Looking for a great ski and snowboard experience in Washington? 49 Degrees North offers long, groomed runs, nicely gladed tree skiing, and a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere—without the crowds.
The Poobah Team (not to be confused with the Powder Poobah himself!) grabbed a few days away from the Seattle side of the Cascades with a fun trip to 49 Degrees North, a Powder Poobah sponsor and one of Washington’s hidden skiing gems. With long, beautifully groomed runs, fun tree areas, and no crowds, it’s an ideal mountain for skiers of all levels. This was my second time visiting, and I love it even more now!
A Smooth Journey: Seattle to Chewelah
We started our trip from Bellevue, WA, departing at 1:00 p.m. and arriving at Mistequa Casino Hotel in Chewelah, WA after a 6.5-hour drive. The drive was easy, and the hotel was a fantastic place to stay.
The Mistequa Casino Hotel is celebrating its first anniversary this month, and they’ve done a great job creating a welcoming and comfortable environment. The rooms were clean, the beds and pillows were top-notch, great shower, extra deep shower and a magnifying mirror (a nice touch). Mini fridge and a microwave.
They have a SKI & STAY deal with 49 Degrees, so make sure you select that when you book your room or call them and ask for info.
The staff were super friendly, and we had a delicious dinner at the hotel restaurant. Chef Becca makes her salad dressings and sauces from scratch, which we definitely appreciated. Thank you to our server, Diane for great recommendations. Relaxing dining in the hotel or get your meals to go. BONUS: for breakfast, we had our leftovers and coffee in the room while packing up.
Highlights from our meal:
- Chicken Fettuccine – Creamy, generous portions, and packed with flavor.
- Ribeye Steak – Cooked perfectly, with hearty sides.
- Honey Lime Chicken – Juicy, flavorful, and a great balance of sweet and tangy.
- No kids in our group, but they have a kid menu, and kids were present.😊
After dinner, we went over to the Mistequa Casino. It's a non-smoking casino, a short walk across from the hotel. While we didn’t stay long, it was nice to see another entertainment option right on site. Learning how to use the electronic "slots" and also played some 21. We broke even for the night.
A Hidden Gem – 49 Degrees North Resort
49 Degrees is about an hour north of Spokane, this resort never feels crowded, and parking was a breeze even though we arrived late morning. The official word is they RARELY get the crowds we experience at areas close to Seattle!
At the ticketing office, we were greeted by the friendly staff, including William “Bear,” who shared his insider tips on the best warmup run and where he found powder earlier in the week. Lockers were conveniently located at the entrance for storing extra gear.
Mountain Stats: trail map
- Elevation: Base at 3,923 ft; Summit at 5,774 ft; Vertical drop of 1,851 ft.
- Skiable Terrain: 2,325 acres.
- Trails: 90 marked trails catering to all skill levels:
- 30% Beginner
- 40% Intermediate
- 25% Advanced
- 5% Expert
- Longest Run: 2.75 miles, perfect for those who love extended runs.
- Lifts: 6 chairs in total:
- 1 high-speed detachable quad
- 1 fixed-grip quad
- 4 double chairs
- Average Annual Snowfall: Approximately 301 inches, ensuring reliable snow conditions throughout the season.
The Mountain Experience
The conditions were fantastic, thanks to grooming and a fresh snowfall in the days before our arrival. We spent the day carving up:
- Well-groomed runs – Smooth and perfect for cruising at any pace.
- Tree runs – Just enough powder left for some fun turns.
- Long runs – You get a solid ride before needing to hop on the lift again.
The lift operators were super friendly. I had a great chat with Dave, the director of ski patrol, who doubled as an ambassador for the mountain. He mentioned the epic powder days we had just missed, but he was nice enough not to rub it in. Thank you, Dave!
I also met some of the mountain ambassadors, many of whom are also fans of XEVO goggles, another Powder Poobah sponsor! It was great to connect with fellow skiers who appreciate quality gear.
Why We Love 49 Degrees North
- Family-friendly – Great beginner areas and friendly staff.
- No crowds – More skiing, less waiting.
- Long runs – More time on the snow, less time on the lift.
- Easy parking & access – Stress-free start to the day.
- Tree skiing & groomers – Something for everyone.
After an incredible day on the slopes, we packed up and headed to Sandpoint, Idaho, for our next adventure. Once again, 49 Degrees North left a lasting impression —it’s truly a hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest ski scene.
Plan Your Trip
If you’re looking for an affordable, family-friendly ski destination with great terrain,
49 Degrees North should be on your list.
And when looking for accommodations, Mistequa Casino Hotel is a perfect option!
Learn more about 49 Degrees North, they have a mountain pass that includes Silver Mountain (Kellogg, ID).
They have pass perks that include Red Mountain, Mission Ridge and White Pass.
Have you skied at 49 Degrees North? Drop a comment and tell us your favorite runs!
Poobah verified. By Larry and by Andrea. Thanks for reading.
P.S. Their shop is small but with mighty nice choices. Mons Royal, Pit Viper and great graphics on their tees and hoodies.
P.P.S. Rental shop, tunes, lockers, food and beverages, a friendly saloon-style bar, and also outdoor seating.
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