Ski and Snowboard Guide

Alpenhaus Lodge Gate Rd 906, Snoqualmie, WA 98068 (map)

I-Hwy 90 Exit 52, Snoqualmie Pass, WA 98068 (map)

Double black diamonds and exciting backcountry provide a thrilling escape.

603 State Rte 906, Snoqualmie Pass, WA 98068 (map)

370 Keechelus Boat Launch Rd, Snoqualmie Pass, WA 98068 (map)

Spartan-like conditions and bargain prices are available for groups at this mountain lodge.

830 106th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 (map)

Perennial garage sale for slope-lovers who want quality, not slick ambience.

2215 15th Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119 (map)

210 Railroad Ave E, Skykomish, WA 98288 (map)

333 E River Dr, Skykomish, WA 98288 (map)

505 Highway 2, Leavenworth, WA 98826 (map)

Located in the heart of nearby Leavenworth, this inn offers free Wi-Fi, nicely appointed guest rooms and a complimentary breakfast buffet.

Stevens Pass Hwy and Hwy 2, Skykomish, WA 98288 (map)

From Tube City to cross-country skiing, this resort offers more than just slopes.

33818 Crystal Mountain Blvd, Enumclaw, WA 98022 (map)

33914 Crystal Mountain Blvd, Crystal Mountain, WA 98022 (map)

68317 State Rte 410 E, Enumclaw, WA 98022 (map)

10036 Mount Baker Hwy, Glacier, WA 98244 (map)

49000 US Hwy 12, Naches, WA 98937 (map)

Although it can take almost four hours to get to White Pass from Seattle, the area's intimate setting appeals to family-oriented skiers. From the front slopes of White Pass you can look upon Mount Rainier, the volcanic giant just 12 miles to the west. With a trail system designed in a fan shape, most runs — except those on the mountain's back side — lead to the base lodge.Beginning and intermediate skiers may be dismayed by steep, mogul-clad runs such as Execution and Roller Coaster. But don't fret: 60 percent of the mountain's 32 trails are intermediate runs. And, even during holiday season, the longest lift line probably won't exceed nine minutes. The reasonable $19 group-rate lesson encourages skiers to learn new skills. You can also take on the 18-kilometer cross-country ski loop around Leech Lake ($7). Or tackle snowboarding (lessons are available). White Pass allows boarders on all trails, though Snowboard Park offers added attractions: a quarter-pipe (for practicing radical flips and turnabouts), a kicker (a ramp for ski jumps) and three-foot fun boxes (snow-covered objects).Critics have consistently rated the mountain's regular weekend Kids' Clinic as one of the best kids' programs in the Northwest. For $85, the young ones can partake of two days of lunches, lift tickets and ski instruction.Warm your paws next to the large fireplace, found on the mezzanine level of the three-story Cascade-style day lodge. Built with rough-hewn beams and large stones, the lodge features floor-to-ceiling windows that face the mountain. The full-service facility includes a tavern, accessory and rental shops, a day-care facility ($25 daily per child) and a cafeteria. Try the restaurant's sandwiches, the cream of broccoli soup or Yvonne's chili.White Pass' ambassadors, Olympic and World Cup Champions Steve and Phil Mahre, promote the annual Winter Carnival, held Feb. 28 and March 1. The two-day event stages downhill races to benefit the Seattle Children's Hospital. Fest

12729 US Hwy 12, Packwood, WA 98361 (map)

13069 US Hwy 12, Packwood, WA 98361 (map)