One of the ways my sons and I have been able to afford Northwest winter activities has been utilizing Mountaineer Ski Lodges. A mostly volunteer run organization, one of its many benefits is access to day and overnight use of four different lodges. It sits away from commercial ski areas. This lodge has private ski slopes with four packed runs for novice and intermediate downhill skiers. It also has some extremely challenging unpacked runs for advanced and expert skiers, for a total of 32 downhill runs.
Meany also offers three rope tows with virtually no lift lines.
Cross-country trails wind for miles through the surrounding forest with destinations such as Stampede Pass, the weather station and Mt. Frances. There are almost always people staying at the lodge familiar with routes and willing to lead for 2-3 hours. Not hostile, at all Families with kids find the hostel-style accommodation casual, rustic and low cost. All these conditions make Meanly Lodge perfect for families living within their means yet hungry to play together. Everyone pitches in on the chores.