Washington

2024 PeakRankings Mountain Score and Rankings Adjustments: Full Changes

Dozens of mountains see score changes reflecting on-mountain improvements, while we’ve made a few category tweaks to better reflect overall resort experiences.

Learning to Ski or Snowboard: Beginner-Friendly Destination Resorts

If you choose not to learn locally—or don’t have the option to—these resorts offer some of the best beginner bargains and general learning experiences out there.

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.