Help Us Celebrate 20 Years!

in the snow is at Stevens Pass Resort, operated by Vail Resorts. The company just upgraded the Brooks Express and Daisy Chairlifts, doubling capacity on Brooks. These lifts are perfect for the beginning and intermediate riders. Nobody expects you to know a single thing about skiing — bring the kids, rent some gear and sign up for a lesson. Group and private lessons are available for skiing and snowboarding.

“Last season, we had over 500 inches of snow fall on Stevens Pass, so you can certainly expect snow, and lots of it. Teams are consistently working to improve the guest experience and we’ve put in a great deal to make sure this season is one of our best,” Christopher Owen, Vail Resorts’ Communication Specialist shared. Night skiing is very popular at Stevens Pass and is year-round athlete and Marysville special-ed teacher Natalie Maneval’s favorite time of all to ski.

“My family loves snowboarding at night. It’s cheaper and not very busy at all. It’s the best ski experience we’ve had!” Maneval said.

The ski resort has 1,125 acres of skiable terrain, 52 major runs, numerous bowls, glades and face. There is something here for every level of skier, from beginning to knock-your-socks-off, how’d-theydo-that advanced.

Just six miles east of the summit, the resort’s Nordic Center has a dedicated sledding and snow play area. (This area was closed to sledding last winter season for social distancing, so be sure to check with Stevens Pass for updates, including open hours and fees.)

The Nordic Center is perfect for cross country skiing, as well as snowshoeing. There are more than 28 miles of machine-groomed trails along the bottom of Jim Hill Mountain. Swoosh. Swoosh. Swoosh. The rhythmic movement of the skis is peaceful in the tracks formed by the skier ahead of you. Slide along under the snow laden branches of the giant western cedar trees. Smell the alpine air. See the prints of tiny animals that hopped across the trail. Witness streams frozen in time.

Every experience on the mountain will bring you a different kind of thrill — whether quietly connecting with nature or feeling the rush of winter air across your face as you ski downhill. It’s all a thrill. And it’s all waiting for you at Stevens Pass.

Fuel Up Before You Fire Up

The mountain is calling, but so is that donut and latte!

You’ve got a big day ahead of you — skiing on the slopes, snowshoeing in the backcountry. Whatever it’s going to be today, that mountain has your name on it and it’s an early start. Don’t go hungry — fuel that body before you free that spirit.

Kick it in gear

Sometimes the morning requires a kick of caffeine and other times nature’s delivery of vitamin C is in order. We’ve got you covered. Get it GrubHub-delivered or show up on Freylands Boulevard at Lake Tye and make your choice. Paesano’s Coffee & Cafe has strong espresso and friendly greetings. Consider trading out that coffee for a Happy Mountain Kombucha and a hearty breakfast to-go of Straw Propeller oatmeal — so many flavors to choose from! Paesano’s also has a drive-up window at Main and U.S. 2.

(14655 Fryelands Blvd., Monroe, WA)

Next to the coffeehouse you’ll find a healthy choice in açaí bowls, poke bowls and fresh, all-natural smoothies from Island Blends Acai

Inspired by their time and traditions of Hawaii, the partners began with a food truck whose popularity pushed them to a brick and mortar location next to Paesano’s.

(14655 Fryelands Blvd, Monroe, WA)

Did you say donuts?

Darci’s Dinky Donuts makes exactly what they say they do… and they’re fresh, hot and delicious! The dinky little bite-size delights are made fresh at the coffee stand, along with biscuits and gravy. Seriously? Who does that? Darci’s does.

(301 N. Lewis Street, Monroe, WA)

That Takes the Cake in Sultan is a great choice for a pre-mountain carb load. Mainly vegan and with gluten free options, the bakery sells out of their homemade bagels as quickly as they can make them.

(415 Main Street, Sultan, WA)

Ray of light

It’s not far from Monroe to Sultan, but it doesn’t take long for you to realize that you better make a pit stop before you head into the mountains. Sultan has you covered. Take a quick bathroom break at Sultan’s Traveler’s Park. It’s all lit up for the season and stands out like a beacon before the morning light. Later in the day it’s a good choice, as well, for picnic tables and a gander at Freedom Rock, painted by artist Ray “Bubba” Sorenson II. The rock is one of many across the nation painted with the American flag and local heroes, intended to honor our veterans. (800 West Stevens Ave, Sultan, WA)

You are now set for a day in the mountains. Play hard — it makes your evening rewards all the more enjoyable.

Hungry much?

Of course you are. It’s been a big day, the winter chill was warded off by a busy day of skiing or hiking, and you’re ready to refuel and rest. Mountain View Diner in Gold Bar is your first stop. Barrel back spindle chairs, tidy booths, and a scrunchy valance with a wooden train set above provide the quintessential diner environment. You’re here for the food, and it’s plentiful. The oldfashioned diner food is the kind that meets the need for a hearty meal: chicken fried steak and country gravy, gigantic cinnamon rolls and sweet pecan pie, mountain hash, steak and eggs, all served up by friendly locals. (1306 Croft Ave., Gold Bar, WA)

With so many other options, though, try treating yourself to one of those cinnamon rolls and head into Monroe, to Route 2 Taproom. Growlers of draught beer start the evening off right, followed up by your choice of a wide variety of small plates, shareables, and a hearty meal. Reuben sandwiches on marble rye, fried pickles, juicy burgers, prime rib dip, onion rings. Good news for skiers: Route 2 Taproom will sell your first beer for $1 if you show your ski pass. Rotating promotions, and a solid line-up of beer on tap will make this the perfect ending to a perfect day. (19837 U.S. 2, Monroe, WA)

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