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
Part sculpture park, part nature preserve, Whidbey Island s zen center is open every single day (daylight hours only, no dogs) for distanced strolling and reflection. Multiple stone circles, including one made of basalt columns from the Columbia River area, stand ready for impromptu
Outlander cosplay, tucked into the forest along with modern sculpture, a hedge labyrinth, and a Buddhist stupa. During the holiday season, the owners have hidden tiny fairy doors around the property for kids to spot.
$7 per personÂ
One of our favorite beginner snowshoe hikes begins just off I-90 at Snoqualmie Pass, Gold Creek Pond is the ideal combo of being easy and beautiful, and is never prone to dangerous avalanches. Be sure to score a Sno-Park pass for parking. Plop down for a winter picnic mid-hike, then get more use out of your pass at Hyak Sno-Park across the freeway; the sledding hill is open when snow levels allow.Â