Snoqualmie Pass Mountain Guides
Guided skiing, splitboarding, AIARE avalanche courses, and rock & alpine climbing at Snoqualmie Pass — the closest backcountry and crags to Seattle, right off I-90.
About an hour from Seattle on I-90, Snoqualmie Pass is the most accessible mountain playground in Washington. It's the easiest place in the state to learn to ski tour, take an avalanche course on a weekend, and — once the snow melts — climb granite crags and classic alpine peaks. Deep Cascade snow in winter, quality rock in summer, and a short drive year-round.
Because it's so close to the city and so beginner-friendly, Snoqualmie is where a lot of people take their first guided step into the backcountry.
What you can do at Snoqualmie
Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding
The perfect place to learn to tour — mellow, forgiving terrain minutes from the car and close to Seattle. Start with the fundamentals of skinning, transitions, and terrain sense.
AIARE Avalanche Courses
Snoqualmie is the most convenient place in the state to get avalanche-educated — the full AIARE progression, close to home. See our full AIARE avalanche courses guide for how the levels fit together.
Rock & Alpine Climbing
In summer, the I-90 corridor is a climber's backyard — quality granite crags and classic alpine peaks a short approach from the highway.
New to the backcountry? Our ski touring & splitboarding guide covers how to progress from your first day on skins, and the avalanche courses guide explains which course to take first.
When to go
Winter
Backcountry ski touring and the heart of AIARE avalanche-course season.
Spring
Corn snow and longer days as the season transitions.
Summer
Prime rock and alpine climbing on the granite along the I-90 corridor.
Fall
Crisp climbing days and early-season touring as the snow returns.
Why guide with us
Low ratios, patient teaching, and local guides who know the I-90 corridor. Snoqualmie is where we start a lot of people off, so whether it's your first tour, first avalanche course, or first alpine climb, you'll leave more capable than you arrived.
Snoqualmie Pass FAQ
How far is Snoqualmie Pass from Seattle?
Roughly an hour east of Seattle on I-90, making it the most accessible backcountry and climbing zone in Washington — easy for a day trip or a weekend course without a long drive.
Is Snoqualmie Pass good for beginners?
Yes — it's one of the best places in the state to start. The terrain is forgiving and close to the car, which is why we run intro ski-touring days and the full AIARE avalanche-course progression here.
What can you do at Snoqualmie Pass in summer?
Once the snow melts, the I-90 corridor is prime for rock and alpine climbing — quality granite crags and classic alpine peaks with short approaches from the highway.
Do I need avalanche training to ski the Snoqualmie backcountry?
Yes. Any terrain outside the ski-area boundary is uncontrolled avalanche terrain. At minimum you want an AIARE 1, rescue gear you can use, and partners with the same — or go with a guide while you build those skills. Snoqualmie is a convenient place to take the course.
When is ski season at Snoqualmie Pass?
Backcountry touring generally runs December through March, with spring conditions into April and May. It's also the heart of avalanche-course season, when the snowpack offers the best learning conditions.
Let's get you out at Snoqualmie
Tell us what you want to learn — touring, avalanche skills, or climbing — and we'll match you to the right Snoqualmie trip or course.