Calling all Northwest skiers...what is your favorite affordable but well rounded ski experience in the Northwest? We are intermediate skiers, but we don't want to spring for Whistler type prices/crowds. Still, we would like a ski experience that includes a decent lodge and a good place to stay with restaurants nearby. Please offer your best ideas!

Stevens Pass in WA is good, and Leavenworth is a good town to base yourself. You can also hit Mission Ridge from there.

In OR, Mt. Hood Meadows is good, and has a few places not too far to stay over. Hood River has more options for hotels and restaurants than Government Camp. There is also Timberline Lodge, where you can ski there or head over to meadows.

Also in OR is Bachelor, over near Bend. Bend is a great town with lots of places to stay as well as shops/restaurants, but another place to consider just south of there a few miles is Sunriver Resort. That is where we always stay. It is only about 15 minutes to Bend.

I agree with mms, particularly about Mt. Hood Meadows and Bachelor.

We love Meadows, but there are no accommodations at the mountain. You can stay in nearby Government Camp lodges, but restaurants are pretty skimpy there. We stay in Hood River, which is a great town with lots of lodging/restaurant choices, but it is a 30-40 minute drive to Meadows. If you go, park at the Hood River Meadows base, which is less crowded and closer to Hood River.

I wouldn't give up on Whistler though. It has the widest variety of runs and you can always find a spot that isn't crowded. If you are careful, you can get reasonably-priced condos where you can further cut down on costs by prepping at least some of your own meals. If you live in WA or BC, you can purchase a discount "Edge Card" pass that will reduce lift prices a bit. Check out www.alluradirect.com for good condo prices and other discounts.

Hello,

I grew up as a skier in Western Washington and have skied everything, including Whistler/Blackcomb (which was great and fun), but my favorite is Mt. Baker. I learned to ski on Mt. Baker. There are ski runs for every level. You sound like skiers for the Shuksan area of Mt. Baker. It has good lodges, some of the best and biggest snow during most ski seasons, and reasonable prices. The lodges have been remodeled and new ones built recently. You can go down the mountain about 10 miles (20 minute drive) to the little town of Glacier for a funky, good meal and there are a few basic accommodations. There are little towns along the Mt. Baker Highway with funky, fun restaurants. But, Bellingham is only a 60 minute drive and has a large selection of hotels, from your typical economy chain hotels to luxury boutique hotels, such as the Chrysalis Inn and the Hotel Bellwether.

Best Regards,
Julia

The northwest is full of hidden gems! mt baker is probably the best choice. I think they get more snow per year than any other ski resort in america.

i used to live in seattle though and went to stevens a lot before i discovered alpental in snoqualmie, wa... not sure it fits your criteria (not much apres ski in the immediate vicinity) and its pretty small, but alpental has some KILLER bc terrain, especially if you dont mind hiking a little. definitely steep and deep!

Big Mountain in Whitefish, Montana

Sun Peaks or Crystal Mountain are nice.