The Summit at Snoqualmie, with its four distinct skiing and snowboarding locations—Summit West, Summit Central, Summit East, and Alpental—stands out as the ideal winter wonderland that captivates children and excites adults. Nestled just an hour drive from Seattle, this ski paradise unfolds across nearly 2,000 skiable acres, divided into four unique areas linked by 25 lifts, and boasts more than 2,000 vertical feet of exhilarating fun. It serves as a magical playground where kids setting out on their first snowy expedition and adults with a deep-seated love for skiing can each discover their perfect slice of winter bliss.
In this blog post, we guide you through choosing the ideal Summit location for your family’s winter ski trip, whether it be Summit West, Summit Central, Summit East, or Alpental, to ensure the best experience for your kids on the slopes.
Table of Contents
Summit West: The Beginner-Friendly Choice
Ideal for: Families and kids new to skiing or snowboarding.
With its beginner-oriented slopes and convenient magic carpets, Summit West stands out as the ideal starting point for families diving into the world of skiing and snowboarding. With its gentle terrains and accessible lifts, including three surface (magic carpet) lifts designed specifically for ease and safety, it’s the perfect enclave for beginners. A notable feature is the magic carpet situated beneath the four-seater lift, offering a seamless transition to the slopes, albeit leading to a slightly more challenging blue run. When hunger strikes, a variety of dining options like Timberwolf Bar and Grill and Stan’s Cafe await to satiate your cravings. And for all your skiing apparel and gear, Slopestyles is the go-to spot.
Summit Central: Stepping Up the Adventure
Ideal for: Families with some skiing experience looking to expand their skills. Plus night Skiing!
As your skills progress, Summit Central beckons with its beginner-friendly yet exciting landscape. Recent enhancements, including a double magic carpet tunnel, make learning both fun and efficient. The addition of a magic carpet under their green lift simplifies the learning curve for kids, easing them into lift use without the need to navigate off the carpet. Those seeking more thrill will find longer and more challenging blue runs here than at Summit West. With a plethora of dining and gear shops, like the Timberhouse Cafe and Gravity Gear, Summit Central enriches your skiing experience with convenience and variety.
Summit East: The Scenic Route
Ideal for: Families seeking longer, scenic runs and a quieter atmosphere.
Among the four, Summit East shines as a special favorite for many, including our family. Its tree-lined ambiance and lengthier green runs create an immersive skiing experience, where you’re more likely to spend your time gliding down slopes than waiting in lift lines. Although devoid of magic carpets, Summit East’s gentle green and blue runs are perfectly suited for young skiers, including our six-year-old, who, in her second year of skiing, has declared it her top choice. The more extended runs, significantly longer than those at Summit West, offer a more fulfilling experience on the snow, enhancing both skills and enjoyment.
Alpental: The Challenge Awaits
Ideal for: Experienced skiing families and those looking for a challenge.
Alpental’s terrain is best suited for families with strong skiing skills, offering steep and deep runs that thrill and challenge. While it has limited options for beginners, it does feature a green lift and a magic carpet for those not quite ready to tackle the black runs. Alpental offers a taste of the adventurous spirit of Pacific Northwest skiing.
Night Skiing: A Starlit Adventure at The Summit at Snoqualmie
Adding to the charm of night skiing at The Summit at Snoqualmie is the added bonus of more affordable lift tickets, making it an excellent opportunity to introduce kids to skiing with lifts. Night skiing begins at 4pm, offering families the chance to enjoy the slopes under the glow of the moon and stars at a reduced cost. This not only extends the fun into the evening but also presents a budget-friendly option for experiencing the thrill of the slopes with your little ones.
Explore our 360-degree immersive photo taken from the lift at Summit Central, capturing the magic of our night skiing adventure with the kids.
Summit Central: The Heart of Night Skiing
Summit Central shines as the beacon of nocturnal winter sports, operating six nights a week for the majority of the season. This schedule opens up ample opportunities for mid-week night laps, allowing skiers and snowboarders to enjoy the slopes after sunset. The illuminated runs provide a different perspective of the mountain, transforming the skiing experience with a quieter, more serene atmosphere.
Expanded Night Skiing at Summit West and Alpental
In addition to Summit Central, night skiing extends to Summit West and Alpental, both of which remain open late four days a week. This expansion ensures that enthusiasts have multiple options for night skiing, catering to a variety of skill levels and preferences. Whether it’s the family-friendly slopes of Summit West or the challenging terrain of Alpental, night skiing adds an extra layer of adventure to your winter sports experience.
Planning for Night Skiing
Remember, while Summit East is a beloved spot for its longer, tree-lined runs, it operates on a more limited schedule and does not offer night skiing. Therefore, when planning your visit, especially if you’re intrigued by the idea of skiing under the stars, consider the night skiing schedules at Summit Central, West, and Alpental to ensure you capture the full magic of The Summit at Snoqualmie after dark.
Whether you’re looking to extend your ski day or simply enjoy the slopes under the glow of floodlights, night skiing at The Summit provides an unforgettable adventure for all ages.
Adventures Beyond Skiing (Tubing!)
The Summit doesn’t just cater to skiers and snowboarders. The Summit Tubing Center provides an exhilarating alternative with its family-friendly tubing with over 20 exciting lanes that guarantee a thrilling experience. And the best part? They have a special lane just for kids! Making this a perfect day out with the family.
Thanks for Reading!
The Summit at Snoqualmie is not just a ski resort; it’s a family adventure hub that brings the magic of winter to life for children and adults alike. With its close proximity to Seattle, varied terrain for all skill levels, and a wealth of amenities, it stands out as a must-visit destination for families seeking snowy fun. Whether you’re tracing the first paths down the beginner hills or enjoying the crisp night air on the slopes, Snoqualmie offers an unforgettable winter escape for the whole family.
