Guide to walla walla, WA Winter activities

Winter in Walla Walla is a unique time of year and there are plenty of activities to try that will keep you busy when you visit the area. Walla Walla averages about 6.5 inches of snowfall a year with the majority of that coming in December and February. The Blue Mountains, however, just east of town draws a lot more snow, making it a prime destination for winter sports such as skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and more. The Umatilla National Forest further adds spots to enjoy winter sports. If you're visiting Eritage Resort during the winter, partake in these fun winter activities near Walla Walla.

Bluewood Ski: Walla Walla's Nearby Ski Resort

If you're looking to take to the slopes, then Bluewood Ski Resort is your place. Bluewood is the closest ski area to Walla. It features 24 trails, terrain parks and 400 acres of skiable area. This resort accumulates about 300 inches of snow per year, blanketing its trails that offer a lot of tree skiing. Bluewood offers both full- and half-day passes with prices varying by age and when you go. The resort also offers rental packages for both ski and snowboard equipment. There are plenty of chances to take lessons at the resort to improve your skills. Before you visit, refer to the Bluewood Ski report that offers up-to-date information.

Umatilla cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing offer a more laid back way to enjoy the natural beauty of Washington and Oregon. Walla Walla sits about six miles from the Washington-Oregon stateline and the Umatilla National Forest and Blue Mountains both stretch across the border. Many of the roads in the area that close for the winter are great places to go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. There are, however, established areas you can visit to enjoy these activities. The Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Ski Area near Weston, Oregon is a system of groomed and ungroomed trails, totalling about 10 miles.You can park at the Andies Prairie Sno-Park just across Highway 204. Rose Springs Sno-Park near Pomeroy, Washington also offers some opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Umatilla National Forest sledding and tubing

Rose Springs Sno-Park is also a great place to take the family sledding or tubing. This area is about an hour and a half away from Walla Walla and sits in a beautiful wooded area. While sledding is popular here, families can just take time to play in the snow. Another great place to go is the Andies Prairie Sno-Park near the Horseshoe Prairie ski area. This area is a rock pit that becomes covered in snow, providing the many sledding runs. To go here, you will need a Sno-Park permit for $4 for a day or $9 for three consecutive days. The sledding area is a short walk from the parking area.

Snowmobiling in the Umatilla National Forest

There are many places to go snowmobiling in the Umatilla National Forest. The Andies Prairie Sno-Park is also a great place to find some snowmobiling trails. Other nearby spots include Landon Lake, Morning Creek Sno-Park and Spout Springs, all of which are in Oregon. Some popular Washington spots to go snowmobiling include Touchet Corral Sno-Park, Clearwater Big House Cabin and Godman Guard Station. There are also plenty of trails off a highway that you can visit to go snowmobiling. Some of these include spots off Oregon Highway 204 as well as spots off of various roads northeast of Walla Walla such as Mountain Road #40. For a full list of snowmobiling spots in the Umatilla National Forest and how to reach them, check out its website.