The rain that falls on Seattle turns to snow at higher elevations in the winter - making for wonderful skiing. Several ski areas have weekend shuttle buses leaving from Seattle. All local downhill ski facilities rent skis, snowboards, and other gear.
Many rental outlets are available in the city as well.
And though commercial downhill ski areas have ski patrols, skiers in unpatrolled areas or in the mountainous backcountry should heed the constant danger of avalanche. Below are the ski areas most accessible to Seattleites, with information about both downhill and cross-country skiing. On a clear day, the 7,002-foot vantage point at the top of Green Valley affords a tremendous view of Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens. A new six-person chairlift makes getting up the mountain easier for the beginner or the expert, and there's weekend night skiing all winter long. Nordic skiers will be charmed by Silver Basin's big, broad open area.