Last Updated on 22nd May 2021 by Steve
Leavenworth is a popular tourist destination in the summer and Advent period with its traditional Bavarian-style town center. But the amount of accommodation also makes it a suitable base for any skier who is looking at sampling the ski resorts in central Washington state.
There are four main ski resorts near Leavenworth, which is on the eastern side of the Cascade mountain range. That means that skiers should be prepared to switch up their plans for a particular day depending on winter storms and the direction they are headed.
Ski resorts in Washington state close to Leavenworth
Stevens Pass Ski Area
Stevens Pass is the closest of the ski resorts to Leavenworth – but the fact that it is up on the pass means that winter storms can make access problematic. The ski area is a busy one and is popular with day trippers from the Seattle area. Nonetheless, the skiing is so popular for good reasons: the mix of intermediate and expert runs, the night skiing and the cross country skiing at the pass.
Distance from Leavenworth: 35 miles
Website: www.stevenspass.com
Mission Ridge Ski Resort
Mission Ridge is one of Washington state’s largest ski resorts and, like Leavenworth, is located on the eastern side of the mountains. This means that the ski area might have less annual snowfall than the competing ski areas to the western side of the Cascades, but that the snow will tend to be lighter and drier. Mission Ridge only has six lifts but they access more than 60 miles of ski runs.
Distance from Leavenworth: 35 miles
Website: www.missionridge.com
The Summit at Snoqualmie
The four different ski areas at the Summit at Snoqualmie offer a variety of different ski experiences. The closest to Leavenworth are the intermediate and beginner areas at Summit East and Summit Central, while the more challenging runs at Alpental are on the other side of Snoqualmie Pass. The ski areas are another popular destination for skiers and snowboarders in the Seattle area.
Distance from Leavenworth: 83 miles
Website: summitatsnoqualmie.com
Loup Loup Ski Bowl
Loup Loup Ski Bowl is a ski area run by a voluntary non-profit foundation on Little Buck Mountain in between the towns of Twisp and Okanogan. The skiing is accessed by three lifts (one chairlift) and there are ten ski runs on 1,240 vertical feet and 300 acres of terrain. The ski area also has a terrain park, a tubing hill open at weekends and groomed cross country skiing.
Distance from Leavenworth: 83 miles
Website: skitheloup.com
More information: Ski resorts in Washington state