Ski the Pacific Northwest
To put it bluntly, the 2014/2015 ski season was awful. Little snow and lots of rain add up to not a lot of fun out on the slopes. It happens from time to time, so let us all cross our fingers that it doesn’t happen again (you should have been doing your pray for snow dance months ago!).
What’s wonderful about skiing in the west is even if the conditions are less than ideal, there are unique communities, resorts, activities and scenic drives to explore all over, not to mention enough mountains to keep you busy for a lifetime. There are options for those seeking the steepest chutes and deepest powder, lavish resorts with plush ski in/ski out accommodations. Small town mom and pop outfits where a bowl of chili and local beer is all you need, and family friendly places that offer tubing, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, cross country skiing, and in some case even surfing. Winter is dark and cold, but you can stamp out some of those blues with a day trip, long weekend or even a week’s vacation to some of the best ski destinations in the country.
The Full Scale Resorts
Big Sky Resort, Bozeman Montana
5,800 Acres, 300 named runs, 4,350 feet of vertical drop
Big Sky is the crown jewel of Montana ski destinations. Located a short beautiful drive from Bozeman, this is one of the largest mountains in the west. The village is enormous and despite hundreds of thousands of visitors, lift lines are generally short. You can enjoy fine dining at Everett’s 8,800 feet in the air or choose from 48 other dining options. Four hundred inches of annual snowfall and runs as long as six miles guarantee for a memorable day on the mountain with plenty to keep you entertained off.
Whistler Blackcomb, Whistler, British Columbia
8,171 Acres, 200 named runs, 5,280 feet of vertical drop
More skiing terrain than any other resort in North America, Whistler is on the bucket list of almost all serious skiers and riders. Whistler celebrates 50 years this winter with all kinds of parties and events planned. If you’re still feeling crowded, the mountain offers heli-skiing to untouched powder. Travel from mountain to mountain on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, the highest and longest lift in the world. Whistler is just five years removed from hosting the winter Olympics so plenty of history to be found here as well.
Ski Towns to Explore
Schweitzer Mountain, Sandpoint, Idaho
2,900 Acres, 92 named runs, 2,900 feet of vertical drop
Schweitzer is the backdrop to one of the more beautiful communities in the Inland Northwest. From the peak, guests look down upon Sandpoint and massive Lake Pend Oreille. While everything you’ll need for a vacation can be found on the mountain, a trip into town shouldn’t be missed. Downtown Sandpoint offers local shopping, unique restaurants and breweries, all in a pedestrian friendly setting.
Red Mountain, Rossland, British Columbia
4,200 Acres, 110 named runs, 2,919 feet of vertical drop
The secret is out. Red Mountain continues to pile up accolades from national media large in part to Rossland, the ideal small town ski village. About 3,500 people call this place home, but they are all in on the outdoors. About any outdoor activity can be found here and the mountain is less than 10 minutes from downtown so no matter where you stay, it’s easy to commute back and forth. Rossland is the southern tip of Canada’s ‘Powder Highway’ which connects seven of Canada’s top ski destinations, making it an ideal starting place for those looking to experience several mountains in one trip.
Mom & Pop Outfits
Discover Basin, Phillipsburg, Montana
2,200 Acres, 67 named runs, 2,388 feet of vertical drop
“Disco” is the perfect setting for groups with all ability levels. The front side is great for beginners, kids and those who just want to cruise. On the back, you’ll find the Limelight lift where the only way down is through 18 Double Black runs, testing even the most experienced skiers and riders. Day passes are affordable and the vibe in nearby towns of Anaconda and Phillipsburg are pure western Montana.
Mission Ridge, Wenatchee, Washington
2,000 Acres, 26 runs, 2,250 feet of vertical drop
While smaller and receiving less snowfall than many Northwest resorts, Mission Ridge sees an average of 300 sunny days a year giving you a better chance of a bluebird day. There’s a great mix of intermediate and expert terrain with great groomer skiing all day long. Just 15 minutes from Wenatchee or guests can park in the scenic town of Leavenworth if they’re willing to go a bit further.
Skiing on the Side, Bluewood, Dayton, Washington
400 Acres, 24 runs, 1,125 feet of vertical drop
You might not think of being able to combine a wine tasting trip and a ski trip, but that’s what you’ll find in the Walla Walla Valley. Bluewood may be small in stature, but it sees more than 300 inches of snow annually and offers variable terrain parks, excellent tree terrain and no pass is more than $40. Need a break from sifting through more than 200 wineries in Walla Walla and Dayton, then Bluewood is the perfect distraction. Want to get off mountain; a trip up the backside in a snowcat is just $10 or $19 for unlimited rides.
Banff National Park, Banff, Alberta
Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Area, Mount Norquay
With 8,000 combined acres, Canada’s first National Park is home to three excellent mountains, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. Where you would go wrong is focusing entirely on skiing during your trip. Banff National Park offers some of the most awe inspiring peaks, mountain lakes, and high alpine terrain in the world. You can camp or find five-star accommodations, be spoiled at a spa or slip into an outdoor hot spring, find elk moose, and bear or visit a film festival or museum. This is truly one of the more remarkable areas in the west, so ski a day but leave plenty of time for other exploring.
...And a whole lot more
There are all kinds of unique destinations across the Northwest. Both Lookout Pass and Lost Trail Powder Mountain straddle the Idaho and Montana border allowing you to ski in two states at the same time. Silver Mountain in Kellogg, Idaho has an indoor water park with an endless wave feature allowing you to ski and surf in the same day. Crystal Mountain puts you up close and personal with Mount Rainier, one of the Northwest’s biggest icons.
When we think of vacations it’s often summer or someplace warm and tropical, but it can be just as exciting getting out of your winter doldrums and finding a new mountain to conquer and city to explore in winter. Now is the time to start planning those 2016 holiday weekends because if you wait much longer, it’ll be spring already. Get in the car and drive a few hours away from your favorite local hill, see what else is out there and explore new terrain. And if the weather happens to turn on you, don’t worry, there is always, chili, beer and hot chocolate.
