In life, there is never any spring without flowers, summer without sunshine, fall without leaves, and of course, there is no winter without the beautiful white of snow. Like death and taxes, these truths are inevitable, which is why it is best to embrace the seasons, as winter will eventually fade into spring. Yes, winter is cold, and it gets darker faster, but that doesn’t mean that you still can’t enjoy life once a blanket of white envelopes the land. Here and around the Tri-Cities community, there are plenty of places to have fun in the winter snow while we wait out the season for spring once again.
Badger Mountain Ski Area
1775 W Baseline Road, Waterville
509.745.8273
Since 1938 Badger Mountain Ski Area has been providing snow fun for the whole family under the careful guidance of a 100% volunteer staff. Waterville Lions Club operates and maintains the ski hill, charging guests the lowest life ticket price in North America at just $10 for an all-day pass. Once the weather is right, and the snow is high, the hill typically opens from mid-December until late March each year so guests can enjoy some of their favorite winter hobbies.
Besides skiing, you can also go sledding down the snow-covered hill for just $7 and also enjoy snowshoeing, snowboarding and snow tubing. Though Badger Mountain isn’t the tallest mountain in Washington, it is the most popular ski destination, being a favorite for families, especially Yosemite enthusiasts. The lodge, massive selection of rentals, and kitchen also make it easy for those looking to spend their whole day surfing the white waves of snow.
Ice Skating at Toyota Arena
7000 W Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick
509.737.3718
Though the Toyota Arena’s ice-skating rink is open year-round, winter is still a magical time to hit the ice for some open skating. Guests can enjoy the coziness of the season as they bundle up and hit the rink feeling happy and carefree while gliding across the ice in this favorite winter activity.
For just $10 per person and $5 for skate rentals, families can enjoy 90-minute sessions of open skates as they show off their moves on the ice. The arena welcomes skaters of all skill levels, and kiddos ages three and up can get in on the fun, too and step into their first ice skating classes.
Cross-Country Skiing in Tri-Cities
Outdoor skiing adventure in the form of cross-country skiing glides you through the mountains of the frosty Tri-Cities this time of year. There are many areas to get in on the fun of this chillingly thrilling sport.
If there’s enough snow at Chamna Natural Preserve, not only will they hold cross-country skiing activities, but they will also host snowshoeing fun that cold lovers can get in on. Both activities can also be enjoyed at Columbia Plateau State Park in Washtucna every wintery weather season.
Bluewood
116 N 3rd Street, Dayton
509.382.4725
Avid snow sporting enthusiasts can enjoy the fun and excitement of the season at Bluewood in Dayton. From rentals to lessons to season passes, they have it all and are eager to help you feel the thrill of the ride as you glide down the mountain in the snow. For kiddos looking to learn the heart-racing activity of snow-skiing, group lessons are offered between ages 4 to 6, 7 to 12, and 13 and up. Bluewood also offers private and semi-private skiing and snowboarding lessons, offering one-on-one or same-household family options for those looking to learn with the support of friends and family.
After you’ve become a master, you can head to their ski equipment rental shop for some fantastic deals on ski packages that include skis, boots, and poles provided to you for the whole day. Lift tickets can also be purchased in advance of your snow-filled trip, and passes are offered for those who can’t help but come back for more of the cold.
Enjoy Winter Scenery at Tri-Cities Parks
Of course, you don’t have to be in the fast lane to enjoy all that winter offers in the Tri-Cities. Seasonal joy and excitement can be found all around by taking in the winter beauty in local Tri-Cities parks this time of year. Howard Amon Park is a favorite for winter strolls thanks to its lovely scenery and easy access to Riverfront Trail, a paved four-mile stretch of trail with stunning scenic views further complimented by winter’s ice.
Others like Wade Park, Keewaydin Park, and Leslie Groves Park also provide winter photoshoot-ready scenic backdrops that are perfect for any photographer lover looking to shoot that ideal snowy scene.
Though winter is usually described as the season that is all calm and bright, it doesn’t have to mean that we’re hanging up the fun until the groundhog sees his shadow. Here in the Tri-Cities, there are plenty of places to help us glide through the snowy season and carry us forward to the spring ahead.
