The Summit at Snoqualmie, WA; (425) 434-7669; (206) 236-1600 (info line)
Internet: www.summitatsnoqualmie.com
26 lifts; 1,916 acres; 2,310 vertical feet; 5 terrain parks; 1 superpipe

The Summit comprises four separate ski areas, all within a mile of each other on Snoqualmie Pass. Three are connected by trails, and the fourth, Alpental, is a mile away on another face. The four areas—Alpental, Summit West, Summit Central and Summit East—share an interchangeable lift ticket and offer a free shuttle so skiers can get from one to the others. Our stats reflect the combined lifts and acreage, while the vertical listed is for Alpental. The  vertical drop at the other three areas varies from 900 to 1,080 feet.

Alpental has the most rugged reputation. Summit West features gentle green and blue runs, plus it’s home to two terrain parks and a snowdeck/snowskate park. Summit Central has mostly gentle terrain with a few serious black-diamond drops off the ridge, as well as the flagship terrain park and 400-foot-long superpipe with 17-foot-high walls. The pipe has a sound system and is lighted for night riding. Summit East has some great tree runs among its attractions. At least one of the areas is closed every weekday, sometimes two are, but the entire complex is open weekends and holidays (call or visit the website for the specific schedule).

A variety of children's lessons are available. Night skiing operates until 10:30 p.m. (9 p.m. Sundays) on any mountain open that day. A Nordic ski area offers 50 km. of trails.

Lift tickets (06/07 prices): Adults (13–61), $46; youth (7–12)/senior (62–69), $31; children 6 and younger & super seniors 70+, $9 (taxes are not included).

Distance from Seattle: About 50 miles east on I-90.

Lodging information: Best Western Summit Inn (800-557-7829; 425-434-6300). Visit the resort’s website for a listing of other lodging and private homes available for rent.