There is no other season like winter in Walla Walla, and the city never runs out of fun things to do. Between December and February, Walla Walla receives an average annual snowfall of about 6.5 inches.
The Blue Mountains, located to the east of the city, receive significantly more snowfall and are a popular destination for winter sports such as skiing and snowshoeing. In the Umatilla National Forest, you can find numerous additional ice skating and sledding locations.
In the Bluewoods, Skiing
Suppose you are keen on hitting the slopes, head to Bluewood Ski Resort. The Bluewood ski resort is the nearest one to Walla. In addition to 400 acres of skiable land and 24 different runs, the terrain parks are what bring in the majority of visitors. The resort’s tree-skiing trails are always covered in powder thanks to the resort’s average annual snowfall of more than 300 inches.
A day pass to Bluewood can range in price from $24 to $260, depending on the guest’s age and the time of day. The resort also rents out ski and snowboard packages that include everything you need to hit the slopes.
Umatilla, Washington: A Perfect Place for Backcountry Skiing and Snowshoeing
You cannot beat some cross-country skiing or snowshoeing across the serene landscapes of Washington and Oregon. About six miles from Walla Walla lie the Blue Mountains and Umatilla National Forest in Oregon. In the winter, many roads close, creating ideal conditions for sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
However, there are official spots where you can engage in these activities. The Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Ski Area is located close to Weston, Oregon, and it has around 10 kilometers of groomed and ungroomed terrain. To reach Andies Prairie Snow-Park, you must go slightly beyond Route 204. Near Pomeroy, Washington, Rose Springs Sno-Park is a fantastic spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
The Umatilla National Forest is a Great Spot for Sledding and Tubing.
Rose Springs Sno-Park is a great place to take the kids sledding or tubing, and it is only about an hour and a half outside of Walla Walla. Andies Prairie Sno-Park is another fantastic destination close to the Horseshoe Prairie ski resort.
When the snow falls, this crack in the rock will provide an excellent sledding area. There is a daily fee of $4, or a weekly fee of $9, to enter this Sno-Park. The sledding slope is a short distance away from the parking area.
Snowmobile Expeditions Across the Umatilla National Forest
It is no secret that the Umatilla National Forest is teeming with excellent snowmobile trails. Andies Prairie Sno-Park could have some great sledding routes. Landon Lake, Morning Creek Sno-Park, and Spout Springs are just a few of the nearby Oregon tourist hotspots. Snowmobiling enthusiasts in Washington State have their pick of excellent destinations, including the Touchet Corral Sno-Park, the Clearwater Big House Cabin, and the Godman Guard Station.
Walla Walla has many snowmobile trails that branch off major roads. Some of these locations are accessible via the roads northeast of Walla Walla, Oregon, including Mountain Road #40.
To learn and explore more about Walla Walla, Washington, get in touch with us today.
