The biggest area in Washington State, sitting directly beneath Mount Rainier about two hours from Seattle. On a clear day the view of the mountain from the summit gondola is one of the most striking in North America. The terrain is genuinely serious, with steep bowls, chutes and long ridge lines above the treeline, alongside plenty of groomed runs lower down. Snowfall is heavy and the season is long. It is coastal snow, so it comes in quantity rather than lightness, and cloud sits on the mountain more often than not. When it clears, it is spectacular. Weekends fill up with Seattle traffic, so midweek and early starts are worth planning for. There is limited lodging at the base and more in Enumclaw down the valley.