Winter in Snohomish County

Snow in the Cascade Mountains.

Winter is made for snowboarding at Stevens Pass. And Nordic skiing in the backcountry. And holiday shopping in the small towns of the river valleys.

Winter means it’s time to ease into the coziness of a wood cabin. Time to linger by a coffee shop window in the waning light of a drizzly afternoon. Time to tuck away with a good book. Time to peruse an art gallery or spend an afternoon unplugged from your phone while relaxing at a spa.

The great outdoors, sure. But also, the great indoors.

Why is winter so constantly underrated? Wrongfully so. After all, it’s the perfect time to chill. Literally.

Pow Day

Trip Inspiration

We've collected top itineraries and experiences to guide you through the season.

Escape To Snohomish County’s Winter Wonderland
Off the Beaten Path: Snowshoeing in the North Cascades
Meet Moe’s Coffee In Arlington And Beyond
Best Winter Hikes with Kids in Snohomish County
Other Winter Inspiration

Planning tips for winter in Snohomish County

What winter sports and activities are available?

Skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing (a.k.a cross country skiing), snowmobiling, hiking, holiday events, and shopping. Quaffing a pint in the cold of the evening.

Are there any Christmas markets, festivals, or holiday light displays

Wintertide in Everett is a season-long series of events that includes ice skating, holiday makers markets, and a visit from Santa.

Most smaller communities offer tree lighting festivals or Small Business Saturdays. Cut your own evergreen at a local tree farm. Check out the famous Lights of Christmas festival at Warm Beach near Stanwood.

What are the best ways to stay warm while exploring in winter?

Think waterproof. Waterproof footwear. Waterproof raincoat or parka. You can bring an umbrella (true Northwesterners don’t usually use them, but hey we won’t judge). If you’re hiking, pack a thermos of hot coffee or cocoa. Think handwarmers, gloves, wool socks. Did you know that you lose about 10% of your body heat through your head? You get the idea.

How do I prepare for potential winter weather travel disruptions?

Roads are rarely closed for snowfall. Frankly, the lowlands don’t often get snow. If you’re headed up to Stevens Pass for winter sports, be sure to pack chains for your car and emergency supplies, just in case you somehow get stranded. Check the weather app on your phone. Floods are a common occurrence, so sometimes you’ll need to detour around the river valleys to avoid turning your car into a submarine.

What are the unique winter dishes or seasonal foods to try?

The Seattle area has a large Scandinavian population. Local Nordic lodges sometimes have traditional pancake breakfasts and sell lutefisk (which is preserved whitefish. Yep.). Most local breweries will produce a seasonal brew with wintery ingredients. But really, we’re the land of coffee. And winter is the best time to get an extra tall beverage of choice to give you that zip during the darker days of the year.

Experience Other Seasons