stevens pass ski area

KathleenE22

My husband and I have been skiing at Stevens Pass for years. It is not an end destination Ski Resort but they do their very best in grooming. It was quite evident today when we skied that they have done everything possible to give you a good day on the slopes despite the lack of snow and the lowest snow pack we have had in years. The staff is always friendly and helpful. They continue to add great detachable chairs. Unfortunately the population growth in the PNW makes this ski area to crowded on the weekends. As they are a friendly place, they have no way to control the people in the public eating areas, some families do not even ski I am not sure why this is not limited to skiers.

shnara

I'm a beginner-intermediate. I live 2 hours away from the resort and I try going there weekend. Weather permitting, you'll enjoy all the slopes. Don't forget to explore the backside mountain (Jupiter lines).

cougski

I'm a life-long alpine skiier and tried cross-country skiing for the first time. I was very impressed by the Stevens Pass Nordic Center staff and instructor. Having been an alpine instructor myself, I know good teaching when I see it. Ed at the Nordic Center was really outstanding with his tasks, feedback, progression and instruction. The rental center was really busy in the morning as well, and the staff were patient, organized and pleasant as they moved everyone and got them out the door for winter fun. I've been at many resorts and it was good to see a staff so knowledgeable, efficient and guest centered.

ALFriedman

Stevens Pass is about 1,000 feet higher than Snoqualmie Pass, where the rest of the Seattle region ski areas are located. That elevation difference can be huge in terms of snow quality, as it is sometimes snowing at Stevens while Snoqualmie is experiencing freezing rain.Stevens Pass also has a great variety of terrain, ranging from fun cruising runs off the Tyee Chair, to the nasty steeps of 7th Heaven, to wide-open bowls on the back side.While it can get crowded on weekends, you can usually find somewhere that isn't as bad (e.g. Tyee Chair and Jupiter Chair). Try to get there as early as possible on weekends, to avoid having to hike far from your parking spot. We try to drive to the top-most lot above the Brooks Chair, where you ought to be able to park quite close to a runout that means you can practically ski to your car.

davidlF8798QA

I have skied at Stevens pass for well over 40 years and this little mountain never fails to please. They have great annual snowfalls, and are really great at grooming. They maintain a big park with many features, as well as some of the northwest's best in bounds "steeps". They also have great lifts and programs for kids. They are constantly upgrading their lifts and runs, and have invested in a couple pretty nice lodges. The only downfall if the lack of on mountain accommodations. The good thing about this is that if you are looking for a nice place to spend the night Leavenworth is just a short drive east of the pass, and has a great many options. All in all it ROCKS

danclem

This is a really fun area to ride, especially now that the Green, or easier route, has been completed.I am a 65 year old cross country, clip-in mountain bike rider, and I would recommend staying off the black runs unless you are on a downhill bike.Start off on Golden Spike to get used to the trails, curves, and wood features. Next try Rock Crusher, a very enjoyable blue trail. After you feel comfortable on this run, go for it. From my perspective the mountain bike riding at Stevens is fairly technical. If you are a new rider, be sure to ask about appropriate trails, feel comfortable on the skill park features, and know how to move your weight back on steep sections.Very fun spot. The resort has also done a good job of upgrading the food quality at the restaurant. Here is a link to a video of riding down Rock Crusher: http://youtu.be/1byQ_ZjRgSQ.

DougP312

A lot of mountain bikers know about this area in the summer months. If you are just passing through like we were, take a ride up in the chair lift and do a little mountain hike. The views are amazing. It's only $12 for a ride up and down. If you're mountain biking I think it's like $30 for the day.

teamSTW

Went as a family. 13 year old fairly new Mountain biker, 40 something year old parents that have been riding for many years. Thought that the green runs were open...they are not. Most of the riders were 20 something guys. More of a BMX trail with jumps and berms and ramps. All of the peeps at the store were awesome. Just don't do unless you are brave and advanced rider. I WOULD LIKE TO TRY THE TRAILS WHEN THEY GET GREEN.

2much10s

We stopped here mid week in March, long runs, sunny day perfect day to snowboard with our kids. No lines and staff was very friendly.

narcisanancye

Well organized business, specials online & events planning & execution are efficiently run. Family-oriented and classy conditions for vacationers like us! Impressive first visit...will return again. BEAUTIFUL mountain to ski & board...everyone from staff to crowd were polite & accommodating. GREAT facilities!

RobinB518

I've skied at Stevens Pass for about ten years, and often in the Spring. This week, during the week, with the back basin closed (about 1/3rd of the ski area) and the terrain park lift closed, they were charging full $ 67 for "flex 8 hrs". But the ski area is only open from 9 til 4, which is only 7 hrs. If you buy "flex 4" it is only a $ 5 savings, $ 62.There used to be spring deals, cheaper lift tickets, 2 for 1s, and my older friends could get senior discounts at 60 or 62... now you have to be 70 to get a little discount. Used to be able to ski on your birthday for free, and I used to take friends up on my bday. Very disappointing with the new (past couple years) ownership of Stevens Pass.They are getting a little more money squeezed out of patrons, but my friends are not going very often now, and I cancelled skiing there today. Too expensive for not the best conditions, and I like skiing the back bowl.

wonderwoman

I skied at Stevens twice this season (first season snowboarding seriously) and now that I am comfortable on the blue runs I think it's an okay mountain. Definitely not for beginners. Beginner-intermediate skiers/riders may like the Skyline run. It's a gentle blue run (long and wide) that's perfect for practicing turns. Crystal is my favorite in the area but if I want to mix things up a bit I'll go to Stevens.

beecantrell

I don't think I would come here as a beginner, but after they have a good variety of blue and single black diamond runs. The backside is a ton of fun. The lifts run off card readers, so you don't have to stand around and wait for someone to scan your lift ticket like Snoqualmie. They do get busy a lot, so I would expect to be crammed in with a few other patrons on the lift. Also, if you have people renting gear in your party the wait for them might be pretty long.But if you have your own gear and an RFID card for the lift you can pre-load online before leaving, park in the high lot and snowboard/ski to the lift and immediately spend you day up there.Just be prepared for it to be busy and not beginner friendly. The lodges are all pretty nice, several options for food/drinks.

Josephco13

So I've been snowboarding since the fifth grade, I'm now 23. I don't expect much out of a resort. Just some good slopes. We'll I took the day off from work. Had to find someone to take my shift. Had to find new gear. Drove for three hours to the resort. Put chains on. Ready to pay for mine and my fiancés tickets. But they had no parking. They wouldn't even tell you. The places where you needed to park, staff would stand there and point for you to keep going. Did a half hour loop and no one even told me there was no parking. No signs, and only posted it on there website at like 130. And when I would stop and ask for help I would literally get screamed at, to get out of the way and keep driving. Rather drive down to Mt baker. Never coming back and usually never say that about resorts even the smallest ones. Would say the worst experience snowboard trip made besides when I broke my arm! Highly recommend considering other resorts. Never seen such a zoo and rudeness. Unorganized and very rude!!!!!

kbarnard10

I put my 5 year old and 8 year old in lessons over the Presidents Day weekend. Having put them both in school at other resorts in the past, this was certainly one of the best. The checkin process is pretty smooth (albeit they didn't have our children's rental paperwork prepared) and the instructors were all very positive and reassuring. Both the kids had a great time.As for the rest of the resort, the other reviews are spot on. This is not a resort for beginners. The vast majority of the trails are blue, black, and double black. The lone area with greens is serviced by one slow lift. I did like the skiing, but the lack of nearby lodging and overcrowded lodges mean that this resort is just average. If they could upgrade some of the lifts with some hi-speed quads and add one more lodge, I'd easily make this a 4 or 5.