Escape to a Winter Wonderland
The Best Places to Ski and Snowboard Near Seattle
Plus Snowshoeing, Tubing, Sledding, and More
Come winter, Washington's mountains turn into an outdoor playground.
When you stay in Seattle Southside, you're easily positioned to hit lots of different runs in the area. Some runs are only an hour away! So, where can you go to enjoy the snow near Seattle? We've got the rundown of all the best places to go skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing, and more. While the distance to these locations varies, they're all just a 1-3.5-hour drive from SeaTac.
NOTE: The opening dates for ski resorts vary from season to season. Due to low snow, most runs are not open as of December 17, 2025. Check the website for the destination you plan to visit for updates.
From SeaTac to Fresh Powder: Top Washington Resorts Within a 1–3.5 Hour Drive
Crystal Mountain Winter Snow Sports
Crystal Mountain is the largest ski resort in the state, boasting 85 runs that span more than 2,600 acres. The best part: it's just a 2-hour drive from Seattle Southside. This well-groomed park is a popular destination for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, and is definitely worth flying to Washington state to experience.
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding: Enjoy 11 lifts, with easy runs for beginners and thrilling double black diamonds for those who want a challenge.
Snowshoeing: Rent snowshoes at Crystal and choose from a half dozen snowshoe trails to trek through. You don't need prior experience to try this all-ages sport!
Gondola Ride: For a calmer adventure with big rewards, ride the Mt. Rainier Gondola up 2,500 vertical feet to panoramic views of Mt. Rainier and the Cascade Mountains, then warm up with a hot meal at The Summit House.
Summit at Snoqualmie Winter Snow Sports
Just an hour east of Seattle Southside is the Summit at Snoqualmie, a popular ski resort with 26 chair lifts and 900 acres of skiable terrain.
Cross-Country Skiing: The Summit at Snoqualmie Nordic Center features more than 30 miles of groomed trails winding through alpine meadows, past frozen lakes, and through old-growth forest within the Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest.
Tubing: Head to the Summit Tubing Center for family-friendly fun. The tow takes you and your tube to the top of the run.
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding: There are four distinct base areas — Alpental, Summit West, Summit Central, and Summit East — each with a variety of terrain for skiing and snowboarding. Alpental is known for its challenging expert terrain, while Summit West has plenty of beginner-friendly slopes. Summit Central offers options for all skill levels, including intermediate and advanced runs, as well as terrain park features. Summit East provides gentler alpine skiing and access to the resort’s extensive Nordic (cross-country) trail system. Night skiing with illuminated runs is available at several areas.
Stevens Pass Winter Snow Sports
Stevens Pass, located northeast of Seattle Southside, is one of the Northwest’s premier winter resorts, and it's just about a 2-hour drive from our region.
Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding: Find more than 1,125 acres of skiable terrain, 13 lifts, 52 trails, and several terrain parks. Can’t make it during the day? Stevens Pass also offers night skiing.
Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing: The Stevens Pass Nordic Center, located 5 miles east of the pass in Mill Valley, offers a beautiful place for gliding through the snow. Visit the lodge for gear rentals, lessons, and snacks.
Tubing: Bring your plastic sled and tub and ride down the groomed sledding hill for free! (Nordic Center trails are off-limits for sledding, tubing, and snow play).
White Pass Winter Snow Sports
Just 12 miles southeast of Mt. Rainier National Park is White Pass, offering a variety of winter sports with a stunning view of Mt. Rainier. This family-friendly park has a relaxed atmosphere for skiers and riders of all abilities.
Cross-Country Skiing: The White Pass Nordic Center offers 26 kilometers of groomed trail for cross-country skiing, skate skiing, and snowshoeing. You can rent gear at the center and enjoy a day of gliding through snowy old-growth forests.
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding: White Pass has five chair lifts serving 1,402 acres of ski and snowboard terrain. There's also a terrain park for more challenging fun, and several Magic Carpet runs for beginners.
Tubing: Grab the whole gang and head to the Tubing Hill for a raucous time! There's no need to bring your own tube (they're not allowed); tubes are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Mt. Rainier Winter Snow Sports
Given how majestic Mt. Rainier looks from Seattle Southside, it's not hard to see why many people make the 2.5-hour drive there from our region. While there's no ski resort on this mountain, Mt. Rainier National Park offers many other opportunities for adventure in the snow.
Sledding and Sliding: Head up to Paradise to sled or slide in one of the designated snow play areas. Only “soft” sledding devices are allowed – no toboggans or runner sleds.
Snowshoeing: Bring your own snowshoes and enjoy a hike on one of the trails. Or, take a ranger-guided snowshoe walk, which are typically offered on weekends from mid-December to March (though this varies each season). These 1.5-mile, two-hour walks are first-come, first-served and meet at the Visitor Center at 11 a.m. Snowshoes are provided to participants in the tours.
Snowmobiling: You can drive a snowmobile in designated parts of the park. Before you go, read up on where it's allowed.
Olympic National Park Winter Snow Sports
Olympic National Park, located about 2.5 hours west of Seattle Southside on the Olympic Peninsula, offers many opportunities for winter sports. You can either drive around Puget Sound or take a ferry across the water before continuing your drive. Once there, head to Hurricane Ridge, the park's alpine destination. There's no downhill skiing or snowboarding, but there's plenty of other diversions.
Cross-Country Skiing: Explorers of all abilities can enjoy miles of Nordic skiing in this area. The beginner ski terrain is limited to the meadows above the parking area, while backcountry skiers can explore several slopes and bowls.
Sledding & Tubing: Sledding is free for children eight and under at the Children's Snowplay Area west of the parking lot. Bring your own tube or sled; sleds with runners are not allowed. Tubing is permitted for all ages at the tubing park within the Hurricane Ridge Ski Area. Purchase tickets for the tubing park at the ski area trailer in the parking lot. Only tubes provided by the ski area are allowed.
Snowshoeing: Take a hike, or join a free, 1.5-hour ranger-guided snowshoe walk on weekends, weather permitting, from December through March. They even provide the snowshoes! (Beginning December 26, 2025, rangers will offer snowshoe walks at 1:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.)
Seattle Ski & Snowboard Map
What are the closest ski areas to Seattle Southside?
A: The closest options are The Summit at Snoqualmie (about 1 hour away) and Stevens Pass and Crystal Mountain (around 2 hours, traffic/weather depending).
Where can beginners ski or snowboard near Seattle?
A: White Pass and Summit West/Central at Snoqualmie are great for beginners thanks to plenty of green runs, lessons, and easy-access terrain.
Are there places for night skiing near Seattle?
A: Yes—Stevens Pass offers night skiing Thursday through Monday, and The Summit at Snoqualmie has illuminated trails for evening laps. Always check current hours before heading out.
What snow adventures can I have near Seattle besides downhill skiing?
A: You’ll find snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding, and tubing at spots like Snoqualmie, Crystal, Mt. Rainier National Park, and Olympic National Park.
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