Snoqualmie Pass



Just an hour east of Seattle, Snoqualmie Pass is a backcountry skier’s paradise, offering a mix of rugged terrain and more accessible slopes. The proximity to the city and breathtaking views make it a popular destination, so it’s not uncommon to encounter crowds, especially on weekends. However, if you’re willing to venture off the main routes, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for solitude and untracked lines. For a classic experience, skin up to Snow Lake on a clear, low-avalanche-risk day. But be prepared — this spot draws plenty of fellow skiers, so arrive early if you want a parking spot and first tracks.
Snoqualmie Pass



Just an hour east of Seattle, Snoqualmie Pass is a backcountry skier’s paradise, offering a mix of rugged terrain and more accessible slopes. The proximity to the city and breathtaking views make it a popular destination, so it’s not uncommon to encounter crowds, especially on weekends. However, if you’re willing to venture off the main routes, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for solitude and untracked lines. For a classic experience, skin up to Snow Lake on a clear, low-avalanche-risk day. But be prepared — this spot draws plenty of fellow skiers, so arrive early if you want a parking spot and first tracks.

Parking

Summit at Snoqualmie
A Summit Uphill Travel Pass is now required for anyone traveling uphill within ski area boundaries, at all times. Whenever lifts at Summit East, Summit Central, or Summit West are open, uphill travelers must use designated uphill travel routes. When lifts are NOT running (area is not open) at Summit East, Summit Central, or Summit West, designated uphill travel routes are recommended, but not required.

Alaska Adventure Zone
Avalanche evaluation skills are a requirement to navigate this steep and committing terrain.

Kendall Ridge
This tour starts by Summit East at the Gold Creek Sno-Park. Follow an old logging road for 4 miles to a clear open viewpoint close to the Kendall Lakes basins.

Rampart

Silver Peak

Red Mountain

Wright Mountain
Wright Mountain, home to the relatively obscure Oyster Couloir, provides a unique skiing destination. The mountain offers impressive views of the Alpental Valley, Chair Peak, Bryant, Snoqualmie Mountain, and Gem Lake. The couloir features a blind entrance, and at its narrowest, it's only as wide as a ski. Ski crampons and veggie belays may be required for safe travel. Snow Lake, while seemingly serene, may not be safe for crossing, especially during the early season. Navigating through terrains like snow-covered boulders, icy waterfalls, and a forested gully is part of the journey down the mountain.

Chair Peak Circumnavigation
The tour around chair peak requires very good snow stability and skiers will be rewarded with beautiful ski descents in Alpental Valley.

Roaring Ridge

Phantom

Lundin Peak

Guye Peak

Granite Mountain

Twin Lakes

Mount Catherine

Abiel Peak

Mount Margaret

Kendall Peak

Surveyors Lake

Kendall Adventure Zone

Chair Peak
Chair Peak is a sought-after destination nestled in the Alpental Valley. This location offers breathtaking views such as Bryant Peak, Source Lake, and a fascinating panorama from Chair Peak Basin. A route to the north side via the first notch in the ridge is typically preferred for its relative safety. Once on the ridge, skiers can enjoy views of the NE Buttress and onward towards Snow Lake. The skiing terrain on the north slopes of Chair is quite remarkable – moderately steep and filled with soft, deep snow, providing an adventurous descent towards Snow Lake. However, caution is required for lower, unseen cliffs. Additional points of interest include the ice formations on Snow Lake's shore, Snoqualmie Mountain at the lake's end, and magnificent views of Mt. Garfield. Skiers should note that the south-facing snow tends to deteriorate under strong sunlight, presenting some challenging conditions on the final descent to Source Lake.

Source Lake

Avalanche Mountain

Kendall Knob

Snoqualmie Mountain
The tour to the Slot Couloir has beautiful views, but the ascent is not direct and avalanche hazard identification skills are a requirement.

McClellan Butte
McClellan Butte has an exposed 3000' descent that is avalanche prone.

Mount Roosevelt

Humpback Mountain

Pineapple Pass
This tour is short and a great introduction to Alpental backcountry skiing.
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