Overview
Alpental is one of the four Snoqualmie Summit Ski areas. It is a small ski mountain with steep terrain. It has the largest drop of all the Snoqualmie Summit Ski Areas. The summit is at 5420 ft and the base is at 3140 ft. This makes for a 2280 ft vertical drop. There are lots of chutes and trees. Night skiing is available. Since the base at Alpental is higher than the base at the other Summit at Snoqualmie areas, and the summit is MUCH higher, the snow is deeper. So it gets the name “Steepest and Deepest”. On a clear day, you can easily see Mt. Rainier from the summit.
There are three places to eat at Alpental: the Tiroler Stube, Backcountry Bar, and the Powder House. Alpental Sports is onsite for shopping.
Lifts and Trails
Alpental has 5 lifts: one quad chair, 3 double chairs, and a surface lift.
Alpental has only one beginner trail – the St Bernard Trail on the right hand side of the skiing area. This is accessible from the St. Bernard chair lift or the Magic Carpet surface lift. If you are a beginner, you might have more fun at Summit West which has much more for beginners and intermediates.
For intermediates, you have the Sessel Lift and Armstrong Express Quad Lift. There are two trails marked intermediate.
As you can see from the trail map, most of the terrain at Alpental is expert. The entire area accessed by the Edelweiss Chair (or “Chair 2”) is marked “expert”. There is a Back Bowl area which you must obtain permission to enter and use.
Ski and Snowboard Rentals
Alpental has a ski and snowboard rental shop. It opens at 8am. Equipment is designed for beginner to intermediate skiiers and snowboarders. In 2018-2019, a full rental package was $45 for the day or $40 just for the evening. Alpental only also has the option to rent performance skis or snowboards for a slightly higher price.
Another option is to rent your equipment in North Bend from Pro Ski and Mountain Service.
Dining and Shop at Alpental
Tiroler Stube
Serves fresh pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, soups, and salads. There is beer on tap.
Backcountry Bar
For Apres-ski – serves beers, spirits, and pizza by the slice. Adults only, please.
Powder House
Serves beers from local breweries and fresh tacos, burritos, and bowls.
Alpental Sports
Alpental Sports sells apparel, gifts as well as necessities for winter and skiing. It’s located in the first floor of the Alpental Lodge. It’s open whenever Alpental is open.
Location, Parking, and Lift Tickets
Location
From North Bend, get on I-90 Eastbound and proceed to Snoqualmie Pass. Take Exit 52 (Summit West). Turn left and cross under the freeway. Take the second right (towards Alpental ski area) and proceed to the end of the road, about 1 1/4 miles to the Alpental parking lots.
Parking
Parking is free for all guests at the four Summit At Snoqualmie Ski Areas. There is more parking than at any other Washington ski resort. Plus there is a shuttle that runs through all the four areas, overflow parking, and the tubing center.
Alpental has several parking lots: lower lot, main lot, and lots 1-2-3 and 4. Lot 3 is only for overnight parking. Check the trail map for the locations. There is an entry bridge from the main lot over the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River to the main lodge and lifts.
Lift Tickets
There are numerous options for lift tickets. Season passes for the following season go on sale during the summer at the Summit at Snoqualmie website. Daily lift tickets go on sale in Autumn as the season approaches.
Lift tickets ALWAYS cost less online even when you buy the day of the visit. The full price at the window for an adult in 2018-2019 was $89 for an adult. But prices are dynamic and sometimes there are significant deals online if you look in the right place and book well ahead. Half day tickets are not much less than a full day. Check various websites for the best deals. Weekends will likely cost a little more than weekdays. Most lift tickets are good at all four Summit at Snoqualmie areas.
Note that Alpental is generally closed on Mondays. Tuesday thru Friday it’s open 9am – 10pm. Saturday and Sunday are open 9 – 5 (no night skiing).