Come winter, downhill skiers and snowboarders flock to the Pacific Northwest from across the country for the fresh powder and challenging runs. But locals know there’s plenty of snow to enjoy beyond the ski resorts. Whether you’re looking for epic sledding hills, family-friendly tubing, or slopes with a stunning view, Bellevue is the perfect home base for embarking on winter excursions.
Blog hero image of Mount Baker is by Jamie Pilgrim; this section's image of Bellevue winter 2021 is by Zac Gudakov
Pick Your Sno-Park
Managed by Washington State Parks and open between November 1 and April 30, the region’s sno-parks offer safe, convenient access to winter recreation, from sledding to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling (you might even spot the occasional dogsled team). Sno-parks can be designated “motorized” or “non-motorized” — keep an eye out for snowmobiles and keep off groomed tracks when visiting motorized parks.
Tip: Don’t forget to purchase a sno-park permit online or at REI in downtown Bellevue, available starting November 1.
Less than an hour’s drive along scenic Interstate 90 puts you in the winter wonderland of the Central Cascades. Continue east to reach Hyak Sno-Park, which offers a groomed slope and heated bathrooms. Popular with the locals, this spot tends to draw more of a crowd given its proximity to the Summit at Snoqualmie ski resort, and as the terrain is fairly mild, it’s ideal for younger sledders.
In the eastern foothills is the Easton Reload Sno-Park within Lake Easton State Park, with more than 20 miles of motorized and non-motorized trails and an easily accessible sledding hill.
A bit farther afield, near the Bavarian-inspired village of Leavenworth, Lake Wenatchee Sno-Park within Lake Wenatchee State Park is well worth the two-hour drive from your Bellevue home base. Perfect for families, the sledding and tubing hill located in the south section of the park offers a moderate, tree-lined slope and an expansive snow play area along the shore of Lake Wenatchee, plus trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. (All vehicles need a Sno-Park Permit with a Special Groomed Trails Permit at this location.)
While technically not a sno-park, the sledding hill at Mount Rainier National Park’s Paradise is open from late December through mid-March, depending on snowpack, as sufficient snow is required to protect the meadow vegetation. Opt for flexible sleds, inner tubes, and saucers rather than hard toboggans or runner sleds for safety. Check the road status before heading to the park, and keep in mind that all vehicles are required to carry tire chains when traveling in the park in winter.
For the Adrenaline-Chasers
With around 20 groomed lanes, Summit at Snoqualmie’s tubing park across the street from one of the resort’s main ski areas makes things easy by providing tubes, a covered lift, and scheduled hour-and-forty-five-minute sessions to avoid overcrowding. Note: The tubing hill is open December through April, and all tickets must be purchased online. Buying ahead of time is recommended — as sessions often sell out, especially on weekends — as is arriving about 45 minutes before your tubing window to check in.
One of only two remaining lift operations in the National Parks, Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area is located in Olympic National Park, a scenic three-hour drive from Bellevue. Older kids and adults can take in snowcapped vistas from atop the walk-up tube run, while children eight years and younger can tube and sled at the Small Children’s Snowplay Area just west of the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center, weather conditions permitting.
Back in Leavenworth, the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club is home to both a 100-foot tubing hill with a rope tow (tubes provided) and a walk-up sledding hill. Tickets aren’t available online or ahead of time and must be purchased in person at the Ski Hill ticket booth.
Last but not least, the Stevens Pass Tubing Center at the Nordic Center of Stevens Pass Resort is easily accessible, with groomed lanes, tube lifts, and a tow rope.
Gear Check
Need to pick up an extra warm layer? REI has a convenient outpost downtown with everything you might need for a snowy excursion. If you’d prefer to walk in the snow over sliding on it, Bellevue Parks & Community Services offers low-cost weekend snowshoe rentals from December through February. Go to resgister.bellevuewa.gov, and search “Tracks” for more information.
Before You Go
Check the latest avalanche conditions and weather forecast, as well as the mountain pass reports on the Washington State Transportation website for any closures or delays and the Washington State Park website for park openings and closures. Call 511 for up-to-date highway, pass, and road conditions.
