Hit The Slopes

The Best Way to Make Winter More Fun is to Develop Skiing or Snowboarding Skills

For those who like to race down snowy slopes, the Eastside is one of the best places in the country to live, thanks to the quick access to winter skiing and snowboarding options. Developing proficiency in either winter activity extends residents’ ability to keep active year-round.

Snoqualmie Pass and Crystal Mountain are both easy drives and provide facilities and terrain to lure beginners and keep long-time snow-sport fans happy and challenged.

It is never too early to get started. Crystal Mountain offers Kids Club lessons for children ages 4 through 10. There is also a Parent Tot instruction program for adults with children ages 2 to 3. For more complete information, visit crystalmountainresort.com.

Snoqualmie has the advantage of hosting a variety of private ski/board schools that can provide bus transporta- tion to and from Snoqualmie Central. Check the Snoqualmie Summit website, summitatsnoqualmie. com, for classes and transportation options for midday and evening skiing. It is never too late to start, either. The Issaquah Ski School provides seven weeks of classes and chaperoned bus transportation for as little as $285, plus equipment rental if needed and lift passes. Their buses pick up and deliver kids back to Discovery Elementary, Issaquah Valley Elementary and the Renton Highland QFC parking lot. For more information, visit issaquahskischool.org.