Alpental

The Summit at Snoqualmie winter resort consists of four formerly independent ski venues, including the Alpental ski area. It joined with Hyak, Ski Acres, and Snoqualmie Summit under the ownership of Boyne Resorts. Open daily (and six nights) every week, all peaks are located off Interstate 90, just 50 east of Seattle, Washington.

The unique name is the German word for alpine valley, and the road taken off of I-90 to get to this particular resort is also German-sounding, Erste Strasse. Most people who are flying, especially International guests, will be familiar with the name of the Seattle/Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac). Ground services, including rentals, will move guests from Seattle to the ski area.

Advanced Fun During the Day and Night

The Summit at Snoqualmie complex boasts having the most nighttime skiing available in the United States. Three peaks are open late, and the Alpental ski area operates after dark on four days of the week. Expert skiers will enjoy the lower mountain and short lines, as it is the least-crowded peak at night.

The ski area does not maintain groomed Nordic ski trails, but over 40 miles of Nordic fun is available in other parts of the Summit at Snoqualmie near Summit Central and Summit East. That includes both Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. Snowtubing is also found off-mountain at the Summit Tubing Park located near Summit Central.

Alpental, and the other venues in the Summit at Snoqualmie resort, receive more than 425 inches of snow on average each year. The Cascades are famous for the snowfall, and it is one of the features that attracts skiers and snowboarders to the region. Quality snow remains on the slopes of Alpental for most of the season, thanks in part to its more challenging terrain and features. The mountain's terrain makes the valley prone to avalanche activity, so following safety rules is advisable, both inbounds and beyond the signs.

Challenges Await the Brave

The history of the Alpental ski area makes it a bucket list destination for rippers and shredders alike. Its base elevation rests at 3,140 feet, and the summit at Denny's Mountain provides the longest verticle drop on the Summit at Snoqualmie resort at 2,280 feet.

Two dozen trails cover the slopes here, with most catering to advanced and expert skiers. Only St. Bernard is rated green, with four others marked with blue. The remaining are rated black diamond or double diamond. It spreads out over more than 800 acres of skiable terrain, and the longest run here is more than a mile in length. Night skiing is possible on around 120 acres of the Alpental venue.

Patrons can use the three double chairs, quad chair, and surface lift to move around the Alpental ski area. Other features here include the Minis program for younger guests that are first-timers or experienced on their skis or boards. Alpental also offers pro guides, the Freeride program, and access to its Back Bowls (with a pass obtained from the Patrol on top of the Edelweiss Chair).