I'm embarrassed to say that I've lived in Seattle for close to ten years and never took the time to hit up any local mountains in WA. What are the best local mountains for skiing? Do you know when the season starts?

 

hi simon,

i think years ago, it was traditional for it to start the weekend after thanksgiving. but, now it seems like it's stretching out till december.

we go to mt. baker. it's got great diversity and a great place for skiiers and snowboarders, both.

but, for a close place, it's always fun to go up to snoqualmie/hyak. short distance and the lift prices aren't too bad.

steven's pass is a good one that isn't too far away. you can also stay at the lodge and make a weekend out of it.

crystal mountain, i like, but i'm not a great skiier/boarder, so i think, IMO, that their runs are a bit tougher than stevens.

jason (atomic80), and my hubby are total ski buffs! they would know for sure! i'm an intermediate snow bunny! no black diamonds for me! haha!

have fun!!

jody

 

SKIING FTW u

 

For day trips:
If you are a good skier -- Crystal Mountain
If you are a good skier and want a shorter drive -- Alpental
Medium Skier with medium drive -- Stevens Pass

I have done white pass once and I thought it sucked, but I was by myself and it was late in the season and I pretty much stayed on the marked runs etc.. better than working I guess.

Snoqualmie/Ski acres/Summit area (except for Alpental) -- no so great for experienced skiers buit a great place to learn

Mt Baker -- long drive, potentially really long if there are road issues, fantastic terrrain and tons of snow

Season is starting later than normal this year -- they will all be open when they have enough snow... in fact they usually open when there is not enough snow -- they need the cash flow to start as soon as possible.

You cannot beat Crystal on a good day for a day trip -- by far my favorite place locally.

If you are hardcore, you can do a whistler/blackcomb day trip but that is a very long day... and you should really stay the night if you are going all that way... or shall I say... it it worth staying...

 

For weekend ski trips, head up to Whistler in Canada. The Village is awesome, the hotels are sweet, and a ton of things to do (I don't even ski, but I have a blast up at whistler). My friends who do ski absolutely love Whistler. 4 hour drive?

 

Second Whistler. Ski bunnies FTW!

 

Hindu kush mountains in Afghanistan

 

Thanks for the response guys. I actually have a trip planned to Whistler for New Years. I'm going to head up one of the local mountains you suggested with the wifey when the season opens.

Husky - hope to see you out on one of the drives!

 

I don't ski either and Whistler is a fun place year round. I have tried skiing and snowboarding a few times and it always kicks my *** trying to learn...so no more.

 

Jason is correct (atomic 80)
tho there really is nothing super steep in washington.Crystal is the best for the largest almost steeps. Alpental is close to the eastsiders and has some good steeps with the right amount of snow but limited amount of terrain. Best local skiing in my opinion. Jackson Hole. Short G2 hop and your there.
Don't waste your gas for Anything else in Washington. Some like Baker but it's not even close to worth the drive.

 

I went to Kicking Horse (Golden, BC) last year. The stories were true. Steeps and chutes everywhere and untracked lines one week after a storm. I also liked the fact that it doesn't have the Whistler crowds, no Four Seasons, no movie theaters, and no J Crew store- mostly hardcore skiers/boarders.

 

Didn't want to bring kicking horse up because you can't easily land a jet there. that place is Fan Tas Tic. I think we are getting off base because he wanted local driveable stuff I think.

 

Doh, I just realized it is my bud Algae Hope all is well bro! Thanks again for taking time out of your busy schedule and giving me tips on the 911 shopping a few months back!

Have fun on the slopes dude (I might see you on the mountains, I'm thinking about taking snow board lessons this year).

 

Wow...never thought I'd see you guys talk about skiing on here.

I've skied just about everywhere. New Zealand, Colorado, Utah, California, Oregon, Idaho, Whistler, uh...Washington, Europe, South America, etc.

Favorite local spots for me.

Stevens Pass: good if you're looking for an easy drive up the mountains for a day of good skiing especially on the backside immediately following a snowstorm. Can't beat that! I've done quite a few cartwheels in those white stuff!

Snoqualmie Pass: I gave up on this area long ago even with Alpental in the picture. I just go snowmobiling in that area now.

Crystal: one of my favorite local ski spots especially for back country skiing. The hike can take a while but it's definitely worth it. If you really wanted to stick with mainstream skiing then I suppose the rest of the area is good enough. Just kidding, it's all very good.

Whistler/Blackcomb: one of my favorite spots except for the fact that there's just way too many people up there these days. I try to go during the off-peak periods now. I know Whistler like the back of my hand. Blackcomb has some killer runs!

Snow Mass/Aspen: My favorite ski area right now. I went there for the first time last year and WOW....I was absolutely blown away! And the best part was that there was very little people there so I spent very little time in line. I'm going back again for 2 weeks this winter.

If you want to get really hard core then come with me heli-skiing sometime. I can show you a couple good routes.

 

I will go to Crystal 3 times for any1 time I go to another in WA. 12/13- 12/17 I will be at Whistler snow dance may be needed.