Ikon Pass
★9.6
Summit 9,065ft
#15 in the World★ 9.5 Flock RatingCascade Mountain Volcanoes
Pacific Northwest
Record-Setting Snowfall Totals, Massive Volcanic Vertical, and Glacial Terrain
The Pacific Northwest is a realm of colossal snowfall volume and volcanic terrain. Centered in the Cascade Mountain Range across Washington and Oregon, the region holds Mount Baker (holder of the world record for the most snowfall in a single season at 1,140 inches), Crystal Mountain (featuring sweeping views of Mount Rainier and 2,600 acres of open bowls), Stevens Pass, and Mount Hood (home to Timberline Lodge and year-round glacier skiing on Palmer Snowfield). The ski culture is hardy, independent, and fiercely devoted to deep storm days.
Total Runs
1,177 Trails
Total Lifts
179 Lifts
Skiable Terrain
25,791 Acres
Max Vertical Drop
3,690 ft
Pass Networks
Epic (1) · Ikon (4) · Indy (12)
Interactive Mountain Map
Resort Locations across Pacific Northwest
Interactive map displaying all 26 cataloged ski areas. Click any mountain pin to inspect vertical drop, active lifts, and guide access.
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Snowpack & Climate Intelligence
Pacific maritime storms hit the Cascade crest with tremendous precipitation. Annual snowfall averages between 400 and 650 inches. Because winter storms arrive from the Pacific Ocean, snow density is moist and cohesive, cementing onto steep rocky faces and creating a durable base that withstands severe weather.
Transit, Airports & Mountain Roads
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) serves Washington resorts: Crystal Mountain is two hours southeast, and Stevens Pass is two hours northeast on US-2. Portland International Airport (PDX) is 75 minutes from Mount Hood (Timberline, Mt. Hood Meadows) via US-26. Cascade mountain passes require chains or AWD during storm cycles.
Season Pass Coverage
Crystal Mountain is an Alterra-owned destination on the Ikon Pass. Stevens Pass is owned by Vail Resorts on the Epic Pass. Mt. Hood Meadows, Mount Baker, and Timberline operate independently, with partner days on reciprocal pass alliances. Mission Ridge and Hoodoo partner with the Indy Pass.
Mountain Towns, Lodging & Après
The Pacific Northwest embraces outdoor tailgate culture and local craft microbreweries. Historic Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood is an architectural masterwork of stone and hand-hewn timbers. Towns like Leavenworth (a Bavarian-themed village near Stevens Pass) and Government Camp feature bustling beer halls and cideries.
Trip Planning Window
When to Ski Pacific Northwest
Early Season
Late Nov to Dec
Colder temperatures trigger extensive snowmaking. Mountain bases open early terrain with minimal lift line congestion.
Peak Powder Window
January & February
Consistent maritime or continental snowstorms produce the deepest mid-winter base depths and optimum bowl skiing.
Spring Sunshine
March to Mid-April
Longer daylight hours, soft afternoon corn snow, and sun-drenched outdoor terrace après across high alpine slopes.
Regional Mountain Catalog
Head-to-Head: 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort vs Anthony Lakes Mountain ResortSki Resorts in Pacific Northwest (26)
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Ikon Pass
★9.5
Summit 7,012ft
Crystal Mountain
Washington
Vert
3,100'
Acres
2,600
Snow
-
Lifts
11
WA Cascades; Ikon; Rainier views narrative.
Indy Pass
★8.7
Summit 7,300ft
Indy PassPowder Alliance
★8.7
Summit 6,820ft
Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort
Washington
Vert
2,250'
Acres
2,000
Snow
-
Lifts
6
Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort in Washington, US
Ikon Pass
★8.7
Summit 5,420ft
The Summit at Snoqualmie
Washington
Vert
2,280'
Acres
1,994
Snow
-
Lifts
25
The Summit at Snoqualmie in Washington, US
Powder Alliance
★8.7
Summit 8,540ft
Indy Pass
★8.6
Summit 5,889ft
Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park
Washington
Vert
2,000'
Acres
1,704
Snow
-
Lifts
6
Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park in Washington, US
Epic PassEpic Local
★8.6
Summit 5,845ft
★8.6
Summit 5,089ft
Indy Pass
★8.5
Summit 5,703ft
Indy Pass
★8.5
Summit 7,530ft
Indy Pass
★8.0
Summit 5,200ft
49 Degrees North Mountain Resort
Washington
Vert
1,600'
Acres
500
Snow
-
Lifts
5
49 Degrees North Mountain Resort in Washington, US
★8.0
Summit 5,200ft
Badger Mountain Ski Area
Washington
Vert
1,600'
Acres
500
Snow
-
Lifts
5
Badger Mountain Ski Area in Washington, US
Indy PassIkon Pass
★8.0
Summit 5,200ft
★8.0
Summit 5,200ft
Indy Pass
★8.0
Summit 5,200ft
Hurricane Ridge Ski Area
Washington
Vert
1,600'
Acres
500
Snow
-
Lifts
5
Hurricane Ridge Ski Area in Washington, US
★8.0
Summit 5,200ft
Indy Pass
★8.0
Summit 5,200ft
Indy PassPowder Alliance
★8.0
Summit 5,200ft
★8.0
Summit 6,500ft
Vert
1,300'
Acres
350
Snow
-
Lifts
4
Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort in Oregon, US
Powder Alliance
★8.0
Summit 6,500ft
Vert
1,300'
Acres
350
Snow
-
Lifts
4
Cooper Spur Mountain Resort in Oregon, US
★8.0
Summit 6,500ft
Powder AllianceIndy Pass
★8.0
Summit 6,500ft
★8.0
Summit 6,500ft
★8.0
Summit 6,500ft
Indy PassPower Pass
★8.0
Summit 6,500ft
Frequently Asked Questions About Skiing in Pacific Northwest
Where is the highest annual snowfall in the Pacific Northwest?
Mount Baker Ski Area in northern Washington holds the world record for snowfall in a single season (1,140 inches in 1998-1999) and averages over 650 inches annually.
Can you ski year-round in Oregon?
Yes. Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood operates the Palmer Snowfield throughout the summer, hosting international ski racing teams and freestyle camps well into August and September.
What pass works at Crystal Mountain and Stevens Pass?
Crystal Mountain is on the Alterra Ikon Pass. Stevens Pass is on the Vail Resorts Epic Pass.
What is the closest ski resort to Seattle?
The Summit at Snoqualmie is the closest major ski area to Seattle, located roughly 50 miles (50 minutes) east via Interstate 90, featuring night skiing and four distinct base areas.