Many passionate skiers in the Pacific Northwest have found this winter to be disappointing. Unusually dry weather and insufficient snow have significantly affected the quality of skiing, lift availability, and access to mountain areas. As someone who enjoys backcountry skiing, I’ve observed these challenging conditions and haven’t prioritized getting out on the slopes. The positive aspect is that winter still has some time left. For our family, which includes two children under six, the milder mountain conditions made it simpler to introduce our kids to downhill skiing for the first time, and it turned out to be a lot of fun.
It’s still not too late to plan a family getaway to one of the numerous ski resorts near Seattle. A couple of weekends ago, with minimal snowfall and favorable driving conditions expected, my wife and our two sons went up toStevens Pass Ski Resort. Earlier in the season, severe flooding throughout the region damaged parts of Highway 2, destroying sections of the road and cutting off access to the resort for several weeks. Although there was a good snowfall in December, the area has faced a low snowpack, leading many to cancel or put off their season passes. However, on a Saturday in early February, the scene was vibrant. It felt more like a celebration than a location dealing with a slow season.
If your children haven’t tried downhill skiing as we have, Stevens Pass is an excellent spot to begin. Renting equipment was simple, and grabbing snacks and hot chocolate was convenient. The lift lines moved smoothly without being crowded. The gentle slope, which features a “magic carpet” to take you up, didn’t seem too scary for Luca, our 4-year-old, even when he stumbled. And after his first chairlift ride led to me dropping my gloves—causing the lift operators to halt the chairlift—he was prepared for anything.
Ari, our eldest son, could have spent the entire day skiing. We understood that managing our energy would enhance our overall experience, so we decided to stop by mid-afternoon. Fortunately, the excitement wasn’t finished. We had a chance to meet an avalanche detection dog currently in training. These canines arecontrolled and trained by ski patrol officersand are present in the rare occurrence of an in-bounds avalanche. They also aid in backcountry rescues and help find lost items such as wallets and cell phones. The small black puppy we met was only a few weeks old and was learning her way as an avalanche dog. Our children loved the puppy and persuaded us to buy them a shirt showing dogs on a chairlift, with the proceeds supporting theprogram.
A key attraction of Stevens Pass, along with other nearby resorts, is the chance to sleep in the parking lot and extend a day visit into a weekend getaway. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with other families, enjoy a drink, and exchange ski experiences. Unfortunately, this wasn’t possible for us this time, but witnessing the RV and camper community in action was encouraging for future visits.
Whether you’re just starting out with skiing or are an experienced skier, snow sports have always been a key part of life in the Seattle region. It’s what sets living here apart. Just an hour from the city, you can be gliding down beautiful snow-covered slopes, showing your children the joy of winter activities, and returning to the comforts of our great city in no time. Winter is still here.
Let it snow!
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