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Member Reviews: The Summit At Snoqualmie - Alpental

Rolfe Schmidt

Don't Judge it by the Trail Map

Posted
Featured Review
By Rolfe Schmidt

Pros: steep & varied terrain, good for all levels, not crowded, easy access, ski school

Cons: short runs, low elevation, some crowded spots on weekends

Yes, at first glance Summit West/Central/East may look like your typical mid-atlantic ski hill, but go up and explore a bit and you'll be surprised what you find.  And Alpental is nothing like your typical mid-atlantic ski hill.   If you live in Seattle, this is a great place to go.  If you are visiting the area, it's worth the day trip(s).  If you're choosing between spending spring break here or Vail, well, I don't know what to say...   First let me talk about some of the common criticisms of the area.   There's no nightlife, the lodge isn't fancy, etc.  Well that's fair, but I come to ski, not to hang out in the lodge.  If I...
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sdstarr

Alpental Review

Posted
By sdstarr

Pros: Steep terrain, old growth trees, large backcountry, very good night skiing, friendly staff, definitely not a resort.

Cons: Small area, large lines on weekends, highly variable snow, definitely not a resort.

The Summit at Snoqualmie was once four separate ski areas that were gradually combined into one "resort" with four separate named base areas.  Three of these areas - now called Summit West, Central and East - sit on the north slope of Roaring Ridge on the south side of interstate 90.  The remaining area - Alpental - is on the steep, cliff studded north slope of Denny Mountain on the north side of I-90.  This review - and the ratings - only apply to the Alpental area. Alpental is a small ski area with only four lifts - one modern high speed quad and three older two seaters.  However, these lifts access a lot of terrain.  There is over 2200 feet of vertical from...
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scotsracer

A little something for everyone

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By scotsracer

Pros: Only 50 minutes from Seattle via nice highway, varied terrain. Efficent shuttle bus to other 3 clustered closeby resorts. Good for technical races.

Cons: Occasional great snow, but usually snow is average, sometimes so-so. Weekend ski schools dominate part of the year. It ain't Telluride.

Realtivly small does not always mean bad. Alpental is usually considered the pick of the litter for advanced intermediate and expert skiers, but try the other resorts there (all managed by Boyne Mnt who have to there credit have consistanly improved the 4 areas here since taking over a few years ago). Silver Fir Chair at Central, and Summit East (Hyak) are second thought gems when conditions are good which can vary quite a bit by the week if not by the day. Not the Rockies but it's turned out some medalists and is only 50 minutes from Seattle via a nice multilane highway that occasionally requires chains or is closed for avalanches. Combining all the 4...
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crudmaster

amazing backcountry terrain

Posted
By crudmaster

Pros: steep, full of interesting features

Cons: low elevation

Alpental is really good for a small area: most of it is steep and it's 45 minutes from Seattle.  What is outstanding is the backcountry.  Modest hiking accesses steep terrain with bowls, chutes, cliff bands, jumps and trees.  The low elevation means that the snow isn't typically as good as, say, Crystal Mountain's, but the backcountry terrain is even more fun that Crystal's.   Check it out:  http://www.alpental.com/snow-h.htm
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iWill

Good and Bad all rolled into one

Posted
By iWill

Pros: Alpental

Cons: Snoqualamie

Alpental is pretty decent, despite its small size. When the snow hits, it has rocking terrain. It's sister areas, however would make a person think they were in the mid atlantic. Crowded, small, run down and crowded.
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Posaune

Review of NOT Alpental

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By Posaune

Pros: Close to city, easy access, lots of night skiing, good teaching hill

Cons: Flat, low (3000 ft. base at Summit West), little vertical

 This is a general review of Summit East, Central, and West.  I did a lot of my learning at Summit Central (Ski Acres) back in the late 60's and very early '70s.  This is a great place to learn, but not a place to visit if you're coming from out of town.  There is really no expert terrain.  For a few night turns it can be good, but it is super crowded on weekend days.  If you want great terrain go to Alpental, small but mighty and much worth a daytime visit.  Otherwise go to Crystal Mt. or Stevens Pass instead.  A little longer drive will pay off.
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