Pacific Northwest / November 2, 2022

Top 9 Ski Mountains of the Pacific Northwest

There are countless mountains to explore in the PNW, so I narrowed it down to the best, with fun runs and amazing views!

Be sure to grab the Epic Pass or Ikon Pass if you plan on riding several times throughout the season; it will save you tons of money! And if you're military, a nurse or a college student, check out their discounts - Epic Pass discounts here; Ikon Pass discounts here.

Summit at Snoqualmie

Location: Snoqualmie Pass, WA
Elevation: 5,420ft
Terrain Park: 5
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The Summit at Snoqualmie is 45 minutes east of Seattle on I-90, in Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. They have 62 runs - 14% easiest - 45% more difficult - 41% most difficult. This resort is a great place for beginners to learn; don't forget to check out the trail map to ensure you're going down the right run - there are still plenty of difficult runs you don't want to end up on if you're not ready yet. 

You can get a season pass for Summit at Snoqualmie or a day pass; unfortunately, it is not covered on the Epic but is on the Ikon Pass.

Crystal Mountain

Location: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, WA
Elevation: 7,012ft
Terrain Park: 1
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Located on the sunny side of Mount Rainier, just 6 miles from the Sunrise section of the national park, this mountain offers stunning views with fun runs.
 
This is one of the most difficult mountains in the PNW; made of 57 runs, and several are extremely steep, there's no doubt you will have a memorable time at this resort. There are some mellow sections for beginners and intermediates, but most of the Crystal Mountain's skiing terrain is single and double black diamond slopes, with some intermediate switchbacks to provide an easier route to the base.
 
Grab the Ikon Pass if you want to head out to Crystal often!

Stevens Pass

Location: Skykomish, WA
Elevation: 4,062ft
Terrain Park: 3
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Stevens Pass is located in the Cascade Mountains, at the border of King County and Chelan County in Washington. This is one of the most popular resorts in Washington so be sure to head out early if you want to get a good parking spot. 
 
With 1,125 acres of skiable terrain, 37 major runs, and 2 parks, you'll be able to find some of your favorite runs of the PNW here. Plus, 6 lifts are lit for night skiing and riding several nights a week until 10pm. This is a great mountain for kids and beginners to learn; there are several easy and intermediate runs for all types of riders.
 
You can buy Stevens Pass season pass, day pass, or get the Epic Pass if you plan on going often.

White Pass

Location: Naches, WA
Elevation: 4,501ft
Terrain Park: 1
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Located on Mount Rainier, White Pass is best suited for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. There is some terrain for beginners but it is not the best place to learn. 
 
I love White Pass because it's not nearly as busy as Stevens Pass or Crystal Mountain while still having an awesome view of Mount Adams; this is where you'll find the locals. They have yurts throughout the mountain where you can stop and grab a drink or snacks. And if you enjoy the park, theirs is well-maintained and has a large halfpipe.
 
You can buy a White Pass season pass or day pass; unfortunately, it is not available on the Epic or Ikon Pass.

Mount Baker

Location: Deming, WA
Elevation: 5,089ft
Terrain Park: No
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Mount Baker is located in the North Cascades and has an average yearly snowfall of over 600 inches. There are 31 runs with 8 lifts, 2 rope tows, and 2 lodges.
 
This is a great ski area to bring your kids or beginners as they have plenty of options for easy runs. There are also several powder days here and it currently holding the record for the most snow in a season at 1,141 in., making it one of the best mountains in the PNW.
 
You can buy a Mount Baker season pass or day pass; unfortunately, it is not available on the Epic or Ikon Pass.

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Timberline

Government Camp, OR
Elevation: 3,268ft
Terrain Park: 2
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Located near the top of an 11,245-foot volcano, Mt. Hood, the tallest mountain in Oregon, and Timberline has the longest ski season in North America, typically starting in November and continuing through May, sometimes June or July if you're lucky!
 
Timberline Lodge and Ski Area is the only ski-in, ski-out lodge in the state and is a perfect mountain to learn at. There's a vast variety of terrain with 69 runs, 9 lifts, and 34 runs lit for night skiing, the most in North America!
 
You can buy a Timberline season pass, day pass, or the Mount Hood Fusion Pass to access Timberline and Skibowl but isn't on the Epic Pass or Ikon Pass.

Heavenly Ski Resort

Location: South Lake Tahoe, CA
Elevation: 10,067ft
Terrain Park: 2
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Heavenly is not a great place for beginners unless you're ready to have the mountain teach you. But they have great runs for intermediate and advanced skiers with great views of Lake Tahoe throughout.
 
Unfortunately, they do not have night skiing at Heavenly, but they do have tubing, ice skating, and several other fun activities for families. And be sure to take the gondola to the top to get an amazing view overlooking Lake Tahoe.
 
You can buy a Heavenly season pass, day pass, or it's available on the Epic Pass. 

Kirkwood Ski Resort

Location: Kirkwood, CA
Elevation: 7,690ft
Terrain Park: 2
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Kirkwood is a great place for beginners, with wide, groomed slopes making learning easy. Although Kirkwood is known for more intermediate and advanced skiers, about 12% of the terrain is designed for beginners.
 
I love Kirkwood because the snow is perfect, it tends to be less crowded than the other Tahoe resorts , and they have some great runs; the longest trail is 2.5 miles making it easy to enjoy the mountain instead of spending the day in line.
 
You can buy a Kirkwood season pass, day pass, or it is available on the Epic Pass.

Mount Bachelor

Location: Bend, OR
Elevation: 9,068ft
Terrain Park: 5
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Mt. Bachelor is located in Central Oregon, only 20 minutes from Bend. It's also one of the largest ski resorts in the U.S., some say it's one of the best resorts in the states and is catered to new riders so if you want to learn on a memorable mountain, here is the place to go!
 
While there is no night skiing, there do have a tubing park, dog-sledding, and snowshoe tours.
 
You can buy a Mount Bachelor season pass, day pass, or it is available on the Ikon Pass.
 
Check out my Top 10 Hikes in Washington here
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Laura

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