Overview
Summit Central is one of the four Snoqualmie Summit Ski areas. It is generally the most crowded area as it has the greatest variety of terrain, two lodges, and a variety of dining available. The summit is at 3875 ft and the base is at 2850 ft. This makes for a 1025 ft vertical drop. Night skiing is available. This is the only ski area at Snoqualmie Summit that is open on Monday. It also has a ski school with lessons and coaching for anyone who wants to improve their skills.
There are many places to eat at Alpental: the Timberhouse Cafe, Whiskey Pete’s, Side Door Speakeasy, Hot Shotz Espresso, Rodeo’s BBQ, Coyotes, the Silver Fir Cafe, and the Silver Fir Bar. Gravity Gear is onsite for shopping.
Summit Central Snoqualmie Lifts and Trails
Summit Central Snoqualmie has 9 lifts: 2 quad chairs (Silver Fir and Central Express), 4 double chairs (Easy Street, Reggie’s, Gallery, and Holiday), 1 triple chair (Triple 60), and 2 beginner surface lifts. There are crossover trails to both Summit East and Summit West.
Summit Central has the biggest variety of beginner runs at the Summit at Snoqualmie. All four double chairlifts are beginner runs.
The triple and quad chairs take you to the top of the ridge from where you have a choice of either expert or intermediate runs down.
Summit Central has two lodges. These are the Central Base Area and the Silver Fir Lodge. Each has its own services including restrooms, dining, rentals, and a sport shop.
The snow sports school is at the Summit Central Learning Center located at the Central Base area. Here, in addition to kids and beginner lessons, there are private or group lessons for anyone who wants to boost their skills and confidence in skiing or snowboarding.
There is also a large terrain park which hosts many special events. An example is the Spring Splash Pond Skim.
Ski and Snowboard Rentals
Summit Central Snoqualmie 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.
Another option is to rent your equipment in North Bend from Pro Ski and Mountain Service.
Dining and Shopping at Summit West Snoqualmie
Timberhouse Cafe
Located on the second floor of the Central Lodge. Cafeteria style serves a quick snack or full lunch. It features Greek food like gyros and salads.
Whiskey Pete's
Whiskey Pete’s has a full bar and serves appetizers and bar food.
Side Door Speakeasy
Open only on weekends. A comfortable place to enjoy a drink with friends. Nine brews are on tap including a Summit Pale Ale.
Hot Shotz Espresso
Like a Starbucks, serving coffee, hot drinks, breakfast breads and pastries as well as snacks and candy.
Rodeo's Barbeque
Only open on weekends. Serves BBQ beef, pork, and chicken off the grill. Also sides, soft drinks and brews.
Coyotes
Only open on weekends. Outdoor seating with Southwestern quesadillas and grilled meats.
Silver Fir Cafe
Located in the Silver Fir Lodge at the bottom of the Silver Fir Lift. Features stir fry and curry bowls, burgers, sandwiches, and hot soups. There is ski-in ski-out access to the lift with a large dining room.
Silver Fir Bar
Full bar with local brews on tap in the Silver Fir Lodge.
Gravity Gear
Sells gifts, apparel, outer wear, and equipment. On the first floor of the Summit Central Snoqualmie Lodge.
Location, Parking, and Lift Tickets
Location
To reach Summit Central Ski Area, take I-90 East from North Bend to Snoqualmie Pass and take Exit 53. Turn right at the end of the off ramp, then left on Route 906. Follow 906 for 0.6 miles and turn left into the Summit Central Main Parking Lot. This is just below the main lodges.
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.
Summit Central has several parking lots as shown on the trail map above: main lot, central lower lot, Silver Fir Lodge, and three overflow parking lots. Two overflow lots are close to the tubing park and one is across the street from the Silver Fir Lodge. The front of the main lot is reserved for carpools in January and February.
Lift Tickets and Hours
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 Summit Central is the only one of the Summit at Snoqualmie Resorts which is open 7 days per week. All the other areas are closed on Mondays. Saturday and Sunday are open 9 – 5 (no night skiing). It’s morning through night M-Sa and all day but no night on Sunday.