Don't knock the Pass! Although renamed into a corporate mouthful, this backyard area remains a perennial, if often sodden, favorite. Diesel-spewing buses still clog its parking lots as if massed for a military invasion, but there's enough slope capacity to accommodate the crowds. Under new, deep-pocketed management, the Summit has spent $6.5 million on long-needed improvements this year; it's
the place for you and/or your kids to learn how to ski or snowboard. Alpental is serviced by the same lift ticket and a shuttle bus, but remains spartan at its core. In contrast to the gentle slopes at the Summit, Alpental offers surprisingly challenging terrain. Leave work and get to both sites in time for the most accessible night skiing around.
Best mountain tip: Alpental loyalists relish the exhilaratingly steep Upper Internationale; this and other chutes and the backcountry (special pass required) make for the only expert-level skiing on I-90.
How to get there: I-90 east to the Pass (52 miles, one hour). Info: 206-236-1600. Tickets: $34 ($25 midweek).
White Pass
This is where our country's greatest skiing duo, Olympic champs Phil and
Steve Mahre, got their start, so don't scoff at the mainly intermediate skiing. While 1,500 vertical feet of terrain certainly isn't overwhelming, it's good enough if you're trapped in
Yakima for the weekend. It's also possible to stay overnight right at the base (509-672-3131 for info), a rarity among Northwest areas.
Best mountain tip: Some steep little gems lurk amid the mostly moderate terrain, like Execution and— when conditions are right—an eminently jumpable cornice on Mach V.
How to get there: I-90 east to Ellensburg, then I-82/Hwy 97 south to Yakima. Follow Hwy 12 west 51 miles to the mountain. (195 miles, three and a half hours). Info: 509-672-3100. Tickets: $33 ($22 midweek).
Ski on the actual mountain at either of two areas—Timberline (on the south side) or
Mount Hood Meadows (to the east). Timberline has mostly moderate terrain, with six lifts and 3,590 vertical feet. The famous Palmer lift reaches all the way up to 8,500 feet for summer skiing! Mount Hood Meadows is a larger, more modern resort, with slightly drier snow, and 10 lifts, including a new high-speed quad.
Best mountain tip: Timberline's landmark log-hewn WPA-era hotel and lodge truly justifies the trek from Seattle—especially for a long weekend getaway. Reservations essential (800-547-1406).
How to get there: I-5 south to Portland bypass I-205. Take Hwy 26 east about 50 miles to Timberline Road and 8 miles to the lifts. For Mount Hood Meadows: continue east on Hwy 26 to SR 35 and over Barlow Pass. Take Forest Service Road 3555 to ski area (depending on destination, at least five hours). Info: 503-227-SNOW. Tickets: Timberline $34 ($31 midweek), Mount Hood Meadows $39.
Bend, Oregon, is a charming town, set back 22 miles from the mountain, continually ranked as one of the most unspoiled ski resorts in the country. Bachelor's skiing and snowboarding are also highly regarded, especially by families. There are several steep and challenging sections, but most of the mountain's 70 trails (serviced by seven high-speed quads!) are geared for intermediate-level cruising. For boarders, there's also an excellent snowboard park with a half-pipe and slalom course.
Best mountain tip: 222 consecutive days of skiing and snowboarding last season.
How to get there: I-5 south to Portland. From there, head east on US Hwy 26, then take Hwy 97 south to Bend. The mountain is 22 miles up the Cascade Lakes Highway from Bend (185 miles, three and a half hours, southeast of Portland). Info: 800-829-2442. Tickets: $39.
What more can we say other than there is no excuse for not coming here?
Whistler and Blackcomb are serviced by separate lift networks, but share a common lift-ticket and gondola base. Together these resorts possess more than 7,000 acres of skiable terrain, featuring three enclosed gondolas, 13 high-speed lifts, more than 200 marked trails, plus 12 bowls and three glaciers. The sheer size is overwhelming. For years, Whistler/Blackcomb has been ranked the no. 1 ski resort in North America by various magazines. Our
only caveat is that on cloudy days, visibility can be a major problem.
Best mountain tip: Discounted lift tickets are sold at the 7-Eleven in Squamish, roughly 30 miles south of Whistler.
How to get there: I-5 north to the Canadian border, where it turns into Provincial Hwy 99. Follow it north through Vancouver and up the scenic (but treacherous) Sea to Sky Highway, 75 miles to Whistler (215 miles, five hours). Info: 604-932-5090. Tickets: C$57 (or US$40, depending on exchange rate).
Probably the most popular local ski and snowboard destination for day trips. The drive is easy if you can beat the traffic, and the mountain offers something for all skill levels. Ten lifts, including two high-speed quads, generally keep things moving, but on weekends—especially in the rental shop—the masses clog even this best-prepared of operations. Crowds tend to dissipate around 4pm; the mountain stays open with night skiing until 10. Day care is available, and there's a new half-pipe for boarders.
Best mountain tip: Get away from the crowds by taking the Double Diamond chair over the front face of the resort and down to more challenging terrain on the backside.
