7 Magical Winter Getaways In the Northwest For Families + Lots of Bonus Ideas Too!

Sharing is caring!

7 Magical Winter Getaways In the Northwest For Families + Lots of Bonus Ideas Too!

The Pacific Northwest is home to some beautiful resorts year round, but winter time brings some extra special magic with the lodge aesthic you will find at many of these resorts, coupled with lots of ammenties to enjoy. We share 7 magical winter getaways in the northwest that are perfect for family trips, and would make great couple or friend getaways too. Most of these spots are places you can and just relax onsite, or enjoy day trips and nearby winter activities too. Many of these recomendations generally see snowfall in the winter, making things like snow tubing and skiing fun options, but also offer a variety of other amenities for families (some even have waterparks)!

We share our list of favorite Winter getaways and resorts in Washington, Orego and Idaho with some bonus options too.

If you are just looking for day trip ideas to have fun in the snow, we do have a big list of where to snow tube and sled in Washington, or for Oregon here, as well as a big list of where you can find outdoor ice rinks in Washington, that you will want to check out!

Favorite Northwest Winter Getaways & Resort Destinations:

Here are some spots that we love to get away to with our families for fun winter activities. when we want to get out of the city.

Suncadia Resort – Cle Elum, Washington

The Cle Elum area in general can be fun in the winter, but stay at the Suncadia Resort and you have many activities all right on site to enjoy! This spot is great for families and for couples, and is a short drive away from the Seattle area, making it perfect for weekend getaways. Personally, I love this resort year-round, but wintertime is definitely a great time to visit.

Why We Love It in the Winter

Both Suncadia and the town it is in, Cle Elum, are packed full of great winter activities. This area of the country generally sees snow in the winter time, and my favorite thing about Suncadia is that it has a wonderful mix of outdoor (snow tubing, snowshoeing, and ice skating) as well as indoor (water slides and pool, restaurants and indoor activities) right on site!

Things To Do

This resort is packed full of things to do year-round, but some highlights for winter fun include:

• Outdoor pools heated to hot tub temperatures
• Indoor pools and water slides
• Outdoor Ice Skating Rink
• Outdoor Fire Pits
• Snow Tubing Hill with a rope tow (open when there is enough snow)
• Snow Shoeing, Cross Country Skiing and Hiking
• Spotting Elk if you’re lucky!
• Onsite Spa with outdoor mineral springs

Find a full review of the Suncadia Resort here!

Sun Mountain Resort – Winthrop Washington

Winthrop is a fun western-themed town, making for a great Northwest escape, and the winter season is definitely one of their best seasons. It can get lots of snow in the winter, so if you love things like skiing and snowshoeing, you will want to check this location out. It provides that winter lodge vibe and there is plenty to do for everyone.

Why We Love It

Winthrop is a winter wonderland where you will generally find lots of snow in the winter. This lodge is cozy, with a restaurant onsite a game room for kids of all ages to enjoy, and plenty to do nearby.

Things To Do

• Snowshoeing
• Cross Country skiing
• Downhill skiing nearby
• Ice Fishing nearby
• Outdoor ice skating nearby
• Enjoy the western-themed town of Winthrop. We share lots of ideas of things to do in Winthrop from a summer visit, but some might still be fun in the winter too.

Find a full review of the Sun Mountain Resort here!

Sunriver Resort & The Sunriver/Bend Area of Oregon

My family has been fortunate over the years, in that I have a very generous aunt who owned a spot in Sunriver and would let us use it. My kids absolutely fell in love with this part of the Northwest. It is easily one of their favorite local getaways, and while summer is our favorite time to enjoy this spot, winter comes in at a close second. There is lots to do in both Sunriver and Bend, but we are partial to Sunriver (I love the community with biking/walking trails, and so many things right within walking distance). There really is not any season of the year that we would not enjoy a trip to Sun River!

Why We Love It –

This spot is another one that provides nice access to both indoor and outdoor activities. If you stay at the Sunriver Lodge you will have access to an indoor waterpark, or you can pay to access the Sharqs indoor pool (some locations come with free passes). We share some of our favorite spots to stay in the Sunriver and Bend areas here to learn more. This location also sits near Mt. Bachelor if you like to ski or snow tube. The best part is that if you stay in Sunriver when you get back to your spot in the evening you will find many dining options and a grocery store all within walking distance in the village (as well as many more activities right on site like ice skating).

Things To Do – Find lots of Winter activities in Sun River here.

• Outdoor Ice Skating Rink
• Snow Tubing
• Skiing & Cross Country Skiing
• Snow Shoeing
• The Cove Aquatics Center (if you stay at the Sunriver Resort)
• Sharc Indoor Aquatics Center (open to everyone)
• Village area with access to restaurants and more
• High Desert Museum, Nature Center and Observatory
• Plenty of biking trails if the weather permits

Find a full review of the Sunriver Resort and Waterpark here!

Silver Mountain Resort – Kellog, Idaho

We love this area, as there is so much to do in the winter for all ages. If you love to ski or snow tube, the gondola to get to the top of the mountain sits within walking distance of your room. If you are not into skiing, you can still enjoy a gondola ride to the top of the mountain and eat at the restaurant up there. Outside of snow fun, there is a wonderful indoor waterpark to enjoy or take a trip into nearby Wallace to enjoy some mining for gold or more great restaurant options.

While Silver Moutain Resort is my personal favorite to combine the beauty of the outdoors, snow fun, and a great indoor waterpark option, it is not the only Northern Idaho location with a waterpark. The Triple Play Resort is in Hayden (just outside of Coeur D’Alene). It can be a more affordable option and offers both an indoor waterpark and a family fun center with lots of activities for kids. We have stayed at both, and I prefer the Silver Mountain Resort, but this can be a great option if you are watching budget  – especially if you have kids in the elementary school age range.

Why We Love It – The Mix of Winter Activities with an Indoor Waterpark is wonderful! Spend the mornings on the ski hill and the afternoons relaxing in the water park, or vice versa. The air out here is crisp and fresh, and the winter mountain backdrop is beautiful. It really has the best indoor and outdoor fun during the winter.

Things To Do – There is so much to do at this spot year-round but in winter in particular. Some highlights include:

• One of our favorite indoor waterparks
• Gondola ride up the mountain
• Snow Tubing
• Skiing
• Village with restaurants to eat at right on-site
• Trips into Wallace Idaho

Find a full review of the Silver Mountain Resort and Waterpark here!

They have an outdoor ice rink in Coeur d’Alene, and you can rent these for the evening!

The Coeur D Alene Resort, or One Lakeside Resort – Coeur D Alene Idaho

The Coeur D Alene area is another one that I enjoy year-round. Although it is a four-season location, summertime is their high time, so winter getaways offer the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful stay at a lower rate. We have found some super savings at the One Lakeside Resort during this season, and I loved my stay there. This spot is great for a girl’s getaway, a couple’s getaway, or families. There are plenty of great places to enjoy delicious food and drink in the area, and enjoy themed winter cruises out over the lake as well as booking warm dinners in these igloos for a special evening.

Why We Love It

This spot makes a great getaway that mixes a little bit of a city feel (it’s small, but there are great restaurants, wine tastings, breweries, and shopping available), but you are escaping the crowds. There are lots of fun and festive holiday offerings, as well as many fun outdoor things to experience too

Things To Do – Checkout more Things to do in Coeur D Alene!

• The town lights up with beautiful Christmas lighting during the holiday season
• Outdoor ice rink with igloos you can rent
• Book a special dinner in an igloo at the Coeur D Alene resort
• They also offer fireworks shows on certain dates in the winter
• Book a winter-themed cruise out over the lake (including Christmas lights and Santa cruises)
• The Raptor Reef indoor waterpark is a short drive up to Hayden
• Lots of great restaurants and shops to enjoy in the downtown area – a great walking city
• If you are coming over from the Puget Sound area, I always love to stop in Spokane to enjoy some time at the Spokane Riverfront Park. They have a ribbon-shaped ice rink that is great in the winter, as well as a gondola you can ride over the falls and more.
• The holiday season can be especially fun here, as there are many different festivities (like Santa pictures and parades) as well as great lighting, shopping, and dining options!

Find a full review of the One Lakeside Resort here!

Bavarian Themed Tiny House Village in Leavenworth Washingon 

Leavenworth is well known as a wonderful winter destination. There are many great spots to stay right in downtown Leavenworth, but there is also this Bavarian Themed Tiny House Village near Leavenworth, that also lets you enjoy winter activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding down hills that are all located right onsite at this tiny house village.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jen Dotson, Sia Hills | NW (@thriftynwmom)

Why We Love It

Leavenworth is a magical place to visit in the wintertime. It is a Bavarian-themed town nestled in the Cascade mountains of WA. They keep the town lit up through Valentine’s Day, so there is plenty of time to visit and see this gorgeous winter wonderland in the snow! In addition to the fun right in town, there is also a Leavenworth Adventure Park where you can ride an alpine coaster down the mountain.

Things To Do

• Bring a sled to go sledding on the hill in town. Or go tubing at the Leavenworth ski hill or Lake Wenatchee State Park outside of town.
• Ride the Alpine Slide down the mountain at the Leavenworth Adventure Park (we share about this in our Northwest Adventure Parks article)!
• Visit the @gingerbreadfactory for a gingerbread cookie or my personal favorite, an iced peppermint cookie.
• Shop at the @kriskringl365
• Store where you will find Christmas 365 days a year.
• Visit the @leavenworthreindeerfarm to get an up-close visit with these beautiful animals
• Book a horse-drawn sleigh ride to enjoy the beauty of the snow-capped mountains surrounding the valley.

Find a full review of the Leavenworth Tiny House Resort here!

Campbells Resort in Lake Chelan, Or Wapato Point in Manson Washington

The Lake Chelan area is well known as a summer destination, but there are a number of things that make it fun in the winter as well. The best part is that you might find some great deals by visiting in the winter vs the high season of summer.

Why We Love It

The winter festival in Lake Chelan is a very popular time of the year to visit, and you may want to consider booking those dates well in advance. We love that there is something to do in this area for all ages and that the lake will be your backdrop ft you stay in one of these resorts.

Things To Do –

• Enjoy the quaint downtown Chelan area, with a retro movie theater, beautiful lake views, and more!
• Snow Tubing and Skiing at the Echo Valley Ski Area
• Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing too
• Plan a stay during the Winter Festival!
• Outdoor Ice Rink if you stay at Wapato Point
• Local Wine Tastings and lots more!

Find a full review of what to do, where to stay, and where to eat in Chelan here!

Bonus Ideas:

Northern Montana – Stay in the Whitefish / Kalispell area

This spot is in driving distance from many areas of the Pacific Northwest, making it a fun bonus option!

Why We Love It

This area offers a mix of high-end lodges in the Whitefish area, or more affordable options in Kalispell We stayed in Kalispell but then also spent time in Whitefish up at the ski resort as well as in the adorable downtown area

Things To Do – We share lots of things to do in the winter here: Things to do in Northern Montana

Highlights include:

• Ice Skating on a lake
• Enjoying festivals
• Dog Sleds
• Ski school in Whitefish
• Two great downtown areas, with lots of good restaurants and festivals too!

Tulalip Resort

The Tulalip Resort offers a great balance of indoor and outdoor fun during the winter. The ideal time to plan a winter getaway here is December. That is because they offer a great Christmas light display and an outdoor ice skating rink, you can get some shopping done out of the outlet mall, and enjoy their beautiful indoor pool and delicious restaurants. Plus, it is an easy spot to access from most Puget Sound areas.

Why We Love It

It’s easy to get to, making it the perfect overnight trip, which will also help you save money if you are only booking one night. We love the indoor atrium pool area and also love their restaurant options onsite. It offers a lot of bang for your buck.

Things To Do

• Beautiful Atrium Pool
• Outdoor Ice Rink (select winter dates)
• Christmas Light display during the holidays

Mt. Hood Tiny House Village – Mt. Hood Oregon

Why We Love It

The Mt. Hood Tiny House Village is a fun option year-round. In the winter it puts you in close proximity to the Mt. Hood Ski Resort which also offers night tubing!

Things To Do – Find a full list of Things to do in Mt. Hood for families in the winter here.

• Snow tubing, including night tubing
• Skiing
• Snow Shoeing
• Indoor pool
• Sledding
• Snow Cat Tours
• Sleigh rides and more!

City Winter Getaways:

Here are a couple of fun winter getaways in Washington Cities, if you are looking for something that has more of a city vibe vs snow vibe.

Hyatt Regency Seattle Winter Getaways

The Hyatt Regency is a beautiful hotel right in the downtown Seattle area with multiple restaurants right on site and is within walking distance of the Paramount theater if you want to pair a stay with a show.

Why We Love It

They usually offer a holiday package that includes tickets to the Enchant event, which is lots of fun during the holiday season. We share a full review of staying at the Hyatt Regency in Seattle with their Enchant package here.

Things To Do –

We share more ideas of what to do in Seattle for Christmas here too!

Hyatt Regency Bellevue or Embassy Suites

Bellevue is a great destination for the holidays because it offers many festivities, as well as free parking generally, and can be an easier destination to get some shopping done. The Hyatt Regency Bellevue is a beautiful hotel in the heart of downtown Bellevue that will put you near shopping, restaurants, and many of the holiday festivities. The Embassy Suites Bellevue is a short drive away, but will likely cost you quite a bit less (and comes with our favorite free breakfast), while still keeping you near the festivities of downtown Bellevue during the holiday season.

Why We Love It

There are a number of free holiday events, like Snowflake Lane, and even free days at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens Christmas lights event.

Things To Do – 

Find lots of fun and festive things to do during the Christmas season in Bellevue here.

Do you have any favorite winter getaways in the northwest that we missed?