Many choose to flee Seattle’s rainy weather by jet setting to Hawaii, Palm Springs or Mexico for beaches, sunshine and pools during the winter. Others choose to escape to the mountains for less rain and more snow and a different set of activities.

The Pacific Northwest offers several places for snow sports, many only a couple hours north.

Stevens Pass

One of the oldest and best known ski resorts, Stevens Pass is a favorite destination for many. The resort itself offers 10 lifts, 37 primary runs as well as acres of backcountry for the more experienced enthusiast. Located off Highway 2, north of Seattle, Stevens Pass also offers a Nordic Center for cross-country skiing, snow skating and snowshoeing.

Cost: Daily lift tickets range from $59 to half-day rates at $48; Nordic trail pass, $18.50 for all day

Deals: Beginner’s packages including equipment rental and lessons; college student pass, $299 for six times

Web site: stevenspass.com

The Summit at Snoqualmie

Only 45 minutes from the UW, Snoqualmie is an easy escape from the city. Like Stevens Pass, the resort offers slopes for downhill skiing and snowboarding as well as trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Alpental, the primary location for skiing and snowboarding, has 302 acres of runs including additional backcountry acres. Summit Central and Summit West also offers several runs, as well as three terrain parks. Both of these areas are also perfect for beginning skiers and riders. Snoqualmie’s Summit East has the Nordic center and acres of quiet for cross country skiers, skaters and snowshoers.

For those a little less coordinated, Snoqualmie also has a groomed sledding area. Located about a mile past the ski resort, the area provides inner tubes and a pull rope. It operates on weekends and holiday breaks; each tubing session is two hours long and costs about $20 per person.

Cost: Daily lift tickets range from $51.71 to $34.17; Nordic area starting at $25

Deals: EZ Ski/Ride 1,2,3: $119 for three lessons, three days of equipment rentals and beginner lift tickets Web site: summitatsnoqualmie.com

Crystal Mountain:

The largest ski resort in Washington is 105 minutes south of downtown Seattle. Crystal has 2,600 acres of skiable terrain as well as several dining and shopping options. Unlike Stevens and Snoqualmie, Crystal also has two full service restaurants; one sitting atop of the summit, and one at the main lodge. Bullwheel Pub and Grill has live music on weekends from 3-6 p.m. and local band performances every Saturday night from 8-12 p.m.

Cost: All day lift tickets $60, half day $55.

Deals: $50 snowshoe tour that includes rental and cheese fondue dinner.

Web site: skicrystal.com

Sno-parks

Washington State Parks have several areas for additional snow play and sledding near both Stevens and Snoqualmie. These parks require a permit that can be purchased online or at state park vendors throughout the state.

Hyak Sno-Park: I-90 exit 54. Features cross-country tracks, skate lane, designated snow play area and sled hill. Skis, snowboards and pets are not allowed.

Gold Creek Sno-Park: I-90 exit 54. Ungroomed snow area.

Crystal Springs Road 54 Sno-Park: Exit 62 from I-90. Offers snow mobiling trails, dog-friendly areas, cross-country ski tracks and snow shoe trail.

Cabin Creek Sno-Park: I-90 exit 63. Has cross country tracks and snow skate lane.

Lake Easton Sno-Park: I-90 exit 70. Snowmobile access, cross country tracks and skate lane.

Cost: $11 for daily use permit

Web site: parks.wa.gov/winter/permits.asp