Welcome to a La Niña winter, known for its huge levels of precipitation, at the foot of the Cascades, one of the steepest ranges in the country. We have snow, we have mountainsâand yet no one seems to knowÂ
where can a Seattleite go sledding. What gives?
Despite the dozen ski areas across Washington, there are few accessible spots for the toboggan set. Crystal Mountain Resort and Stevens Pass Ski Resort both ban sledding (even at the latter's Nordic Center, which used to allow it). Which means that before Summit East opened its chairlifts this year, families crowded the Snoqualmie Pass ski area despite the giant "No Sledding" banners posted at its base. The hunger for snowplay is so strong, you sometimes see impromptu sled hills on the Exit 42 onramp on I-90 (don't do this).Â