One of the best parts of living in Yakima is our true four-season climate. When the leaves start turning, locals head to the Sporthaus to get their snow gear tuned up as they anxiously await opening day. As the snow falls, locals head up to the Cascades and trade their road bikes for snow bikes, their running shoes for snowshoes, and their mountain bikes and climbing gear for skis or a snowboard.
White Pass is the mecca for Yakima snow sports, and with a drive time of just around an hour from town, there’s no excuse for staying home on your day (or afternoon) off. Downhill enthusiasts will enjoy the fast lifts, deep snow, and variety of terrain offered at the White Pass ski area (home hill to Olympians Phil and Steve Mahre). Hikers, bikers, and cross-country fans will find their home at the White Pass Nordic Center which maintains a variety of groomed cross-country trails.
💡 IHY WISDOM: The ski area and the Sporthaus in Yakima both offer rentals, tune-ups and new equipment. Little Red School House in Naches has rentals as well. Make sure you check out White Pass’s event calendar. They often have sunset snowshoeing tours out of the Nordic Center. We opt to eat in Naches on our way back to town. Our go-to’s are Bron Yr Aur Brewing Company, Nier the Nook, and D'Nile Tap House.
🗺️ Google Map of this general location
(📷: White Pass/Instagram)
Those looking for winter hikes will have plenty of options in the Chinook and Tieton valleys. The Pacific Crest Trail runs just east of White Pass and is a great way to get into the wilderness in a hurry. Up the Chinook valley you’ll find miles of terrain to explore. From the groomed Pleasant Valley Sno-Park to the more rugged terrain off Bumping River Road there’s and adventure for every experience level.
💡 IHY WISDOM: Check out the Yakima Herald’s guide to Snowshoeing and Nordic Skiing Guide and you can rent gear from Little Red School House in Naches or Sporthaus in Yakima.
(📷: Bill Dezellum/Yakima Herald)
