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Seattle/Snoqualmie Help

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DesertStix
Posts: 2540 - Karma: 14,980
Got a long weekend trip planned for Seattle in mid-December and was hoping for some help from anyone who knows the area. I’ve convinced the girlfriend to get a day of skiing in while we’re there and wanted to know how accessible Snoqualmie is and if it’s worth driving out there in mid-December at the very beginning of the season when the mountain might not be packed with snow.

We’re also interested in night skiing in Snoqualmie. Do they run lifts at night on the weekends too? Could one conceivably spend half a day touring Seattle and then drive to Snoqualmie for the 4-10pm night ski?

Any help us much appreciated.
Sep 12 2018 3:48AM
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SkiBoi420
Posts: 27 - Karma: 112
I live on the east side of the state but snoqualmie is the closest resort to me. The snow can be pretty hit or miss at the summit, they are known for heavy wet snow and rain but also 12-18"+ dumps when the conditions are right. I would recommend either Stevens pass or white pass depending on whether your north or south of Seattle. Both are about a 1000 ft higher and have better snow quality than the summit most of the time. As far as night skiing at the summit they open it based on conditions, summit Central night ski is calm and has a park, Alpental night ski is steeper and more advanced.
Sep 12 2018 10:47AM
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Line_Skis
Posts: 1989 - Karma: 37,659
Yes one could conviciably do that, only about 45-1hr away from Seattle on all highway (if it's snowing the pass might close FYI, check the reports). Check and see when night skiing starts because you might be a bit too early for that but if they do they're open during a good amount of the week. Keep it a game-time decision as that time of year it could be nuking snow or rain or a bit of both. Regardless have a great trip!
Sep 12 2018 11:33AM
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DesertStix
Posts: 2540 - Karma: 14,980
How accessible is Stevens Pass or White Pass from Seattle? I’ll be pretty centrally located...
SkiBoi420I live on the east side of the state but snoqualmie is the closest resort to me. The snow can be pretty hit or miss at the summit, they are known for heavy wet snow and rain but also 12-18"+ dumps when the conditions are right. I would recommend either Stevens pass or white pass depending on whether your north or south of Seattle. Both are about a 1000 ft higher and have better snow quality than the summit most of the time. As far as night skiing at the summit they open it based on conditions, summit Central night ski is calm and has a park, Alpental night ski is steeper and more advanced.
Sep 12 2018 5:22PM
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AstroKush
Posts: 184 - Karma: 360
Heading back 2 Seattle area in Jan too. I'd love to hear ya'll tips too.
Sep 12 2018 5:56PM
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SEABURN
Posts: 4859 - Karma: 2,752
It only rains here and it's really crowded, don't bother.
Sep 12 2018 6:48PM
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DesertStix
Posts: 2540 - Karma: 14,980
SEABURNIt only rains here and it's really crowded, don't bother.

You sound like tons of fun. Just trying to stimulate your economy my dude.
Sep 12 2018 9:37PM
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tinkytwinky
Posts: 2450 - Karma: 1,566
He's not kidding it actually only rains here .Snoqualmie doesnt even open until January sometimes and it's packed. Pack an umbrella and some water skis brah, cause best you're riding are the seattle ducks

**This post was edited on Sep 12th 2018 at 10:10:50pm
Sep 12 2018 10:10PM
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Skibumsmith
Posts: 5432 - Karma: 11,821
You should go to a Seahawks game instead.
Sep 12 2018 10:21PM
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DesertStix
Posts: 2540 - Karma: 14,980
Head to toe in my cowboys gear
SkibumsmithYou should go to a Seahawks game instead.
Sep 13 2018 12:55AM
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DesertStix
Posts: 2540 - Karma: 14,980
Already so pumped you guys
tinkytwinkyHe's not kidding it actually only rains here .Snoqualmie doesnt even open until January sometimes and it's packed. Pack an umbrella and some water skis brah, cause best you're riding are the seattle ducks

**This post was edited on Sep 12th 2018 at 10:10:50pm
Sep 13 2018 12:57AM
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Casey
Posts: 7849 - Karma: 24,317
It’s been said here but it is REALLY weather dependent in December at Snoqualmie. They brush cut and snow make as much as they can to open with a 20-30 inch base- which can be really fun if you keep your expectations low enough. I have gotten November pow days there though so it is possible. Early season is all about just getting back on skis anyway right? but the night thing may be a no-go that early. Also wouldn’t hold my breath for Alpental- the steep slopes, gullies and rock faces need a lot of snow for them to operate. Good luck!

Edit: your best bet for a good day early is going to be Crystal Mountain, no nights though.

White Pass is fun, but not really feasible for a day trip from Seattle, if it’s snowing count on a 3 hour drive to White Pass.

**This post was edited on Sep 13th 2018 at 1:08:47am
Sep 13 2018 1:03AM
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DesertStix
Posts: 2540 - Karma: 14,980
Thank you for a thoughtful and helpful response haha. Everyone’s making it sound awful but I’m used to driving 2 hours to ride sleet in 48 degrees WHEN the mountains open and operating so 20-30 inches just means I won’t brint the 106 ARVs lol.

I appreciate the help my dude
CaseyIt’s been said here but it is REALLY weather dependent in December at Snoqualmie. They brush cut and snow make as much as they can to open with a 20-30 inch base- which can be really fun if you keep your expectations low enough. I have gotten November pow days there though so it is possible. Early season is all about just getting back on skis anyway right? but the night thing may be a no-go that early. Also wouldn’t hold my breath for Alpental- the steep slopes, gullies and rock faces need a lot of snow for them to operate. Good luck!

Edit: your best bet for a good day early is going to be Crystal Mountain, no nights though.

White Pass is fun, but not really feasible for a day trip from Seattle, if it’s snowing count on a 3 hour drive to White Pass.

**This post was edited on Sep 13th 2018 at 1:08:47am
Sep 13 2018 1:18AM
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