Skip the winter gloom and head to a winter wonderland within a few hours from Snohomish County. For the adventurous, try your hand at downhill skiing or snowboarding. If sipping hot cocoa after a leisurely snowshoe adventure is more your speed, plenty of options are available. Bring the family for kid-friendly options such as sledding and snow tubing. Pack the thermos, grab your gear, and head out to the snow. Trips can be done within a day, or you can make it a weekend of snowy fun right outside of Snohomish County.
Snowy Adventures at Stevens Pass
Enjoy a variety of adventures at Stevens Pass. After driving through the city of Monroe, meander through beautiful mountainous terrain on the way to the pass. Grab gear at Stevens Pass Snowboard Shop in Gold Bar. Knowledgeable staff can outfit you for snowy adventures, including skis, snowboards, or snowshoes. Enjoy a hearty breakfast or a bakery sweet treat and steaming coffee at the Sultan Bakery before hitting the pass.
Adrenaline seekers can visit the Stevens Pass Ski Area for snowboarding or downhill skiing, while those seeking a more relaxed day in the mountains can head to Stevens Pass Nordic Center. Featuring well-groomed cross-country ski, skate ski, and snowshoe trails, the Nordic Center has an option for all ages and abilities. Plan your snowy day with the help of knowledgeable staff, or book a class beforehand to get the most out of your adventure. Gear rentals are also available in a variety of sizes.
Snowy Adventures at Snoqualmie Pass
Best known for the downhill ski area, The Summit at Snoqualmie Pass also has a number of fun sledding hills nearby for kids of all ages to enjoy. Check out Hyak Sno-Park for a day of sledding. Sled, snowshoe, build snowmen, or enjoy a good old-fashioned snowball fight at Hyak.
Try your hand at snow tubing at The Summit. Perfect for the littles, snow tubing provides a sledding experience with controlled lanes, limiting collisions and regulating speed. Tubing provides maximum fun without fear. A magic carpet eases the burden of snowy uphill climbs by giving a lift for tubers and bulky tubes. Tubes are available at the park for visitors, so there is no need to plan ahead for your tubing adventure.
Day Trip to Leavenworth
For a full day or weekend adventure, venture further east and visit the charming Bavarian town of Leavenworth. Nestled east of the Cascades, this magical town turns into a snowy wonderland every winter. Less than two miles from downtown Leavenworth, visitors can enjoy an easy beginner downhill ski run, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing at The Leavenworth Winter Sports Club. Rentals, warm food, and drinks are also available in the lodge for easy breaks throughout your wintery day.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love to explore nearby Lake Wenatchee Sno-Park, with dozens of snowshoe or cross-country ski trails to explore. Keep the kids busy at the sledding hill while enjoying some outdoor exercise.
For a quieter experience, visit the small community of Plain. Stop in at the Plain Hardware Store to rent snowshoes or cross-country skis or try your hand at ski skating. Groomed trails are available for all ability levels right out the back door. Classes for beginners or those hoping to learn a new winter sport are provided and taught by knowledgeable instructors. Don’t forget to grab a mocha and check out the local merchandise before heading to your next destination.
Art lovers will love to take in a few trails at the Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort, located near downtown Leavenworth. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing through this beautiful venue will offer visitors views of forested land and sculptures dotting the landscapes. Warm up by the outdoor fire with a cup of cocoa or coffee before continuing your snowy adventures.
If visiting with the littlest of your crew, head back to downtown Leavenworth. Holiday lights are up seven days a week through February, making this town a festive destination all winter long. Young children will love sledding under the festive lights and decorated trees right in the center of town. Before your trip home, enjoy dining alfresco at The Munchen Haus. Grab a hot sausage and top it off with a vast variety of toppings while enjoying the hustle and bustle of downtown Leavenworth.
Insider Tips and Tricks
- Always check road conditions and weather alerts before heading to the mountains.
- Purchase any needed permits or tickets, such as a Sno-Park Permit or ski lift tickets, ahead of time. Print passes out as the internet may be limited depending on location.
- Pack extra food, water, blankets, and warm clothing in case of an emergency.
- Travel with the right vehicle and always bring tire chains, as road conditions can change quickly in the mountains.
Whether hitting the slopes for some high-speed adventure or leisurely making your way through a winter wonderland on snowshoes, there is a snowy outing within easy driving distance of Snohomish County. Pick the adventure that suits your mood, pack your gear and your munchies, gather your crew, and hit the road for a fun, snowy day ahead.
