Seattle's Most Family-Friendly Ski Resorts

Situated at the foot of the vastly underrated Cascade Mountain Range, Seattle’s geographical positioning offers great access to the mountains. And while it may be dubbed as the Rainy City, that rain becomes snow (and lots of it!) as you wind your way up into the Cascades. So what’re you waiting for? Round up your kid’s snow pants, hats, goggles and gloves. The snow is piling up! Realize you need new gear or things have mysteriously gone missing? Swing by evo Seattle's Flagship Store and gear up!

Whether you’re new to Seattle, just arrived on the latest tech wave, a new parent in search of something fun to do with your youngsters, or just a courageous tourist who is looking to explore beyond the beaten path, these are the best and most family-friendly resorts near Seattle, Washington.

The Summit at Snoqualmie | Time in the car: 50 minutes

Why it’s great for families: Not only is The Summit at Snoqualmie the closest of all the Western Washington resorts, which means less "are we there yets" and a reduced risk of car sick clean ups, it also has a tubing hill that’s a blast for those who aren’t keen to ski or snowboard. Terrain-wise, Snoqualmie is the least challenging of the mountains, but for those who are looking for slightly spicier slopes, the partner area at Alpental is just on the other side of the highway.

Stevens Pass Mountain Resort | Time in the car: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Why it’s great for families: With a small hometown vibe, playful terrain, and the best terrain park around, Stevens Pass is a popular destination for Seattle residents and is located at the crest of scenic Highway 2. There are fun and quirky runs as well as a passionate ensemble of locals that venture up from both the east and west. If you’re looking for a full weekend getaway, the Bavarian town of Leavenworth is a popular tourist destination with lots of lodging options just 45 minutes east of Stevens.

Crystal Mountain Resort | Time in the car: 2 hours

Why it’s great for families: The only ski resort in Washington with a gondola (i.e. a functional spaceship that’s reliably a hit with kids, especially when things are cold and windy), Crystal is also the biggest ski area around, and consequently it feels the least crowded, too. If you happen to get a clear, sunny day, the views of the neighboring icon, Mount Rainier, are absolutely breathtaking. As an added bonus, Crystal Mountain is also the only resort in Western Washington with a mid-mountain lodge for everyone to duck into to warm up and grab cocoa or a snack.

Mount Baker Ski Area | Time in the car: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Why it’s great for families: Revered as the West Coast’s mecca of powder, Mount Baker averages more annual snowfall than any other Western Washington ski area, and their proximity to Puget Sound is such that the snow there is even rumored to be salty! Terrain here trends more toward intermediate-advanced, so it’s a great challenge to take on with more experienced skiers/snowboarders. Plus, it’s the furthest away from Seattle.

Looking to make the most of your family trips to the mountains? Tie up your loose ends and gear up at evo Seattle’s Flagship store before you leave town! With full season ski and snowboard rentals for kids, you can save money, save time, and avoid standing in those long rental lines at the resort every time you go! What’s more, evo’s youth rental packages include everything you need and ensure boot-to-binding compatibility for your quickly growing kids. For all you parents, check out their evoFit ski boot fitting program -- having comfortable, happy feet while you’re skiing is your ticket to having patience with your kids. Stop by the evo Seattle Store and find everything you need for fun family weekends on the slopes.