9 Best Ski Resorts In The Pacific Northwest
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Are you looking for the best ski resorts in the Pacific Northwest? You’ve come to the perfect spot! As someone who dedicates a bunch of time during the winter season to skiing, snowboarding, and exploring new resorts around the United States, I know just the right resorts.
I’ve personally skied in the PNW and know all about the resorts in the area. So, here you’ll find the ultimate list of the best ski resorts in the Pacific Northwest worth visiting for yourself!
Best Ski Resorts In The Pacific Northwest
Below you’ll find a collection of the best Pacific Northwest ski resorts you should definitely check out this season.
1. Mt Bachelor
Mount Bachelor isn’t just one of the top ski resorts in the Pacific Northwest; it’s among the best in the entire United States. Honestly, I was hesitant to ski in the PNW at first. I’d heard the snow could be quite different from what I was used to in California and Colorado. However, after skiing at Mt. Bachelor in Oregon, I was completely blown away.
One of the things I love about Mt. Bachelor is its incredibly long season. Depending on the snowfall, the resort can be open from November through May, giving skiers and snowboarders plenty of time to get out on the mountain.
I visited in April and fell in love with spring skiing here. It’s amazing to hit the slopes with minimal layers and relax outside for après-ski without worrying about the cold.
In addition to its long season and fantastic spring skiing, Mt. Bachelor offers a great variety of terrain. With 4,323 skiable acres and an average of 410 inches of snowfall each year, it’s one of the largest mountains in the United States. Which means there’s plenty of territory for beginners, intermediates, and experts to enjoy!
- Location: 13000 SW Century Drive, Bend, OR 97702
2. Sun Valley
Another top ski resort in the PNW is Sun Valley Resort, which features two mountains: Bald and Dollar Mountain. Both mountains boast impressive terrain and short lift lines—a major plus for avid skiers like me who prefer skiing to standing in line!
Sun Valley offers over 2,000 skiable acres. While this might not be as huge as some other resorts in the Pacific Northwest, it’s still plenty of space for skiers and snowboarders to explore different terrain.
What sets Sun Valley apart is its village area, the Sun Valley Village. It’s overflowing with lodging, dining options, and one of the best ski spas, The Spa at Sun Valley Resort. It’s the perfect place to relax after a long day on the slopes, with plenty of amenities for visitors to enjoy.
- Location: 1 Sun Valley Road, Sun Valley, ID 83353
3. Mt Hood Meadows
Mount Hood Meadows, just outside of Portland, Oregon, is one of the largest resorts in the state. It’s a popular spot for locals, with most visitors coming from Portland or other parts of Oregon.
This is super nice because it means you can mingle with regulars and get recommendations on the best runs to hit and even slopeside restaurant recommendations from those that are in the know!
However, the mountain’s conditions depend heavily on the weather, which can make planning a large ski trip in advance pretty challenging. That’s why Mt Hood Meadows is a local favorite but if you happen to be in the area during the winter and it happens to time out perfectly with great conditions, it’s a fantastic mountain to visit.
My favorite part of Mount Hood Meadows is the breathtaking views from the Cascade Express. On a clear bluebird day, the panoramic views of the Cascade Range are absolutely mind blowing!
- Location: 14040 OR-35, Mt Hood, OR 97041
4. Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in North America, offers an incredible skiing experience. With 8,171 skiable acres, skiers and snowboarders can easily explore new slopes all day long. Adding to its appeal, the Peak 2 Peak Gondola provides breathtaking views and holds the record for the world’s highest and longest continuous lift system.
The resort, which hosted the 2010 Olympics, boasts slopes that are nothing short of spectacular. Plus, with an annual average snowfall of 408 inches, the conditions are consistently amazing.
If these stats don’t have you packing your bags for an epic ski trip, nothing will! Whistler Blackcomb is legendary and a bucket-list destination for many skiers and snowboarders.
- Location: 4545 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4, Canada
5. Crystal Mountain
We can’t discuss the top ski resorts in the area without mentioning Crystal Mountain, the largest ski resort in Washington State. With 2,600 skiable acres and some of the most legendary views of Mount Rainier, it’s a must-visit. The resort also receives an average of 348 inches of snowfall annually.
One of my favorite features of Crystal Mountain is the scenic gondola, offering epic views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding Cascade Range. Plus, the Summit House provides a unique dining experience at the top of the mountain with phenomenal views.
Another great aspect is the variety of lodging options at the base of the mountain, making it super convenient for those looking to stay close to the slopes without commuting back and forth from Seattle, Tacoma, or the surrounding areas.
- Location: 33914 Crystal Mountain Boulevard, Enumclaw, WA 98022
6. Stevens Pass
Stevens Pass may be smaller compared to many other resorts on this list, but don’t let that deter you from visiting. With 1,125 skiable acres and an impressive 460 inches of snowfall each year, it has plenty to offer.
The mountain features a variety of terrain suitable for beginners, intermediates, and experts. One standout feature though is the night skiing. There’s nothing quite like skiing under the stars, and Stevens Pass offers several lifts and different types of terrain for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy after the sun sets.
- Location: 93001 US Highway 2, Skykomish, WA 98288
7. Mission Ridge
Mission Ridge is another excellent option in the area, offering 2,000 skiable acres of terrain. It’s one of the least crowded mountains in Washington State, which I love because I prefer skiing without the hassle of crowds or long lift lines.
Mission Ridge is also renowned for its night skiing, boasting the second-longest vertical drop for night skiing in North America. This is fantastic for skiers and snowboarders who want to keep shredding after the sun sets and still seek a good challenge.
If night skiing isn’t your thing, no worries. During the day, Mission Ridge benefits from its position facing the east side of the Cascade Crest, which results in dry and fluffy snow. This creates unique and ideal conditions, making it a one-of-a-kind experience whether you visit during the day or at night.
- Location: 7500 Mission Ridge Road, Wenatchee, WA 98801
8. Summit At Snoqualmie
If you’re looking for another great option in the PNW, Summit At Snoqualmie is an excellent choice. The resort features 1,994 skiable acres and four different mountain areas for skiers and snowboarders to explore. They also offer impressive night skiing that covers 600 acres of their property, providing plenty of space to enjoy after the sun sets.
One unique feature I love about Summit At Snoqualmie is its fantastic tubing. You might be thinking, isn’t this article supposed to be about skiing? Well, yes, but it’s also about the overall experience.
This resort offers something fun to do when you want to be out on the mountain without the physical exertion of skiing. The snow tubing here is epic, with 20 lanes, making it the perfect activity whether you’re alone, as a couple, with friends, or with family!
- Location: 1001 WA-906, Snoqualmie Pass, WA 98068
9. Mt Baker
Mount Baker might be one of the smaller ski areas on this list, but it deserves its spot due to its legendary snow. The Mount Baker Ski Area receives an astounding 666 inches of snowfall each year—yes, you read that right, almost 700 inches! It’s the perfect “small” resort for powderhounds.
Aside from its incredible powder, one feature I love about Mount Baker is the overnight parking spots for vans, buses, and RVs. This allows you to wake up right by the slopes and return “home” immediately after skiing. It’s an amazing way to experience the mountain, though keep in mind that reservations are required and there are no hookups for your vehicle.
- Location: Mt Baker Highway, Deming, WA 98244
Map Of The Best Ski Resorts In The PNW
FAQs About The Best Ski Resorts In The Pacific Northwest
Keep reading as I answer a handful of frequently asked questions about skiing in the Pacific Northwest.
Is the PNW good for skiing?
The PNW is a great area for skiing. Some of my top recommendations are Mt Bachelor, Sun Valley, Mt Hood Meadows, and Whistler Blackcomb.
What is the least crowded resort in Washington State?
Mission Ridge is one of the least crowded resorts in Washington State.
Why is West Coast skiing better than East Coast?
The West Coast is better for skiing compared to the East Coast because the West Coast has a higher elevation, receives more snow, and has more ski resorts.
Which part of the Pacific Northwest has the most snow?
The part of the Pacific Northwest that has the most snow is Mount Baker.
What is the biggest ski mountain in Washington?
Crystal Mountain is the biggest ski mountain in Washington.
Final Thoughts On The Best Skiing In The Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest, spanning both the United States and Canada, is home to countless fantastic ski resorts. With so many choices, it can be super hard to decide which one to visit.
Having skied in the area and spent countless hours researching, I can confidently say this collection of ski resorts offers the best skiing in the Pacific Northwest for both skiers and snowboarders to fall in love with!
