the Chelan Riverfront Park, and you’re a short drive from wineries and many of Chelan’s best restaurants.
Echo Valley Resort & Cabins
link to book | town: Manson (get directions) | price: ~$141-254/night | bedrooms: varies | bathrooms: varies | pet friendly
I find ski resort cabins can sometimes be hit or miss, but the ones in Echo Valley look adorable. There are studio cabins with a shared bath, or you can upgrade to the 1-bedrooms with a private bathroom. Either way you’re guaranteed a scenic view and prime slope access.
Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park
website | town: Mead (get directions) | price: ~$80pp lift tickets | best for: intermediate & advanced skiers, night or uphill skiing, & tubing
Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park is just 28 miles from downtown Spokane, so it’s one of the most popular ski resorts in Washington serving the east side of the state. While there is a ski school, most of the trails are best suited for intermediate and advanced skiers. However, there is tubing if you still want to bring the little ones.
The resort boasts more than 1,700 acres, with 52 runs accessible via 6 chairlifts. Trails run along both the front and backside of the mountain so it feels less congested than other resorts. You can also partake in night skiing or the mountain’s tricked out terrain park.
What makes Mt. Spokane so unique is that they offer uphill skiing. If you’re not familiar, this is basically like hiking with skis. Advanced riders who prefer this kind of skiing want to avoid the lifts and be able to find little offshoots to do tricks or find fresh powder.
Where to stay near Mt. Spokane
You can opt to stay at a cozy cabin closer to the mountain or stay within the city to explore all the fun things to do in Spokane. Mt. Spokane is about 5 hours east of Seattle, so make at least a weekend of it!
Ivory & Oak
link to book | town: Colbert | price: ~$299/night | bedrooms: 3 | bathrooms: 2
This stunning farmhouse has a gorgeous porch perfect for sipping coffee as you watch the snowflakes blanket the ground. You’ll find impeccably styled spaces throughout the 960 sq ft home that may make it so you never want to leave!
Sunset Ridge
link to book | town: Spokane | price: ~$165/night | bedrooms: 1 | bathrooms: 1 | hot tub
This charming home is close to downtown Spokane and offers a hot tub overlooking the city’s west ravine. If it’s not snowy, you can also make use of the large 12-foot outdoor dining table and fire pit after a day on the slopes.
The Beehive
link to book | town: Spokane | price: ~$150/night | bedrooms: 2 | bathrooms: 1 | pet friendly
This adorable cottage is in Spokane’s Perry District neighborhood near the stunning Manito Park. Every room is thoughtfully decorated with a bee motif to make you feel like you’re in the English countryside.
49° North Mountain Resort
website | town: Chewelah (get directions) | price: ~$70pp lift tickets | best for: all ski levels, Nordic, & tree skiing
49 Degrees North is about an hour north of Spokane deep in the Colville National Forest. It’s the second-largest of the ski resorts in Washington state, yet it still has a mom-and-pop vibe.
The resort has more than 80 marked trails almost equally distributed among beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders. For those looking for a bit more adventure, they have some of the best tree skiing in Washington. I’m a solidly mediocre snowboarder, but like going into the trees if they’re spread out enough. 49 Degrees has that in addition to tighter tree spaces, so there’s a little something for everyone.
49 Degrees also has a Nordic center for those who prefer cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Most of the trails are intermediate to advance, but there are a few green trails near the center’s entrance for those just getting started.
Where to stay near 49 Degrees North
Since 49 Degrees North is almost 5.5 hours from Seattle, you’ll definitely want to stay overnight. It’s the perfect excuse to also hit up three of the most popular ski resorts in Idaho that are all within about 1.5 hours away: Silver Mountain, Schweitzer, and Lookout Pass Ski Area.
All-Seasons Chewelah Home
link to book | town: Chewelah | price: ~$220/night | bedrooms: 3 | bathrooms: 2.5
This large home is close to 49 Degrees North and offers modern decor and amenities. It’s nestled off hole 2 of the Chewelah Golf & Country Club, which offers XC ski trails right steps from the property.
La Cabina
link to book | town: Spokane | price: ~$200/night | bedrooms: 1 | bathrooms: 1 | pet friendly
This stunning cottage is decorated to make you feel like you’ve been whisked away to Tuscany, not one of the ski resorts in Washington. It has beams throughout and a stunning outdoor terrace with views of the valley.
BlockhouseLife
link to book | town: Spokane | price: ~$90/night | bedrooms: 1 | bathrooms: 1 | pet friendly
If eco travel is important to you, you’ll love BlockhouseLife. These tiny living units are “net zero”, which means they’ve completely eliminated their carbon footprint through forest restoration, using recycled materials, and utilizing solar energy.
More skiing options near Washington
Living in the Pacific Northwest means we’re near some epic skiing in British Columbia, Oregon, and Idaho. So after you explore the best ski resorts in Washington, check out my guides to more skiing fun!
