Located off Highway 12 about 55 miles west of Yakima, and 12 miles southeast of Mount Rainier National Park, White Pass Ski Area (509/672-3100, www.skiwhitepass.com, weekend rates $45 adults, $28 kids and seniors) offers a 1,500-foot vertical drop and 650 acres of skiing, served by five chairlifts (including a high-speed quad chair) and two Poma tows.

The base elevation is 4,500 feet. Amenities include ski and snowboard lessons and rentals, child care, cafeteria, and bar. The resort also operates a small Nordic ski center; you can rent cross-country skis and get a pass for $16.

Near the ski area, White Pass Village Inn (48933 Hwy. 12, 509/672-3131, $80 d in winter) has condos of various sizes, with a winter-only heated outdoor pool. Nearby, find a store, gas station, and the Summit House Restaurant (509/672-3111, open in winter only).

Eight miles east of White Pass Ski Area on Highway 12, Indian Creek Corral (509/672-2400) offers one-hour ($70), overnight ($250, two-person minimum) and multi-day horseback rides in the summer. Hikers can also take advantage of their drop-camp service.