Skiing or Snowboarding in Seattle for Families

If you and your family want to hit the slopes for skiing in Seattle, look for a resort with excellent ski schools, entertaining family activities, and good dining options (as well as perhaps a few adult-friendly treats like spas or off-piste adventures).

Fortunately, the Seattle area has some outstanding destinations, such as Snoqualmie Pass, Crystal Mountain, and White Pass. Each of these resorts has its own character, with variable levels of snowfall, facilities, crowds, and price.

Weigh your options and interests to pick the most outstanding skiing or snowboarding spot for your family’s vacation!

Remember that you and your family can enter the United States easily by applying for an ESTA US. The online application takes 10 minutes to complete and you can submit one application for all applying members of your family with one single payment.

White Pass

With a name like White Pass, you know there will be swaths of soft, deep snow to explore, and this quiet resort delivers.

White Pass, located around 2.5 hours from Seattle, is a family-friendly resort that offers downhill skiing and snowboarding, as well as tubing and cross-country routes for those who like well-groomed icy slopes.

White Pass offers lessons, equipment rental, and daycare, giving you everything you need for a memorable family ski holiday.

Crystal Mountain

Crystal Mountain, the largest ski resort in Seattle, has years of experience creating epic family ski vacations.

It is a popular (though pricey) destination, offering everything from snow sports instruction for children of all ages to snowboarding parks, gondola rides, and a bustling après ski scene.

Crystal has 11 lifts, so there are paths for everyone, regardless of skill level.

Snoqualmie Pass Summit

The Summit at Snoqualmie, located just an hour from Seattle, is an excellent choice for families and beginners, as the resort provides a wide range of activities to keep the kids entertained.

Despite receiving the least amount of snow in the region, there is generally enough to go snowshoeing, tubing, skiing, and boarding.

Because it is so close to the city, families can attempt a day excursion before committing to a full-fledged ski vacation with the kids.

Mount Baker

Mount Baker’s winter wonderland is famed for its heavy snowfall and courses of different complexity that provide exciting (though sometimes tough) days on the slopes.

Despite the backcountry skiing opportunities and thick powder, the Mt. Baker Ski Area is surprisingly family-oriented.

The resort offers a special Powder Pups Program for kids ages 4-6, where kids ski free, and parents get half-price passes if they start skiing after 11 a.m!

Mission Ridge

The perfectly groomed slopes at Mission Ridge are ideal for the whole family, with adult and children’s classes available.

The Learn to Ski/Snowboard Freedom Pass also provides unlimited access. Once you’ve mastered the equipment, you’ll be itching to get out on the slopes and enjoy the light powder and breathtaking landscape.

Stevens Pass

Last but not least, we have Stevens Pass. This family-friendly ski resort is about two hours from Seattle and gets a lot of snow every year!

Stevens Pass offers introductory ski and snowboarding instruction for all ability levels and children of age 3 and up, so you can hit the slopes with confidence.

Please remember that Stevens Pass does not have daycare services, so it is preferable for families where everyone will be skiing.