Steep terrain, views of Mt. Rainer, groomed trails and all within driving distance to Seattle. White Pass Ski Resort is off the beaten path compared to some of the most popular resorts in the state. If you are used to skiing the regular resorts like Crystal and Stevens Pass, try something different.
White Pass has multiple areas to explore, so what are you waiting for?
Read on to see why White Pass Ski Resort is worth a visit this ski and snowboard season.
Highlights of White Pass Ski Resort in Washington
A big ski area with hard terrain. Look no further. Check out these stats of White Pass Ski Resort –
- Over 40 runs
- 8 Lifts
- Over 1,400 skiable acres
- Summit Peak : 6,500 feet
- Base: 4,500 feet
- 2,000 feet of vertical
Where is White Pass Ski Resort Located?
White Pass Ski Resort is located in Naches, Washington. Just at the summit of US highway 12, you’ll hit White Pass. The ski area is just south of Tacoma and Seattle. Perfect for a weekend trip. Here is the distance to some of the nearby cities to White Pass –
- Tacoma, WA – 2 hours and 20 minutes, 110 miles
- Seattle, WA – 2 hours and 50 minutes, 145 miles
- Portland, OR – 2 hours and 50 minutes, 160 miles
- Walla Walla, WA – 3 hours and 10 minutes, 180 miles
- Spokane, WA – 4 hours and 15 minutes, 250 miles
Need White Pass Ski Resort Directions? Map it from your place here.
What is White Pass Ski Resort Ski Resort?
White Pass Ski Resort is a family-focused ski area. For those who don’t want to ride downhill, they can try the 21 km of nordic trails or the snow tubing hill. White Pass even welcomes your dog at the nordic trails during doggie hours. The resort wants you outside, so join them! Get out of the house and head up to the pass.
Lodging Near White Pass Ski Resort
So where is the closest place to stay near White Pass? If you have an RV, you can stay right at the resort. More on that in a second. For a lodge, the closest ones will be back in Packwood (25 minutes away). You’ll pass through it if you are coming from Tacoma on your way to the resort.
The options in Packwood include –
- Hotel Packwood (Good)
- Packwood Lodge (Better)
- Cowlitz River Lodge (Best)
You’ll have a hard time finding any name-brand hotel near White Pass but the above three options will work for a night or two.
If you are looking to stay at White Pass with an RV, there are a few things you should know. They have 83 sites and you need to reserve online before going to the resort. There is a mix of 30 ft, 40 ft and 50 ft spaces.
It is important to know there are no hookups at the sites. White Pass also has some rules to RVers to abide by. Make sure you at least have a read through before reserving your spot.
Pro Tip: Half of the RV sites open at the end of October. Think about booking early so you can secure your spot come the ski season.
Does White Pass Ski Resort Have Night Skiing?
White Pass has night skiing but it is mainly on select holidays. They publish a separate schedule for their night skiing times which includes New Year’s Eve.
The Best Time to Visit White Pass
The best time to visit White Pass is going to be anytime early in the week. Heading up early in the week means you’ll beat any weekend traffic. Finally, not a lot of people can get off work in the early week. If you can, it means more clear trails and lifts to yourself!
Rental Gear at Stevens Pass: What to Know
Head into the day lodge and you can’t miss the rental shop. It has all the equipment you need for a great day on the mountain whether you are a skier or snowboarder.
You can also rent Nordic skis and snowshoes from the Nordic Yurt. You’ll have to head over to the north side of parking lot B for those rentals. The staff is super friendly at both rental gear shops so if you have any questions, just ask and they will sort you out.
Pro Tip: To secure a place in the rental line, you can text WHITEPASS to 509-796-7888 starting at 7 am. It will then text you back with a time to pick up your rental gear. Head into the east entrance of the Day Lodge and you’ll be all set to grab your gear.
Terrain Parks: What to Know
The mountain itself is focused on the downhill. Steep runs and refreshing trails. Don’t worry though, White Pass has you covered with some freestyle terrain too.
Check out the Progression Park for beginners off of Far East Triple. If you are more advanced of a rider, Rib Eye Park is the one you will want to ride, just off of the Basin Quad.
Is White Pass Ski Resort Good for Beginners?
White Pass Ski Resort is good for beginners. Their ski and snowboard school is a great place to grab a lesson. They offer group lessons, private lessons and even kids clinics.
If your family is completely new to skiing and snowboarding, two great options are booking a lesson with a private instructor or going the group lessons route.
Trails at White Pass Ski Resort – What to Know
If you have been nordic skiing before then the trails at White Pass are a good place to try the sport once you have explored the downhill trails. Speaking of the downhill trails, we will let you in on a few of the best of them –
Beginner
- Boardwalk
- Holiday
Intermediate
- Paradise
- Main Street
- Snow Devil
Advanced
- Paraside Cliff
- Holiday Cliff
Expert
- Hourglass
If your skill level isn’t there yet to ride the advanced and expert, keep working, you’ll get there. To check out the latest view of the trails, be sure to have a look at the White Pass webcam.
Other Winter Activities at White Pass Ski Resort
Tubing, nordic skiing and snowshoeing. They are all activities you should do if you want to explore White Pass to the fullest.
A little on the snow tubing, it is popular. Tubes are first come, first serve. You’ll want to get there at the start of the sessions to get your spot. You can’t reserve om advance. To get your ticket, try to park in Lot C and head uphill to the ticket building. You can check the session times here.
Final Thoughts:
Want a challenge this winter? Head up to White Pass. If you can’t find some trails there to put a burn in your legs then we will be impressed. Sharpen your edges before the season because you’ll need them. You’ll wear them out with all the fun there is to be had skiing and snowboarding at White Pass.
