Bring your own sleds and tubes to the Snow Play Area at the Nordic Center, about six miles east of the pass, where the hills cost nothing to use. The same spot is a jumping-off point for snowshoe and cross-country outings, which do require a trail fee. You can pick up passes and rental gear right on-site.
Crystal Mountain: Washington's Biggest Ski Trip
Just outside Mount Rainier National Park, Crystal Mountain is the largest ski resort in Washington, with 80 named runs, lessons and guided snowshoe tours. You don't need to ski to enjoy it, either. Ride the gondola for sweeping mountain views.
Up top, settle in at the Summit House Restaurant, the highest-elevation restaurant in the state at close to 7,000 feet, which turns lunch or dinner into a memorable winter outing. Want more time on the mountain? The resort also offers on-mountain lodging for a longer stay.
Snoqualmie Pass and the I-90 Sno-Parks
The Summit at Snoqualmie sits about 90 minutes east of Seattle, making it the quickest big-mountain escape. Beginners tend to stay in the central area, while experienced skiers head for steeper zones like Alpental. Kids can spend hours at the snow tube park, and miles of Nordic trails suit anyone who prefers a slower pace.
Along Interstate 90, stop at one of several Sno-Parks, including Hyak, for sledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. You'll need a Sno-Park parking permit. Grab one at REI in Seattle before you leave or from merchants in North Bend on the way up.
Before You Head Into the Mountains
- Check roads first. The Washington State Department of Transportation posts current pass conditions, and tire chains may be required on mountain routes.
- Buy online ahead of time. Several resorts strongly encourage buying lift tickets, passes, lessons and services online, and some products sell out.
- Confirm the resort is open. Opening dates depend on snowfall, so check each resort's website for its current status.
Warm Ways to Ride Out a Cold, Gray Day
Not every winter day calls for snow boots. Some of the most Seattle ways to spend the season come with heat, steam and something hot in a mug.
Soaking on Lake Union
Boating is about as Seattle as it gets, and Hot Tub Boats makes it work in any weather. Cruise Lake Union in a small floating spa with the water held at 104 degrees, taking in the skyline while you stay toasty. It ranks among the more unusual winter experiences the city offers.
Prefer dry land? Book a private, gender-inclusive session at Hothouse Spa and Sauna on Capitol Hill, where a hot tub, a cedar sauna and an herbal steam room are waiting.
Coffee Shops Made for Rainy Mornings
Starbucks started here, but the city's coffee culture runs far deeper than one brand. Duck into Caffe Vita or Caffe Ladro, small local chains with several locations and reliably strong espresso drinks. For something different, try hello em, which brings Vietnamese flavors to the counter with drinks like egg cloud toppings and pandan condensed milk.
More Things to Do in Seattle in Winter
Kraken Hockey and Public Skating
Winter is peak hockey season, so catch the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena, where they play regular-season home games from October through April. The team also holds free open practices at Kraken Community Iceplex, its training facility in the north end.
Ready to lace up yourself? The iceplex runs public skate sessions on most days. Check the schedule before you go, since times shift.
Winter Beer and Seasonal Brews
For one weekend each December, the Winter Beer Festival fills Magnuson Park with dozens of spiced ales, seasonal stouts and other cold-weather beers. Look up the festival's official site for this year's dates and tickets.
Outside festival weekend, local breweries keep the season going. Order a Bonfire Ale at Fremont Brewing, known for its roasted chocolate notes, or head to Pike Brewing Company, a block from the market, for Long Dark, a rich barrel-aged stout.
Indoor Games, Dance Floors and Laser Lights
Sweater weather is a great excuse for a little friendly competition, and a few local spots have built their whole identity around it:
- Flatstick Pub pairs indoor mini golf with a long tap list, with locations in Pioneer Square and near South Lake Union.
- Blade and Timber on Capitol Hill is an axe-throwing bar for groups who want to test their aim.
- Mox Boarding House in Ballard invites you to settle in with a tabletop game and a hot toddy.
For a night with more movement, drop in on a class at Century Ballroom on Capitol Hill, which teaches swing, salsa, tango and other styles. Central Cinema serves dinner while you watch a movie from cushioned booths. Then cap the evening under the laser dome at Pacific Science Center, where late-night light shows carry a fun retro feel.
Classic Sights That Shine in the Off Season
Winter is a fine time to tick off the big attractions. Lines can be shorter, and many of the best spots are partly or fully indoors.
Pike Place Market
Make room for Pike Place Market on any Seattle itinerary, rain or shine. It's packed with affordable comfort food that suits the season. Warm up with a cup of Beecher's mac and cheese, New England clam chowder from Pike Place Chowder, or a beef and cheese piroshky from Piroshky Piroshky.
Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass
Ride to the top of the Space Needle for 360-degree views over the city and the bay. Just below the observation deck, a cocktail lounge sits on a revolving glass floor, the first and only one of its kind in the world. Next door, Chihuly Garden and Glass shows off striking glass artwork that glows on a gray afternoon.
