Washington

Master Plan Deep Dive: Alpental

We hone in major initiatives unveiled for the expert-oriented Washington ski area, including a nearly complete overhaul of its lift network and avalanche mitigation systems.

Ratings Adjustment: Tremblant and Mount Baker Snow Scores

Both resorts maintain very distinct snow characteristics compared to the other mountains we’ve reviewed so far, and after following their past few winters, we believe a few refinements are in order.

Vail Resorts Announces 2022-23 Operating Plan, Plans Cap on All Lift Ticket Sales

Ticket sales will be limited at every Vail-owned resort every day of the season next winter. Crowding impacts will hinge substantially on the magnitude of the polic

These Are the Best Value Ski Destination Lift Tickets In North America This Winter

All of these resorts offer well-above-average on-mountain experiences for lift ticket prices that undercut scores of similarly good competitors—and if you didn’t pick up an Epic or Ikon pass product before the season started, it’s hard to have your dollar go further than at these peaks.

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

Vail Resorts Debuts 2023-24 Epic Pass Suite, Moves to Phone-Based Access

While access changes for the upcoming season are minimal, Vail Resorts’ multi-resort pass products will no longer come standard with a physical pass. The one remaining non-Vail-owned U.S. partner, Telluride, will now require access reservations.

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.