White Pass Skiing & Snowboarding Resort Guide
White Pass ski and snowboard area has a long and storied history in the Washington ski and snowboard community. The area is known for being the home of olympians Phil and Steve Mahre, and also for it’s laid back atmosphere. With less crowds and a community feel, White Pass is an awesome place to bring families and beginners skiers and boarders alike. White Pass ski area has a full range of amenities, as well as lodging at the base area. The eight total lifts serve the 1,500 acres of skiable terrain. Ride to the top on a clear day to catch views of Mount Rainier. Just because it’s known for being family friendly doesn’t mean their isn’t challenging terrain, the Paradise Basin area has some of the best glade skiing and snowboarding in Washington state.
There are two main parts to the White Pass ski and snowboard area. Closer to the base lodge the Great White Express quad chair serves skiing from beginner to double black diamonds. The easier terrain is to the skier’s right off the top, while advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders will want to stay under the lift. Also on this peak, is the beginner ski area with a magic carpet, a platter-pull lift, and the Far East chairlift. This is an area where many Washington skiers and snowboarders have made their first turns. Heading to the skier’s left off the Great White Express there are more intermediate cruiser runs off of Chair 4.
In the 2010-2011 winter White Pass ski and snowboard area doubled in size with two new high-speed quads servicing the Paradise Basin area. These lifts serve 767 acres of intermediate and advanced terrain. The runs out here are mostly glades, and offer some great powder skiing and snowboarding. White Pass doesn’t see the crowds of other Washington ski areas, so the snow can stay nice for a lot longer after a winter storm.
Sandwiched between Mount Rainier and Mount Adams, White Pass ski and snowboard area is a 2 hour and 45 minute drive from Seattle, and 60 minutes from Yakima. The ski area is located at the summit of White Pass, on US Highway 12. Check out the WSDOT White Pass page before you head out to get the latest information about road conditions.
Travel Resources:
WSDOT White Pass
Sandwiched between Mount Rainier and Mount Adams, White Pass ski and snowboard area is a 2 hour and 45 minute drive from Seattle, and 60 minutes from Yakima. The ski area is located at the summit of White Pass, on US Highway 12. Check out the WSDOT White Pass page before you head out to get the latest information about road conditions.
WSDOT White Pass
Skiers, snowboarders, and families who want more than just a day trip can stay right at the base of White Pass at the Village Inn. Just like the rest of White Pass, rates here are very affordable. There are also many smaller lodges and cabins located up and down the White Pass Scenic Byway, aka US Highway 12.
White Pass Lodging Resources:
White Pass Lodging Overview White Pass Village Inn
Our Favorite Snowboards For White Pass
Local Food Picks
White pass has a whole range of on-mountain dining options for those hungry skiers and snowboarders out there. The High Camp Lodge in the Paradise is a great place to meet friends for a beer on the deck, and also features an all-day waffle bar, yum!. Coming from the west side of the pass, the town of Packwood is a great place to grab a bite before or after a day for skiing or snowboarding. The Mountain Goat Coffee Company is the perfect place to fuel up for the day, the bacon cheddar scones and coffee will keep you going all day long. Cliff Droppers, also in Packwood, has killer burgers and a nice old-school diner feel.On Mountain Dining
The Mountain Goat Coffee Company
Cliff Dropper's
Our Favorite Skis For White Pass
Where to Find Lift Tickets to White Pass?
Along with the small, community feel of White Pass ski and snowboard area comes affordable lift tickets. Adult tickets are among some of the cheapest in Washingon state, with discounts for both youth and seniors. Children six and under as well as super seniors, 73 and up, ski or snowboard for free. For beginner skiers and snowboarders, White Pass offers discounted lift tickets with access to only the beginner areas of the mountain.White Pass Weather Information
White Pass ski and snowboard area receives an average of 350” of snowfall annually. While this is less than some ski areas in Washington, it is still plenty to make other ski areas around the country jealous! Skiers and snowboarders in Washington can experience every extreme of weather, from sun, to blizzards, to rain, so make sure to be prepared for anything and bring an extra layer. We always recommend a nice, waterproof breathable jacket & pant combination to keep you protected from what Washington might throw your way.White Pass Ski Report
White Pass Webcams
Many skiers and snowboarders over the years, including the Mahre brothers and evo Collective athlete Andy Mahre, have grown up and fallen in love with the snow at White Pass. With the laid-back atmosphere and lack of crowds the ski area is an endearing gem off the beaten path. It may not be the steepest and deepest, but White Pass ski area still has some great terrain in Paradise Basin, and is a great place to introduce children and beginners to skiing and snowboarding.
