8 Best Destinations for a Winter Vacation in The Pacific Northwest

With Halloween behind us, the days growing shorter, and a chill in the air, it is hard to ignore the festive winter season just around the corner. Towns have begun to announce their winter festivals and ski resorts are beginning to fill with patrons. In the Pacific Northwest, winter never fails to bring snowy landscapes, cozy resorts, and festive holiday events, making it difficult to choose the perfect escape. But fear not! These eight destinations have something for everyone—whether you’ll be hitting the slopes or sipping hot cocoa by the fire.

Sisters, Oregon

Close to a number of mountains and ski areas, Sisters jumps to life in the winter months. Skiers often flock to Mt. Bachelor, one of the largest ski resorts in North America, or Hoodoo Ski Area, which has dozens of ski trails and a snow tubing park. Black Butte Ranch is only a 10-minute drive from Sisters as well and hosts numerous holiday events in December, including Carriage Rides, Breakfast with Santa, and a Christmas Dinner. To warm up after a day on the slopes, visitors can also grab a cocktail or vodka at Cascade Street Distillery, or get a well-deserved massage at Shibui Spa.

Winthrop, Washington

Winthrop, affectionately nicknamed “Washington’s Snowy Paradise”, has nearly every wintertime activity imaginable. It is particularly popular with cross-country skiers due to its extensive 120 miles of cross-country ski and Nordic trails. In town, near Methow River and the public library, Winthrop also has a renowned outdoor ice rink, with snowy mountains in the backdrop. In addition to its outdoor winter recreation activities, Winthrop has a number of cozy breweries and wineries to enjoy in the winter months, such as The Old Schoolhouse Brewery and The Wine Shed, which offers more than 600 varieties of wine.

McCall, Idaho

McCall, Idaho is a great winter vacation destination for couples and families, offering beautiful snowy landscapes, cozy lodges, and outdoor winter recreation. It has also earned a spot on the map for its renowned Winter Carnival, taking place in February of 2025, which will feature a snow sculpture contest, snowshoe golf, a beer garden, pancake breakfast, a firework show over the lake, and more. All winter long, McCall is a great option for snowmobiling, with over 500 miles of well-kept trails and untouched areas waiting to be explored. If you're after a blend of traditional rustic charm and modern comforts, Shore Lodge is a perfect choice. It offers cozy rooms and numerous amenities, from hot tubs and a heated pool to a fire pit, theater, snowshoe rentals, and more.

Summer Lake, Oregon

Summer Lake is located within the town of Paisley, Oregon, and features ancient artesian hot springs, perfect for unwinding in the winter months. This 145-acre resort features panoramic views of the desert and surrounding forests and has rustic-style casitas and cabins available for lodging. Its hot mineral springs are associated with healing qualities due to its high silica content, leaving visitors’ skin feeling soft, silky, and refreshed. There is also an indoor pool running at 98℉ and outdoor rock pools at 104℉. Those up for a trek can also visit the surrounding petroglyphs and archeological sites.

Sun Valley, Idaho

Sun Valley is a popular resort town that attracts countless visitors each winter, particularly for skiing and snowboarding at Sun Valley Resort. The resort encompasses two mountains, the tallest having a summit of 9,150, each mountain equipped with ski lifts and quality trails. The town also hosts a number of winter events in December to get residents and visitors in the holiday spirit, including sleigh ride dinners, brunch with Santa, a gingerbread house contest, and a Winter Wonderland Kick-off Celebration. On New Year's Eve, visitors can join the town for its annual Snow Ball!

Snoqualmie, Washington

Just a half-hour drive from Seattle, Snoqualmie is a great weekend getaway for city dwellers. On Saturday, December 7th, the town will host its “Winter Lights” event, which will feature a tree lighting, a jazz band, an ice carver demo, selfies with Santa, and more, to get travelers in the holiday spirit. Traveling a half-hour southeast, Snoqualmie Pass offers all kinds of outdoor recreation opportunities, including downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and tubing. The Sno-King Arena is also popular in the winter, as a public ice skating rink open to skaters of all levels and ages.

Leavenworth, Washington

In addition to its snowy landscapes, Leavenworth has become one of the region’s most renowned winter vacation destinations due to its Bavarian charm and holiday lights. One of the most frequented events is its annual Christmastown Festival, taking place this year from November 29th through December 24th, and featuring more than half a million shining lights, a gingerbread house exhibition, live music, a gift wrapping station, hot cocoa, and more. Winter Karneval takes place on the weekend in January, with live ice carvings, fireworks, fire dancing, and a pub crawl. Year-round, travelers can enjoy a carriage ride through downtown Leavenworth, while winter offers sleigh rides and skiing on the Leavenworth Ski Hill Nordic Trails.

Silverton, Oregon

While Silverton is beautiful year-round, winter adds a special touch to its landscape. Silver Falls State Park is a perfect example, with waterfalls flowing more abundantly from seasonal rains and far fewer crowds. Despite the colder months, the park stays surprisingly green, thanks to its mix of coniferous and deciduous trees. From November 21st through December 31st, the Silverton Christmas Market is another must-visit in town, featuring paths draped in over 1.5 million lights, German artisan vendors, a beer garden, a firepit, and snow tubing. The Oregon Garden Resort’s Fireside Lounge is a nice place to spend a chilly evening, with local live music, a light display, and cozy drinks to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Although winter brings long nights, more rain, and chilly weather across the Pacific Northwest, there is no reason to stay cooped up indoors. With so many towns hosting holiday festivals and winter celebrations, there is always a small town worth visiting, as well as a snowy slope worth sledding down. Grab a warm jacket, fill a thermos with hot cocoa, and don’t forget your skis as you prepare to explore these eight fantastic winter destinations!