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7 ways to make the most of Winter in Washington!

It's time to hit the slopes because winter in Washington is truly a wonderland!

EDITOR'S NOTE: Several segments in the above episode were shot prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

There are plenty of awesome outdoor activities to try out any time of the year in Washington -- from apple picking in the fall to paddleboarding in the summer. However, wintertime in our state is truly a sight to behold.

Folks all over the Northwest are hitting the slopes and taking in the beauty of the snow-covered trees and hills. Keep reading for Evening's 2021 guide to Winter in the Northwest!

1. Ski, snowboard, innertube, and more at The Summit at Snoqualmie

The Summit at Snoqualmie is where to go if you crave snow. Just about an hour from Seattle, with four ski areas, an innertube park, nordic skiing and even snowshoe trails, there's something for everyone on these slopes at the summit of Snoqualmie Pass. 

There are COVID-19 prevention protocols in place as well. Wearing a face covering that goes over your chin, mouth and nose is required in the base area and in lift lines and on chairlifts. Unless you are seated and eating or drinking, or sliding down the hill, mask up. Social distancing in lines is required, there is food available for purchase (use a card, they have a no-cash policy in place right now) dining is all outdoors, and firepits help keep it all cozy. Ride chairlifts with who you came up with only, and use your car as a base camp.  And this should go without saying at this point, but if you don't feel well, stay home. You don't want to be the reason they have to close this season.

READ MORE: Snow day at The Summit at Snoqualmie

2. Summit with a Snowbike

With Skibyk, you will be able to rip up the hills and experience the slopes in a whole new way! It's essentially a mountain bike with skis instead of wheels.

Generally, within a few runs, you'll be cruising and having fun. And the learning curve is very accelerated compared to skiing or boarding.

READ MORE: Skibyk is a new way to have fun in the mountains

3. Giving everyone access to the slopes

Founded in 1979 in the Pacific Northwest, Outdoors for All is a national leader in delivering adaptive and therapeutic recreation for individuals with disabilities. Each year more than 2,400 individuals exercise their abilities thanks to the training and support of more than 700 volunteers. Programs include snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross country and downhill skiing, cycling, mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, and more.

READ MORE: Transforming lives through outdoor recreation

4. Visit an ice castle in White Pass

Every year, volunteers work for two weeks building a life-sized snow castle for the White Pass Winter Carnival. Evening met up with the building team in 2018.

"It's a day where we invite the entire Highway 12 corridor to come play in the snow. It's one of those things that, if you're a kid, you're welcome, if you're not a kid, you'd better come up and act like one,” said Kathleen Goyette, marketing manager for White Pass.

It's a tradition that started at White Pass in 1985 when Dave 'Spike' Mahre - the father of Olympic medalists Steve and Phil Mahre – built a snow castle on the lower slopes of the ski resort he managed. One castle led to another. Because as anyone who's seen Frozen can attest, snow castles are pretty cool.

READ MORE: White Pass castle makes magic every year

5. Try out dog sledding

Lots of people ski, snowboard or snowshoe, but have you ever considered dog sledding?

You and your family can take a ride with the "flying furs" of Northwest Dogsled Adventures.

“This is one of the finer days you’re going to find just right for doing winter sports,” said Larry Roxby. “There’s no wind, it’s still, there’s lots and lots of snow on the ground, you must have at least 6 feet here, the radiant sunlight it really does warm you up, you can see the dogs like it.”

READ MORE: Take a ride with the 'flying furs' of Northwest Dogsled Adventures

6. Find snow-capped Sasquatch

There's a Yeti at the top of Mission Ridge. Or a Sasquatch. It depends on the weather.

Zeb Postelwait and his wife Kasey Koski visit this constantly changing sculpture often. You might say he's their big baby.

“We definitely want to take care of him, make sure he stays up here for a good long time,” said Zeb.

These two, along with their friend Thad Brewer, are this creature's creators.

READ MORE: Sasquatch spotted at Wenatchee ski resort

7. Own a piece of ski history

Washington's been the place for winter pastimes as long as snow's been falling on Mount Rainier. And you can get your own digital copy of some snowy blasts from our state's past, thanks to Ed Nolan, head of collections at the Washington State Historical Society in Tacoma. They're part of an online exhibit called Washington's Winter Pastimes.  

Dozens of pieces of local ski history live on thanks to this collection, and with digital scanning, anyone can buy copies of these pieces from the Washington State History Museum website - a great way to gift your favorite Northwest skiier. 

There are also some artifacts in this collection – gigantic red snow pants made by Filson, a Northwest company, some snowshoes, and a 1912 sled made of packing boxes. None of the artifacts are for sale, but you can also check them out online.

READ MORE: Own a piece of Washington's skiing past

Couldn't find what you're looking for? KING 5's Evening celebrates the Northwest. Contact us: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Email.

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