Top Spots to Ski, Ride and Snowshoe
It’s been a wild weather ride here in the Pacific Northwest, but for everyone who’s been wishing for mountain SNOW, it worked! Wintertime in our beautiful corner of the world is something special and with the recent weather it’s time for winter adventures to commence! Here, around the Yakima Valley, we have majestic mountain views and alpine forest terrain ready for adventure just a short drive from town. Even better, we can count on enjoying them throughout the winter season and well into spring – all under much sunnier skies, with far fewer drizzly days, than elsewhere in the Northwest.
Winter recreation areas have opened up and it’s time to book your spot for guided winter adventures, clinics and classes. This winter, try something new in our corner of the PNW winter wonderland.
*Washington’s outdoor areas have experienced impact from recent storms. Washington Trails Association has a good guide to what winter flooding around the state means and how to help. Take a look at our guide to winter adventures for inspiration to explore and tips to plan your adventures. Be sure to check conditions to know before you go.
Snowy Slopes, Tracks and Trails at White Pass Ski Resort
White Pass Ski Resort opened for the season on December 21 and they’re ready to welcome you! Take the short drive from Yakima for your perfect wintertime day – followed by a local craft brew or Yakima Valley wine and cozy dinner back in town. No matter your ski or snowboard level, find ideal terrain, from rugged slopes for the expert skier or shredder to gentler tracks for those learning, all with stunning views. White Pass all your gear needs met, including rentals, not to mention plenty of fun stuff to shop for in the pro shop.
Lift tickets should be purchased online. This year, White Pass has rolled out new variable rate tickets, whether you wish to explore the whole mountain or just want access to lower and carpet lifts. Of course, ski, snowboard and snowshoe instruction is available for all levels. If you’re unsure what your level is, check out their guide to finding the correct ski and ride level, based on specific on-mountain skills. Book your spot for downhill group and private lessons, clinics and workshops. You can gather your own group for a semi-private lesson for seven or more.
If you’re looking for specialty women’s ski experiences, take a look at the White Pass women’s clinics, classes and ski camp offered by Girls with Grit. Of you’ve been wishing to reach your next level on the slopes, this is it! Maybe you want to build your skills for powder, crud, bumps, trees and steeps? Shannon Mahre of Girls with Grithas created these special excursions to inspire and help you achieve your next goals or simply to enjoy your time on the mountain more fully.
Group clinics for intermediate, advanced and expert skiers deliver a day of shredding and smiles. Enjoy a day mastering moguls, steeps, crud, powder, pillows and trees. Or, book a private lesson. This year, Shannon and her co-coaches are once again offering 2-Day Women’s Ski Camp. Her programs always fill up fast, so plan ahead and reserve your spot!
Have you ever tried a Sno-Go trike or bike? Try something new this year at White Pass, as you slide and glide down the slopes on a Sno-Go. It combines the excitement of skiing with the ease of biking and is an ideal, fun adventure for all skill levels. Book a spot for an intro package with a guide. Once you’ve completed the intro, go on your own with a Sno-Go rental! If jumps, ramps, banks, fun boxes, jibs, rails, half pipes, quarter pipes are your thing, check out the White Pass Terrain Parks. For more family fun, try the tubing hill.
If you haven’t explored adventures offered at the White Pass Nordic Center, let this be the year! The cozy yurt in a picturesque setting is your home base for alpine skiing, snowshoeing and fat bikes on the snowy tracks. Book lessons and trail passes online. If you need to rent equipment, they have you covered (even for fat bike excursions). They regularly post track conditions and tail maps on their site. The trail system was recently expanded, including an additional practice loop that makes the perfect progression trail after you master the original practice loop. In all, the Nordic Center maintains 26 miles of trails. Pets are allowed on the tracks, on leash, after 3:30 pm.
For a special evening, take a Twilight Snowshoe Tour starting December 27 through February 21. Enjoy a magical tour on the groomed trails and take in majestic views of the stunning Cascade Crest by moonlight (or headlamp on snowy nights) with Nordic Center guides. The tour encircles Leech Lake and traverses the Pacific Crest Trail. Tours include snowshoe rental and headlamps if needed. Even better, your snowy twilight tour is followed by light appetizers and beverages from the Nordic Cafe. The tour is recommended for adults. Youth ages 12 and up will be welcomed as long as they’re able to stay with the group. Reservations are required to guarantee your spot.
You’ll find plenty of ways to fuel up during your day on the mountain, including outdoor and indoor dining. Choose from hot breakfast, wood-fired pizza, grill specialties, bistro and pub fare, snacks, wine, craft beer, coffee, hot chocolate and more. Mid-mountain dining spots make for a perfect mid-run break. Check out the High Camp Lodge and the Mid-Mountain Yurt.
More Miles of Trails
A short drive from Yakima along Chinook Pass Scenic Byway, Highway 410, takes you to the Bumping Lake Area where you’ll find miles more of groomed cross country and snowshoe trails for unguided adventures. Find terrain to entertain beginners and to challenge seasoned showshoers and Nordic skiers. Also check out Tieton River Meadows just past the White Pas summit for snowshoeing that offers a challenge. Since these are sno-park open to motorized users, you’ll need a motorized Sno-Park Pass. A Discover Pass does not provide access.
Hill Climbing and Trail Blazing
All around Yakima, you’ll find hundreds of miles for winter riding on your snow machines. You can ride for hours under reliably sunny skies, making the most of abundant snowfalls and a variety of terrain from gentle to extreme. You’ll find more than 20 sno-parks in the greater Yakima/Greenwater area (Yakima County). MakeAhtanum State Forestyour first stop to hit the Ahtanum Sno-Park at Ahtanum Meadows, the largest sno-park in the region, with miles of groomed trails through pristine alpine meadows with stunning high-country views. From there, continue to explore throughout the terrain all around the Valley.
Perhaps most important, parking for your rig and machines is abundant and free at most Yakima Valley hotels!
As always, tag #yakimavalley to share your winter fun around the Valley.
Categorized in: Outdoor Recreation