Walla Walla is a veritable winter wonderland with high ridges of powdery white snow layered across the vast, often tree-less, landscape. Compared to the Pacific Northwest landscapes west of the Cascades, the skiable slopes in Eastern Washington towns like Walla Walla see excellent snow conditions, idyllic scenery, and far fewer crowds.
While you might not immediately think of Walla Walla when it comes to snow sports and winter vacations, these activities are just as enjoyable as the sweet onions and wine country the area is known for. For those seeking more options, Diamond Peak Ski Resort offers fantastic slopes for winter enthusiasts.
Our conveniently located vacation rentals will give you the perfect home base to explore the southeastern corner of Washington State to the fullest, either with the whole family or as a couple.
Here is everything you need to know to plan a getaway to the Bluewood Ski Area for every season.
Getting to Know the Bluewood Ski Area

- Location: 2000 N Touchet Rd, Dayton, WA
- Website: bluewood.com
- Elevation: 4,450 feet
- Terrain: 400 skiable acres
- Trails: 24 trails for all levels
- Known for: Dry powder snow, tree skiing, and family-friendly atmosphere
With a snow-capped summit topping out at around 4,450 feet and 1,100 feet of vertical drop, Ski Bluewood is far from the highest peak in the state. But with an array of perfectly manicured runs cutting through the evergreen forests of the Blue Mountains that encompass all skill levels, it’s a wonderful way to spend a day outside this winter.
Located in the stunning Umatilla National Forest, just 20 miles or about a 1-hour drive from downtown Walla Walla, this ski park boasts the second-highest base elevation in the state and is the perfect day trip from the city. Those eager to hit the slopes can cruise through their 24 runs, accessed by four separate chair lifts for excellent snowboarding and tree-skiing and plenty of piste for new skiers.
You can visit the website for up-to-date snow reports, trail maps, lift ticket prices, and information on becoming a season pass holder. As of 2024, the ski resort has begun installing a snowmaking operation to keep its slopes powdery and skiable every winter season.
Best Time to Visit Bluewood Ski Area

While the focus of Bluewood is undoubtedly its ski areas and terrain parks, which are accessible only during the winter months, the mountain is open year-round for hikers and outdoor exploration.
This means you can plan a visit to Walla Walla and the Blue Mountains at any time of year. The very best time to plan your visit to the Bluewood Ski Area is from mid-December to mid-April when the snow covers the land and the chair lifts run.
Bluewood Ski Area in Winter
Ride the comfortable triple chairs with minimal lift lines, and then snake your way down the mountain through the amazing trees. If you’re a new skier, you can rent your gear here and partake in some lessons to grasp the basics.
Advanced skiers can take to the trails. As this is the only time of year the resort is fully functional, you should also take advantage of the amenities like Bluewood Grill and Coffee Bar, the local Pub, and the Base 4545 shop to get some unique Bluewood apparel.
Pro Tip: Be sure to check their website for current snowfall conditions and projected opening dates!
Bluewood Ski Area in Summer/Spring/Fall
Picture this: verdant green expanses filled with lavender and orange wildflowers. Meandering dirt paths cut through the scenery, slowly climbing to the summit. Once at the peak, you can see the breathtaking panoramic vista of evergreens rolling over the Blue Mountains.
While summertime is not the peak of travel in the Bluewood Ski area, it certainly is an idyllic time. Families come here to enjoy the trails and relish the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. None of the facilities, like the coffee shop or even the lifts, are open during the summer, spring, and fall months, so be prepared to be self-sufficient.
During the spring and fall seasons, fewer travelers find themselves on the wide hiking paths of the park. Temperatures can be cool at this elevation, and the wildflowers will likely not be in bloom.
This is an excellent time to plan your visit if you hope to skip any semblance of crowds and enjoy the nature around you. Both seasons offer good wildlife viewing of native species like the Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, bighorn sheep, moose, and wolves.
Things To Do Around the Bluewood Ski Area

Thanks to accessible terrain and lots of annual snowfall, most things to do in the Bluewood Ski area are winter sports. Here are some of our favorite experiences within the Bluewood Ski area that you can enjoy on your next visit.
- Hit the slopes as a skier or snowboarder.
- Sign the kids up for the Skyliner Kids Spring Camp to teach them the basics.
- Hike the trails in search of wildflowers in the off-season.
- Take teen + adult lessons with the mountain’s EZ 1-2-3 program.
- Watch for some PNW wildlife.
- Hit the Bluewood Grille, Pub, or The Yurt at Sun Spot for in-season mountain dining.
Other Places to Visit Around Walla Walla
The Bluewood Ski Resort is definitely not the only attraction within easy reach of Walla Walla Washington. Here are a few other attractions to pad your itinerary.
Andies Prairie Sno-Park
If you’re looking to pump up the adrenaline without the skills and coordination required for skiing and snowboarding, then the Andies Prairie Sno-Park is the winter attraction for you. While they don’t have any ski hills, they do offer some world-class sledding. Fun for the whole family; just be sure to bring your helmet!
This is also the only wintertime camping spot in the Blue Mountains, so it’s not uncommon to see people BBQing in the parking lot. You need a permit to visit, so be sure to stop by the Alpine Outpost in Tollgate, Oregon, before you go!
Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Ski Area
With more than 10 miles of marked trails perfect for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, this is an excellent winter attraction for those who are already well-versed in winter exploration. The Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Ski Area can be accessed right near the Andies Prairie Snow Park!
Snowmobiling in Umatilla National Forest

While motorized vehicles are not allowed within the ski areas and snow parks listed above, there are plenty of designated trails for snowmobiling adventures within the Umatilla National Forest.
In Oregon, the most popular are Landon Lake, Morning Creek Sno-Park, and Spout Springs, while the Washington areas most frequently visited are Touchet Corral Sno-Park, Clearwater Big House Cabin, and Godman Guard Station.
Visit our Famous Wineries

Did you know that Walla Walla is the number one region in Washington State for wine cultivation? Well, you do now! There are over 120 wineries in the region to choose from. The most popular winery for locals and visitors is the Seven Hills Winery, but you can’t go wrong with a tasting at any of them.
Stay and Ski in Walla Walla
We love a winter getaway, and Walla Walla, Washington, is the perfect combination of scenic and adventurous, with attractions that appeal to adults and children alike. Come spend your ski vacation on the Bluewood slopes this season.
Our cozy vacation rentals in nearby Walla Walla make for the perfect getaway no matter the season! Cuddle up with some cocoa by the fire after a long day exploring all the PNW offers. Skiing in Southeast Washington is a family tradition just waiting to happen!