7 Perfect Washington Ski Towns You Will Never Want to Leave

Washington isn’t famous for skiing, but “The Evergreen State” offers a variety of resorts where you can enjoy the popular winter sport. Take your pick from quaint towns close to one of the towering mountains or larger cities just an hour away. There’s something for skiers of all ages and experience levels.

Are you ready to hit the slopes? Grab your ski jacket and discover the seven perfect Washington ski towns you will never want to leave.

1. Leavenworth

Nestled in the Cascade Mountains is the picturesque Leavenworth. The Bavarian-styled village is a slice of Germany tourists can enjoy year-round without traveling out of the country. The enchanting town embodies the holiday spirit, starting with Oktoberfest in the fall until the Christmastown Village of Lights is taken down at the end of February.

Beginner skiers should start at the nearby Leavenworth Ski Hill. This location features two groomed ski hills, rope tows, and a moving carpet at the base to help learners practice. The Leavenworth Ski Hill Lodge also has 15 and 20-meter jumps for ski jumping.

If you’re a more experienced skier, the hour-long drive to Stevens Pass is worth it. Stevens Pass has 1,125 acres of skiable terrain, most suitable for intermediate skiers. Enjoy 13 lifts, 52 trails, and 1,800 vertical feet along the beautiful snow-capped mountain.

2. Wenatchee

Wenatchee is “The Heart of Washington” and the Apple Capital of the World. But it’s also the perfect Washington ski town. The city is just over two hours outside of Seattle, right between Eastern Washington and the Cascade Mountains. The town has abundant year-round outdoor activities and seasonal accommodations for visitors.

Wenatchee is home to one of the most popular ski resorts – Mission Ridge Ski Area. Mission Ridge is around the corner, so you can roll out of bed and drive the 12 miles before getting onto the lift. The resort boasts over 70 designated runs across 2,000 acres of trails. What’s more, the resort’s unique location provides skiers with some of the driest and fluffiest snow in the Pacific Northwest.

3. North Bend

At the foothills of the Cascades is North Bend – the town most known as the setting of the famous television series Twin Peaks. Even if you’re from out of town, you will feel at home in the rugged coastal town. It’s also the perfect Washington ski town on the outskirts of Seattle.

Only 20 minutes away is the Summit at Snoqualmie. Explore over 1,000 acres of terrain with vertical ranges up to 1,100 feet. The Summit includes four unique areas as well as three base areas – Summit East, Summit West, and Summit Central. You can even ski at night.

There are additional ski areas scattered throughout Snoqualmie Pass. Altogether, there are nearly 2,000 acres to traverse between North Bend and the neighboring town of Snoqualmie.

4. Enumclaw

Located about an hour outside of Seattle is the city of Enumclaw. The area is best known for its proximity to Mount Rainier National Park and the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort.

Crystal Mountain Ski Resort is Washington’s biggest ski resort, with over 2,600 acres of terrain and 2,400 vertical feet. Beginners and experienced skiers alike can enjoy various terrain types and over 80 runs. Crystal Mountain also has the state’s only scenic gondola, with a bird’s eye view of five of Washington’s volcanoes from the summit.

5. Chewelah

Chewelah is a rural town an hour outside of Spokane, and it’s a perfect Washington ski town. A favored spot for locals and tourists is 49 Degrees North. The resort is less than 20 minutes from Chewelah in the Colville National Forest. It’s one of the largest ski areas in the state, with 2,325 skiable acres. There are 88 marked trails for varying experience levels, and over 50 runs. Moreover, the resort features a 1,871 vertical drop and two incredible peaks.

6. Bellingham

Stop by and spend some time in the college town of Bellingham. The coastal Washington city is close to the Canadian border and is popular with outdoor enthusiasts.

What makes Bellingham a perfect Washington ski town is Mount Baker. The stratovolcano, originally named Koma Kulshan, meaning “Great White Watcher,” is east of Bellingham. The mighty peak is among the highest in the Cascade range and is home to the Mt. Baker Ski Area.

The popular mid-sized ski area is about an hour outside the town in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The area doesn’t offer as many amenities as full-fledged ski resorts, but it has 1,00 skiable acres with plenty of backcountry. There are also 38 ski runs, including complex terrain best suited for experienced skiers and plenty of good powder days.

7. Spokane

Unlike the other perfect Washington ski towns on the list, Spokane doesn’t offer the same small-town charm. However, the populated city offers a variety of nearby skiing opportunities for skiers of all levels.

The Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park is one of the closest ski parks. The nonprofit Ski Area is only an hour away and features 52 runs, seven lifts, and various terrain over 1,700 acres. Additionally, 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort is an hour and a half from Spokane.

Summary of the Perfect Washington Ski Towns

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