Are You Ready To Hit the Slopes?

Winter Ski Trip - PNW Style

A world-class resort tucked in a quiet corner, just east of Snohomish County, Stevens Pass offers some of the best skiing and riding the Cascades have to offer.

With an average of 460” in annual snowfall, Stevens Pass is known for its deep powder days, 1,125 acres of skiable terrain that runs the gamut from beginner-friendly cruiser runs to steep chutes, tree skiing, and easy access into endless backcountry terrain just outside the resort gates.

On a bluebird day, snow capped peaks spill out in all directions, and when the faucet turns on, there’s no better place to score fresh turns. You’ll never believe you’re less than an hour and a half from the shores of the Puget Sound. A quick trip back down Highway 2 when the lifts stop spinning lets you wrap up each day with your choice of international cuisine, luxurious lodging, and craft beer in the town of Everett.

Now that Stevens is part of the EPIC Pass, it’s easier than ever for passholders to plan a weekend trip to enjoy some of the steep and deep terrain the PNW is known for.

A DAY ON THE HILL

Your perfect winter ski weekend is right here in the #TruePNW.

If you’re not jonesing to get first chair, fuel up for a day on the mountain with a from-scratch breakfast at Narrative Coffee. Legend is that their biscuits and gravy dish is just the thing to power your day as you explore the slopes. And the coffee. Oh, that lovingly curated, slow pour third wave coffee.

Once you get to the mountain, you’ve got options. With a web of beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes, Stevens has tons of terrain for skiers of all ability levels, and with a variety of steep, cruisy, and groomed runs off each chair, it’s easy for riders of different levels to ski together.

Warm up on wide open groomed runs off the Hogsback or the Skyline Express for a longer run. A ride up the old 7th Heaven double is a must-do for expert skiers, with well-preserved powder pockets, steep chutes, and cliffy terrain, as well as big moguls for those who like bump runs.

If you prefer cross-country skiing, check out the Nordic Center just 6 miles east where you’ll find groomed trails for classic and skate skiing.

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SET THE ALARM...IT'S A POW DAY!

A heavy refresh overnight means it’s time to make an early break for the hills.

Maritime climates are known for their deep storm cycles, and this morning is no exception. Roll out of bed for a pre-dawn start and grab breakfast along Highway 2 on your way to the mountain. A gigantic bigfoot statue at milepost 36 means you’ve made it to the Espresso Chalet, a quick drive-by for a mocha and a cookie. For a heartier meal, the Sultan Bakery offers breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and a full case of donuts and pastries. Order a few and tuck an extra apple fritter in your pocket for the lift—if you plan to stay for night skiing, you’ll need all the extra fuel you can get.

Since you’re at the mountain early, nab a spot in line for first chair while the snow keeps stacking up. Hop on the Double Diamond or Tye Chair to access the backside, a myriad of south facing terrain that can be killer skiing during a storm cycle. By lunchtime when the new snow is all chewed up, explore the endless hidden stashes in the trees; if you know where to look, there are pow turns to be had bell to bell.

With six lifts spinning until 10 p.m., the night skiing at Stevens Pass truly sets it apart from other resorts in the state. Unless you’ve got superhuman stamina, you’ll likely want to take a break before the lights come on. Sink into a chair at the Foggy Goggle, an iconic local watering hole, and enjoy a pint of craft IPA and a juicy, hard-earned burger before heading back out there to keep ripping under the lights. It’s a long day on the mountain, but one you won’t soon forget.

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CreditAdam J Sanders, Stevens Pass

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SCENIC HIKE, SNOWSHOEING & ATV DAY

No trip to the PNW is complete without a day in the forest. See the beauty of the region from the hiking or snowshoe trail and the seat of a four-wheeler.

Drive out on State Route 2 to hike to Heybrook Lookout. At the top of the ridge is an old fire lookout that’s been lovingly restored. It offers panoramic views of Mounts Bering and Index. It’s an unforgettable and social media-worthy view that you can’t afford to miss. Or, charter an expedition with Chinook ATV and spend the day on four wheels.

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Getting Here

Your best bet is to fly into Seattle Paine Field International Airport (PAE), an award-winning boutique airport. It has three terminals, a luxury bar and deli, and a well-appointed lounge with leather furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows. This is traveling in style.

Need Some Gear

Stop by Pacific Mountain Sports in Monroe if you need to rent or purchase any gear. They specialize in all things skiing and snowboarding. Rent skis or a snowboard, get wax, bindings, new outerwear, those goggles you forgot, or anything else you need to make sure your time on the slopes is completely shreddin’.

Book Your Stay

Check out Where to Stay page to explore lodging options.