Washington Ski Guide: Lodging, Mountains, and Resources
Washington state is home to the Cascade Range and the Olympic Ranges of mountains. The two ranges offer varied types of skiing, from beginning groomed slopes, to advanced ski resorts that encourage backcountry exploration all the way to heli-skiing, in which a helicopter takes a group to the top of unexplored territories to ski down the mountains however the adventurers wish. Located in the Pacific Northwest, Washing State has a temperate climate, with somewhat mild winters. Because of the high altitude of the mountains, however, the snow remains cold, light, and powdery, optimal for skiers. Below is a guide to the ski resorts, mountains and lodges offered by Washington for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities.
1. Ski Bluewood
N Touchet Road
Dayton, WA 99328
(509) 382-4725
Ticket Prices for 2009/2010 Peak Season:
Adult: $42 full day
Senior (65+) $33 full day
Child (grades 1-8): $33 full day
Preschool (& younger): $free
Ticket Prices for 2010/2011 Season: Call for Pricing
Bluewood Ski Resort is located in the Blue Mountains and records and average annual snowfall of over 300 inches. It is not the largest or most difficult mountain to ski in the state of Washington, but because of its high base elevation, Bluewood receives some of the area’s lightest and driest powder, making it an excellent destination for a casual day of skiing with friends or family.
Mountain Facts:
Base Elevation: 5,640 feet
Summit Elevation: 4,545 feet
Vertical Drop: 1,125 feet
Total Skiable Acres: 3,300
Trails: 24
Longest Trail: 2.25 miles (Country Road)
Lodging Nearby:
The Weinhard Hotel
235 E. Main Street
Dayton, WA
(509) 382-4032
http://www.weinhard.com/
Stay here for: historic stay in Victorian era accommodations, downtown Dayton location, close to restaurants, pubs, shopping
The Purple House Bed and Breakfast
415 East Clay Street
Dayton, WA 99328
(509) 382-3159
http://www.purplehousebnb.com/
Stay here for: charming private and semi-private bedrooms and suites, common library, parlor, heated outdoor pool, full breakfast, full-course dinners
Nothing New Lodging
214 Main Street
Waitsburg, WA 99361
(509) 337-6393
http://www.nothingnewlodging.net/
Stay here for: historic accommodations in downtown Waitsburg, choice of suites, private kitchens available, economic but well appointed
2. Crystal Mountain
33914 Crystal Mountain Boulevard
Crystal Mountain, WA 98022
(360) 663-2265
Ticket Prices for 2010/2011 Peak Season:
Adult (18-69): $73 full day
Youth (11-17): $68 full day
Senior (70+) $48 full day
Child (0-10): $8 full day
Crystal Mountain is the largest ski area located in Washington state. It includes more than six peaks and basins with groomed runs, steeps, glades, chutes, bowls and backcountry. In addition to skiing, Crystal Mountain gives guided mountain tours, women’s clinics, an adult freeride camp, avalanche training, and backcountry ski and snowboard tours.
Mountain Facts:
Summit Elevation: 7,012 ft
Base Elevation: 4,400 ft
Trails: 57
Vertical Drop: 3,100 ft
Average Annual Snowfall: 367 inches
Skiable Acres: 300 inbounds/unlimited out of bounds
Lodging Nearby:
Alta Crystal Resort
68317 SR 410 East
Greenwater, WA 98022
(360) 663-2500
http://www.altacrystalresort.com/
Stay here for: a variety of suite choices, from lofts to one-bedrooms to individual cabins, remote locations, simple cozy amenities
Crystal Mountain Lodging
33000 Crystal Mountain Blvd
Crystal Mountain, WA 98022
(360) 663-2558
http://www.crystalmountainlodging.com/
Stay here for: one- and two-bedroom condominium suites, private fireplaces, proximity to base of mountain and ski lifts, heated swimming pool, fully equipped kitchens
Crystal Mountain Hotels
33818 Crystal Mountain Blvd.
Crystal Mountain, WA 98022
(360) 663-2262
http://www.crystalhotels.com
Stay here for: proximity to ski area, choice between Alpine Inn, Quicksilver (good for families) and Village Inn (modest, comfortable accommodations).
3. Mount Baker Ski Area
1019 Iowa Street
Bellingham, WA 98229
(360) 734-6771
Ticket Prices for 2010/2011 Season:
Adult (16-59): $49.50 full day
Senior (60-69): $43.00 full day
Super Senior (70+): $29.50 full day
Child (6 & under): $free
Youth (7-15): $37.00 full day
During the 1998-1999 season, Mt. Baker set a world record for snowfall with 1,140 inches. The area continually receives record amounts annually, making it a top destination for skiers seeking challenging terrain and backcountry.
Mountain Facts:
Mount Baker Summit: 10,778 ft
Heather Meadows Base Elevation: 4,300 ft
White Salmon Base Elevation: 3,500 ft
Average Annual Snowfall: 647 inches
Vertical Drop: 1,500 ft
Lodging Nearby:
The Inn at Mt. Baker
PO Box 5150
Glacier, WA 98244
(360) 599-1776
http://www.theinnatmtbaker.com/
Stay here for: European style Bed and Breakfast, scenic mountainside location, rooms with a view, feather beds, outdoor hot tub, gourmet breakfast
Mount Baker Lodging
7463 Mt. Baker Highway
Maple Falls, WA 98266
(360) 599-2453
http://www.mtbakerlodging.com/
Visit their website to: choose from a variety of stay at cabins, cottages, condos, chalets and executive vacation rental homes.
Mt. Baker Cabins
PO Box 5103
Glacier, WA 98244
(360) 599-2299
http://www.mtbakercabins.com/
Visit their website to: choose from a selection of cabins, from small and cozy to large and luxurious
4. North Cascade Heli
31 Early Winters Drive
Mazama, WA 98833
(509) 996-3272
Ticket prices vary based on the program chosen:
3-day program (minimum of 21 runs): $2,400 each person
1-day program (minimum of 7 runs): $850 each person
North Cascade Heli is for advanced skiers looking for an ultimate adventure. Trips are reserved for expert skiers and riders that are physically fit and have the ability to side-step, traverse, kick-turn and control their speed. The helicopter brings skiers to the summits of mountains between 4,500 and 8,500 feet, and is ready to bring skiers back up to the top once the group reaches the bottom.
Mountain Facts:
Summit Elevation: ranging from 7,000 to 9,000 ft
Trails: not applicable
Vertical Drop: 1,500 to 4,000 ft
Total Skiable Acres: 30,000
Lodging Nearby:
Mazama Country Inn
15 Country Road
Mazama, WA 98833
(509) 996-2681
http://www.mazamacountryinn.com
Stay here for: warm, comfortable rooms, restaurant, pool, sauna, outdoor hot tub, rental shop, gift shop
Mazama Ranch House
10 Country Road
Mazama, WA 98833
(509) 996-2040
http://www.mazamaranchhouse.com/
Stay here for: choice between main ranch house rooms or the Longhorn private cabin. Have a group gathering in the chicken coop, large outdoor hot tub
Freestone Inn
31 Early Winters Drive
Mazama, WA 98833
(509) 996-3906
http://www.freestoneinn.com/
Stay here for: lake view, private decks, soaking tub, fireplace, free wireless internet, option of suite with living room, proximity to Heli ski (begins at Freestone Inn)
5. Stevens Pass
Summit Stevens Pass, US Hwy 2
Skykomish, WA 98288
(206) 812-4510
Ticket Prices for 2010/2011 Season (Mon-Fri):
Adult (16-61): $60 full day
Student (13-15): $50 full day
Youth (7-12): $40 full day
Senior (62-69): $40 full day
Senior (70+): $15 full day
Children (5 & under): $8 full day
Stevens Pass was formed over seventy years ago, and has grown from a very small resort, to one with over 10 lifts, 37 primarily trails and 1,125 acres of skiable terrain. The resort is located along the crest of the Cascade Range, and is part of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie and Wenatchee National Forests.
Mountain Facts:
Base Elevation: 4,061 feet
Summit Elevation: 5,845 feet
Vertical Drop: 1,800 ft
Trails: 37
Total Skiable Acreage: 1,125
Average Snowfall: 450 inches
Lodging Nearby:
Salish Lodge and Spa
6501 Railroad Avenue
Snoqualmie, WA 98065
(800) 272-5474
http://www.salishlodge.com
Stay here for: luxury mountain retreat located on gorgeous Snoqualmine Falls, spa, on-site restaurants, dog-friendly
Wild Lily Cabins B&B
51311 195th Place SE
Sultan, WA 98294
(360) 793-2103
http://www.wildlilyranch.com/
Stay here for: secluded natural beauty and surroundings, well-built cabins, outdoor hot tub, indoor soaking tub, sauna
Cascadia Inn
210 Railroad Avenue East
Skykomish, WA 98288
(360) 677-2030
http://www.historiccascadia.com/
Stay here for: historical and economical accommodations, standard amenities, choice of TV or no TV, proximity to railroad for train-watching while lounging on the front porch.
Other Ski and Mountain Guides
New Hampshire Ski and Mountain Guide
Vermont Ski and Mountain Guide
Utah Ski and Mountain Guide
Colorado Ski and Mountain Guide
Wyoming Ski and Mountain Guide
New York Ski and Mountain Guide
Best US Ski Resorts for Beginner Skiers
Best Ski Resorts in Canada
Family Friendly Ski Resorts
Ski Resorts and Mountains in Europe
Best Ski Resorts and Mountain in France
Best Ski Resorts in Austria
Avalanche Resources
Avalanche: Measurement, US Deaths, and Resources
Understanding Avalanches: How to Assess Avalanche Threat and Factors that Contribute to Avalanches
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