Let’s face it. Last-minute getaways can be some of the most rewarding and exciting travel, especially when it’s to take advantage of playing in the recent heavy snowfall the Northwest has seen. No matter if you’re an avid skier or just want to enjoy chilly days in the snow, warm up your dreary travel calendar with a last-minute getaway to one of these three great destinations.
Island Park, ID Snow Vacations
Beautiful mountains, valleys, and rivers meander through Island Park offering the most picture-perfect backdrop for your vacation. Snowmobiling is a favorite pastime in this little Idaho town. And with lots of recent snow, there’s no time like the present to pack up and head for the hills. With cozy cottages for two or lodging in rustic cabins that will sleep upwards of 10, finding accommodations in Island Park is easy….from affordable to luxury.
Snowmobiling is amazing on hundreds of miles of groomed trails in the area. And if you can’t bring your ride along, no worries—they are available for rent. Also take advantage of guided tours to see the best of winter’s fresh blankets. Follow up a day in the brisk outdoors with a meal at a local favorite like Connie’s Restaurant & Saloon. Enjoy comfort foods from Prime Rib to Baby Back Ribs. And don’t forget dessert.
Yellowstone National Park has the distinction of being America’s first national park, established in 1872 and home to tons of wildlife such as grizzly bears, wolves, bison and elk. A stay in Island Park puts you in close proximity to Yellowstone National Park without the crowds—a big bonus!
Mt. Hood, OR Ski Vacation
The Mt. Hood area, including Rhododendron and Government Camp, offer prime winter destinations, especially following times of abundant snowfall. Rustic cabins are available to suit almost any size party and offer a wide variety of amenities from hot tubs to game rooms and more. You’ll find lovely decks for viewing Mother Nature’s proud displays, full kitchens, and plenty of modern comforts.
Mt. Hood’s Alpine Village features all the necessary options to truly set up base camp for year-round outdoor activities and recreation. Black iron art is interwoven throughout the streetscape where you’ll find shopping, taverns, and the town’s historic Museum and Visitor Center. Find your place here and get busy planning your playful snow days.
The area is brimming with well-groomed ski trails as well as good places for snowboarding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Kids (of all ages) will love tubing and sledding. Equipment is readily available for rent, and folks can take a lesson or better yet, a guided tour. Want something special for the family? Check out Mt. Hood Skibowl, home to the largest night ski area in the nation along with fabulous Cosmic Tubing with more than 600,000 colored LED lights. Talk about a time to remember!
Winter Fun in Mt. Baker, WA
There’s no better place to experience wintry days of snow and fun like a stay in Mt. Baker’s Snowline community. Family-friendly and bursting with winter recreational opportunities, guests enjoy lots of amenities such as a seasonal outdoor heated pool, tennis, basketball, volleyball, a playground and more. Better than that are the trails surrounding the community leading to the Nooksack River.
When cold weather calls, it’s nice to be right on the edge of the Snoqualmie National Forest and close to the Mt. Baker Ski Area. Sign up for beginner lessons, private classes, or whatever you need to get going on the slopes creating memories for a lifetime in one of America’s most appreciated ski areas.
When hunger pangs strike, Graham’s Restaurant is a crowd-pleaser in a western saloon setting. Comfort foods are served in generous portion sizes and you just can’t beat the wings.
Fun fact: The Mt. Baker Ski Area set the world record for snowfall for a single season back in 1999. A whopping 1,140 inches fell (that’s 95 FEET!), creating an increased knowledge of the area for world-class skiing.
No matter which destination you choose, there are wintry memories awaiting. Grab your friends and family and head to the northwest!!
