Washington

What an “Experts Only” Run at Summit at Snoqualmie Looks Like

A lap down the Wildcat trail at Summit at Snoqualmie. While the vertical on this Summit Central run is modest, some demanding obstacles exist along the way.

Crystal Mountain Institutes Paid Parking Policy for 2021-22

Washington’s Crystal has announced a series of changes to its parking policies for the 2021-22 season. All on-site lots have now shifted to paid parking on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, although some groups are exempt.

We’ve Adjusted our Terrain Diversity Category to Better Measure Resorts with Fewer Traditional Terrain Areas.

We’ve made a slight adjustment to our terrain diversity criteria to better reflect how typical guests spend time on the mountain. Seven resorts see score changes as a result.

Key Trends in Ski Resort Lift Ticket Pricing

We’ve conducted extensive research on ski resort pricing behavior and found some key trends on the ways prices are set.

State of 2021-22 Ski Resort Operating Plans, Opening Dates, and Updates

In the wake of the rapidly spreading COVID-19 Omicron variant, several resorts have added new mask mandates. No outdoor capacity restrictions have been reinstated as of yet.

Crystal Mountain Reverses Course, Now Only Requiring Parking Reservations for 2021-22 (UPDATE)

The Washington mountain becomes the first major resort to reinstate access restrictions for all passholders for 2021-

Summit at Snoqualmie

Really more of a large hill than a mountain, this area offers a solid learning environment for Seattle-area residents. Destination-goers should look elsewhere.

Alpental

This small resort offers incredible advanced and expert terrain close to Seattle. However, weekend crowds are a major problem.

Stevens Pass

Despite limited parking and a short vertical drop, this modestly-sized Washington ski area punches above its weight thanks to generous accumulation and demanding terrain. Clear skies are rare due to perennial fog.

Mount Baker

While it doesn’t even try to offer a true resort experience, this remote Washington area receives truly astounding snowfall totals each season and offers some of the most extreme terrain in the state.

Crystal

Despite some notable lift capacity shortcomings, this decently-sized resort offers one of the most well-rounded experiences in Washington state.

49 Degrees North

Despite its dated lift infrastructure and rural setting, this Northeast Washington resort offers impressive intermediate and advanced terrain at a reasonable price.