Best Peaks Overall in 

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

#1 of 6 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 6 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.

See our review →

#3 of 6 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 →

#4 of 5 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 →

#5 of 6 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 →

#6 of 6 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 →