Whether you’re a beginner looking to earn your stripes on your first-ever ski trip or an experienced skier ready to take on new terrain, our three-day Pacific Coast itinerary offers the ultimate winter road trip for those in search of fresh pow and epic mountain views.
Enjoy a scenic drive with breathtaking natural beauty as you weave your way through some of the best ski resorts near Seattle. From skiing Crystal Mountain to snow tubing in Snoqualmie Pass, get ready to experience winter in Washington like never before. So pack up your winter gear, and let’s hit the road!
Start: Seattle
This three-day itinerary starts and ends in Seattle, but you can start the trip from wherever you are and adjust the route as needed. If you’re flying in from out of town, plan on flying into the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and scooping up a rental car for your journey. Make sure to check the weather so you can rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle if the road conditions require it.
DAY 1 – CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN RESORT
Your day begins with a 1.5-hour drive southeast to Enumclaw, a historic town known as the gateway to Mount Rainier. Enjoy the snow-capped mountain views before checking in at Alta Crystal Resort or Silver Skis Chalet for the night.
Once you’ve settled into your suite or condo, head over to the resort to grab lunch at the Summit House Restaurant, where you can enjoy locally sourced Northwest cuisine before hitting the slopes.
Revel in some of the best terrains in Washington state at Crystal Mountain Resort. From glades to groomers, there are ample opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. If you have any non-skiers in the group, snowshoeing makes for an excellent alternative. Not ready to end the night? Take advantage of the resort’s ultra-popular night skiing option.
Where to Eat Near Crystal Mountain Resort
Cap off a fantastic start to your ski trip with dinner at the Fireside Cantina for Yucatan-inspired eats by the fire or Rafters Smokehouse for slow-smoked meats and whiskey. You’ve earned it!
DAY 2 – THE SUMMIT AT SNOQUALMIE
Rise and shine—it’s time for day two of your ski adventure. First, get a quick caffeine fix at Quicksilver Coffee, then hit the road for a two-hour drive north to The Summit at Snoqualmie.
If you’re feeling up for it, take a short detour to visit the Northwest Railway Museum along the way. You’ll be able to travel back in time and see what life was like before interstate highways existed.
Once you arrive at The Summit at Snoqualmie, check in at one of the nearby hotels: Salish Lodge & Spa, Summit Inn, Hotel America, or TimberLodge Inn. Grab a slice of pizza at Tiroler Stube or check out Coyote’s for southwestern fare to fuel up for another exhilarating day of fun (both located at the ski resort).
Rent your equipment from the resort and bundle up to go skiing, snow tubing, or snowshoeing down the slopes. If you’re in need of a break and still want to take advantage of the incredible Snoqualmie Pass views, hop on the lift for a scenic ride to the top of the mountain.
Where to Eat Near Snoqualmie
Finish the day with dinner at the Silver Fir Café, followed by a craft brew at the Silver Fir Bar or a cocktail at Powder House. Then, get a good night’s sleep to prepare for the next leg of your trip.
DAY 3 – STEVENS PASS
Before you leave Snoqualmie Pass, grab a quick bite at Aardvark Express or dine at the hotel restaurant in your hotel. Then, it’s onward to the next destination: Stevens Pass.
After another wildly scenic two-hour drive, you will arrive in Skykomish for the last day of your unforgettable winter adventure. If you need to recharge your batteries, head over to Smokey’s Bar-B-Que for a mouthwatering and award-winning barbecue.
If this road trip is your introduction to snow sports, make sure to check out the Stevens Pass Beginner’s Guide. Spanning across two national forests, the mountain receives an average of 460” of snowfall per year—the chances of fresh powdery snow are more than likely! There are 52 trails for skiers of all abilities and plenty of fresh stashes waiting to be discovered.
Where to Eat & Stay Near Stevens Pass
While Stevens Pass doesn’t offer lodging, there are plenty of nearby accommodations you can book during your stay. Check out the Sky River Inn, Cascadia Inn, or Sultan Dutch Cup Motel.
If you choose to take advantage of the Stevens Pass Epic Day Pass, keep in mind that you’ll get a discount on food, lodging, and rentals. After an awesome day of skiing or snowboarding, sit back and relax at Bull Tooth’s for dinner and signature cocktails.
Back to Seattle
Good morning, snow pro! You have officially crossed three of the best ski resorts near Seattle off your bucket list. Soak up that feeling of accomplishment, pack your bags, and get ready for the two-hour drive back to Seattle.
Stop at Espresso Chalet for a quick bite on your way back home. If you have time on the way back, make one final stop in Woodinville (aka Washington’s wine country) for a wine tasting at Maryhill Winery or DeLille Cellars. Or head straight to Seattle and grab lunch at the historic Pioneer Square before you head home for a long (and much-deserved) rest.
