Best Peaks Overall in 

The rank-order of Washington state ski resorts we’ve been to based on overall mountain experience.

#1 of 8 in Washington

Crystal

Crystal Mountain, WA

Crystal Mountain, WA

MOUNTAIN SCORE

66

  +   Pros
  • Remarkable annual snowfall
  • Wide variety of demanding expert terrain
  • Available on-site lodging
  • Sizable footprint for Washington state
  • Striking surrounding scenery
  –   Cons
  • Wet, inconsistent snow
  • Poorly designed crowd flow logistics
  • Low-visibility conditions throughout winter months
  • Hiking required to reach several expert areas
  • Limited or impractical on-mountain facilities in some areas

Despite some notable lift capacity shortcomings, this decently-sized resort offers one of the most well-rounded experiences in Washington state.

See our review →

#2 of 8 in Washington

Mount Baker

Deming, WA

Deming, WA

MOUNTAIN SCORE

65

  +   Pros
  • Top-tier snowfall
  • Remote, local feel
  • Extraordinary surrounding scenery
  • Truly demanding in-bounds terrain
  • Easy sidecountry access
  –   Cons
  • Very limited groomed terrain
  • No lodging within 30 miles of the area
  • Heavier powder than some other resorts
  • Somewhat variable early-season conditions
  • Terrain, lifts, and base facilities partially closed on weekdays
  • Overcast skies most days

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.

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#3 of 8 in Washington

Mission Ridge

Wenatchee, WA

Wenatchee, WA

MOUNTAIN SCORE

62

  +   Pros
  • Light, dry snow for the Pacific Northwest
  • Robust snowmaking system
  • Washington State’s only bubble chair
  • Extensive night skiing footprint
  –   Cons
  • Lower snowfall than other Washington resorts
  • No on-mountain lodging
  • Longer driving distance from Seattle than competitors

Sunny slopes, high quality snow, and a lack of lift lines make this central Washington resort a compelling regional option, although snow totals aren’t the highest.

See our review →

#4 of 8 in Washington

White Pass

Natches, WA

Natches, WA

MOUNTAIN SCORE

61

  +   Pros
  • Views of Mount Rainier
  • Unique glade terrain offerings
  • Beginner-to-intermediate terrain progression
  • Available on-site lodging
  • Value
  –   Cons
  • Lack of expert terrain offerings
  • Mountain layout that requires traversing between pods
  • Heavy snow accumulation that can become icy quickly
  • Farther from cities than the competition
  • Extremely limited night skiing operation

While not as large or steep as some competitive resorts in the Pacific Northwest, this Washington resort features diverse intermediate terrain and an unbeatable setup for beginners to progress.

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#5 of 8 in Washington

49 Degrees North

Chewelah, WA

Chewelah, WA

MOUNTAIN SCORE

60

  +   Pros
  • Local feel
  • Low crowds
  • Lighter snow than Washington resorts further west
  –   Cons
  • Modest vertical drop
  • Limited true beginner terrain
  • Slow lifts in most areas

Despite its dated lift infrastructure and rural setting, this Northeast Washington resort offers impressive intermediate and advanced terrain at a reasonable price.

See our review →

#6 of 8 in Washington

Stevens Pass

Skykomish, WA

Skykomish, WA

MOUNTAIN SCORE

59

  +   Pros
  • Generous snow accumulation
  • Diverse advanced and expert terrain
  • Competitive terrain park experience
  • Available night skiing
  • Local feel
  –   Cons
  • Perennial foggy, low-visibility conditions
  • No on-site lodging
  • Limited parking and inconvenient overflow lots
  • Short vertical drop
  • Very little beginner terrain
  • Limited on-mountain facilities outside base area

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.

See our review →

#7 of 8 in Washington

Alpental

Snoqualmie Pass, WA

Snoqualmie Pass, WA

MOUNTAIN SCORE

54

  +   Pros
  • High annual snowfall
  • Convenient location from Seattle
  • Incredible advanced and expert terrain
  • Striking on-mountain scenery
  • Limited lower-mountain night-skiing
  –   Cons
  • Small footprint
  • Extremely limited beginner and intermediate terrain
  • No lift redundancies, leading to horrendous weekend and holiday crowds
  • Limited, capacity-constrained facilities
  • Wet, inconsistent snow quality
  • Perennial fog during peak winter months

This small resort offers incredible advanced and expert terrain close to Seattle. However, weekend crowds are a major problem.

See our review →

#8 of 8 in Washington

Summit at Snoqualmie

Snoqualmie Pass, WA

Snoqualmie Pass, WA

MOUNTAIN SCORE

50

  +   Pros
  • High annual snowfall
  • Convenient location from Seattle
  • Extensive selection of bunny hills
  • Available night skiing
  –   Cons
  • Wet, heavy snow
  • Meager vertical drop
  • Slow lifts with no safety bars in many areas
  • I-90 highway background noise
  • Summit East closed on weekdays

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.

See our review →