For 15 years, evo has been helping customers get away to the mountains, trails, and water. Over the next month, we're profiling three winter Getaways across the US that bring together the places, products, and experiences we love, kicking it off with our home state of Washington.
Unlike the built-up vacation destinations that dominate much of the resort industry, Washington skiing and riding has always been about the daytrip. Just a stone's throw from Seattle, the no-frills, pure experience of skiing and riding at Snoqualmie Pass is undergoing a surge in popularity and a revitalization. Fuel up and come along for the ride.
Unlike the built-up vacation destinations that dominate much of the resort industry, Washington skiing and riding has always been about the daytrip. Just a stone's throw from Seattle, the no-frills, pure experience of skiing and riding at Snoqualmie Pass is undergoing a surge in popularity and a revitalization. Fuel up and come along for the ride.
Of COFFEE AND CARS
Daytripping the Cascade mountains in the heart of winter often means departing Seattle in the damp darkness. While temperatures in the city rarely get below freezing, a hot cup of coffee and cozy car layers help ease the cold rains and pre-dawn hours to make the transition from sleepy city streets to winter wonderland.
Alpental access
Steep, rough, and packed with snow, Alpental (part of Summit at Snoqualmie ski resort) is the unadulterated resort experience. Line up early on a powder day, and take your pick at the top of Chair 2 - the convoluted trees and stashes of Breakover, the long fall line of International, or the tangled wonder of chutes, cliffs, and pillow lines through the backcountry gates. It's unpolished, adventurous skiing that delivers a thrill.
Snoqualmie pass Resources
Putting an Alpental or Snoqualmie Pass daytrip on your hit list for this winter? Here are the key resources for planning perfect timing and smooth travel:
- NOAA point forecast (Pass level)
- NOAA point forecast (Alpental summit)
- Summit at Snoqualmie Conditions Report
- NWAC Avalanche Forecast
- NWAC Alpental Weather Station
- I-90 Summit Road Conditions
Looking for something more laid back or just getting started on snow? Just down the road from Alpental is Summit East (also known as Hyak). Open only on the weekends, its low-key vibe is family-friendly and rarely crowded. When the storms pass and the freeriders flock to Alpental, cruise around Hyak for a low-pressure powder alternative with stunning views across the Pass.
For years, most skiers and snowboarders ended the day and headed back down to North Bend, Issaquah, or Seattle rather than linger at the Pass. But the recent arrival of a few new attractions around Snoqualmie Pass has launched a revitalization. These three spots for eats, treats, and brews offer quality options after the lifts stop turning.
- Commonwealth: Part of the new Pass Life community at Snoqualmie, Commonwealth offers awesome pub fare for apres. Order grilled jalapenos, the 906 burger, or a Glondo's Sausage (from just down the hill in Cle Elum), and match it with one of Dru Bru's beers.
- Dru Bru: Tucked next to Commonwealth, Dru Bru's brewery and taproom offers European-inspired session beers for those who want more than a Rainier after riding. Order it with food at Commonwealth, or bring your own food in.
- Aardvark Express: It's easy to miss this tiny operation, with a walk-up hut tucked into the Chevron parking lot across from Summit West. But if you're hungry, Aardvark's eclectic mix of Asian-inspired dishes, BBQ, and savory treats will treat you right. The star of the menu is the Hurry Curry Bowl.
Snoqualmie's proximity to Seattle allows you to have it all - morning coffee, ski all day, enjoy apres, and still be back in town in time to catch bigger city nightlife. Seattle's urban offerings blend in with its outdoor traditions, making it easy to transition from Snoqualmie's slopes to catching music on Capitol Hill, getting beers in Fremont, or eating seafood in Ballard. Here are a few of our favorites for Seattle style: