Washington has scenic natural beauty that makes it a popular hub for year-round outdoor fun. In the summers, Washington is ideal for swimming, boating, and hiking, but its mountainous terrain and scenic landscapes turn it into a skier’s paradise come winter. There are many top-notch ski resorts and areas in Washington that can accommodate all experience levels.
Many towns and cities in Washington are close to ski and snowboard destinations. Let’s look at Washington communities convenient to mountain resorts that are also outstanding places to visit or live.
Issaquah
Issaquah is a scenic Seattle suburb near the Issaquah Alps and Sammamish Plateau. Issaquah is known for its excellent hiking trails and has pleasant parks and paths throughout the community. The charming downtown itself is filled with restaurants and shops. It is a pleasant city to visit any time of the year, but during the winter, its convenience to unique ski options nearby makes it an especially desirable place to be.
The Summit at Snoqualmie is a big resort, only a half-hour drive from Issaquah, that includes four mountain areas, 1,994 skiable acres, and terrain that fits several experience levels.
North Bend
North Bend is a small quaint city on the far outskirts of the Seattle area with plenty to enjoy. It is known for its diners, microbreweries, nearby vineyards, and unique art scene. It has a classic Pacific Northwest look that was immortalized by David Lynch, as North Bend was the location of the famed TV show Twin Peaks. It also has gorgeous hiking trails and scenic natural settings. Like Issaquah, the best skiing opportunities near North Bend are at The Summit at Snoqualmie, which is just a 25-minute drive away!
Yakima
Yakima is a major city home to nearly 100,000 residents. Yakima is famed for its status as an agricultural hub; it is a leading producer of wine, apples, cherries, and an assortment of other fruits. This makes it a top-notch farm-to-table dining destination, but in the winter, skiing and snowboarding are the talks of the town.
Just an hour outside of Yakima, you’ll find one of Washington’s top ski destinations. The White Pass Ski Area, a family-friendly winter wonderland, is in a gorgeous setting with views of the majestic Mount Rainier and includes everything one could want in a ski resort. There are various dining and lodging options, top-notch slopes, and ski lessons to help inexperienced skiers get started.
Wenatchee
Wenatchee is a lovely city situated along the Columbia River. The mountains are visible from the town, making it a gorgeous city to live in or visit, and the presence of fantastic ski resorts contributes to Wenatchee’s status as a winter paradise.
Mission Ridge, a small mountain resort just outside the city, has a lot to offer. With more than 36 designated runs and 2,000 skiable acres, there’s much to enjoy. Mission Ridge has options that excite skiers of all experience levels, from beginner hills to chutes and bowls. And Stevens Pass Mountain Resort, another well-known ski destination, is only a short one-hour drive away from Wenatchee.
