Cross-country skiing in Washington doesn’t get much more inviting than the White Pass Nordic Center. If you’re staying with us in Packwood, you’re less than 20 miles from one of the most approachable cross-country ski areas in the state—an easy stop for beginners, returning skiers, and anyone who wants to see the quiet side of winter on the Cascade Crest. With 26 kilometers of groomed trails, a friendly staff at the Nordic Yurt, and easy access from US-12, it’s one of those places you visit once and immediately plan to return to.
Before you plan your day on the Nordic trails, take a moment to read our White Pass Ski Area Guide. It’s a helpful overview of the downhill side of the mountain and makes trip planning a lot easier.
In This Article:
- Why Ski the White Pass Nordic Center?
- White Pass Nordic Center Trail Overview
- Lessons at the White Pass Nordic Center
- Trail Passes & Season Options
- Can I Rent Equipment at the White Pass Nordic Center?
- Special Activities at the White Pass Nordic Center
- Why Should I Stay in Packwood, WA?
Why Ski the White Pass Nordic Center?
When you reach White Pass (4,400–4,500 ft elevation), you immediately understand why this area draws cross-country skiers back year after year. The air is crisp and clean, the forests are quiet, and the sweeping views of the Cascade Mountains make even a quick outing feel like an escape into a totally different world. Because the Nordic Center sits on the “quiet side” of White Pass Ski Area, you can fully unplug and enjoy a day surrounded by nature and stunning winter landscapes.
It’s also incredibly easy to reach. Just follow US-12 east from Packwood for about 20 miles, and you’ll see the Nordic Center tucked just behind the Village Inn Condominiums. You can ski for a couple of hours, wander through old-growth forest, and be back at your Packwood vacation rental for dinner and a soak in the hot tub.
White Pass Nordic Center Trail Overview
The Nordic trail map at White Pass is cleanly designed with loops that branch out from the welcome yurt. Regardless of whether you’re learning the basics or ready for more technical trails, the system makes it easy to choose the right route for your day.
Below is a breakdown of every trail, listed by difficulty level.
Easy Trails (Green)
These are the best options for true beginners, kids, or anyone who wants a low-stress glide on wide, groomed trails:
- Corral Loop – 0.4 km
- Practice Loop – located directly beside the welcome yurt. It’s a short loop for getting your bearings.
- Biathlon Loop – 0.5 km
- Heatherstone – 1.2 km
- Dark Meadows Loop – 2.2 km
- Meadow Loop – 0.59 km
Most of these loops stay close to the entrance and meadow areas, with gentle grades and plenty of room to get comfortable on skis.
Intermediate Trails (Blue)
If you’re ready for a bit more distance or light climbing, the intermediate trail network gives you classic cross-country skiing terrain without feeling too intimidating:
- Lake Loop – 2.3 km
- Deer Creek Loop – 1.4 km
- Dog Lake Loop – 2.5 km
- Kendall Konnector – 0.9 km
- Zig Zag Loop – 2.1 km
- Dark Meadows Addition – 1.54 km
- North Loop – 1.4 km
- South Loop – 1.39 km
Several of these routes circle Leech Lake or climb a bit higher into the trees, with views toward Dog Lake and the surrounding William O. Douglas Wilderness on clear days.
Expert Trail (Black)
For confident skiers who want something steeper and more technical, there’s one clearly marked expert option:
- The Hill – 0.6 km
It’s short but significantly steeper than the rest of the system, making it a fun add-on for experienced skiers who want a quick challenge before dropping back into the easier loops.
Lessons at the White Pass Nordic Center
The Nordic Center is ready to make sure every skier has a solid foundation so you can make the most of your days on the trails. With several options and sessions running daily at 10 AM and 12 PM on all operating days, you’ll be able to customize your learning environment and be ready to hit the trails in no time!
Lesson Options:
- Group Lesson: $60
- Private Lesson (1 hour): $89 – Add a second skier for +$36
- Nordic Beginner Package: $89 – Includes trail pass, lesson, and rental equipment
If you’re renting gear, arriving about 30 minutes early makes the whole process easier. Walk-ins are welcome for group lessons, but private sessions fill quickly, so it’s best to book once you’ve secured your vacation rental and officially made your travel plans.
Trail Passes & Season Pass Options
Day Pass Rates – Best for vacationers who don’t live close enough for multiple visits during the season.
- Adult (17–72): $33 full day / $22 late day (after 1:30 PM)
- Junior (9–16): $23 full day / $15 late day
- Children 8 & under + Seniors 73+: Free
You can ski for free on days when the trails aren’t groomed and no patrol is available – in previous seasons, this has typically been Monday through Wednesday. However, the Nordic Center is open from 8:30 AM to 4 PM, Friday through Monday, so check with the crew for the latest updates for the new season.
Nordic Season Pass — from $235
For those planning to do some downhill skiing as well as cross-country, White Pass offers a handful of combined Alpine/Nordic pass types, including Unrestricted, Off-Peak, and Lower Area options. These vary in price but can be worthwhile if you split your days or have a mix of skill levels in your group.
What you get:
- Unlimited access to the Nordic trail system
- Valid through the entire 25/26 winter season
- RFID card required ($5 if you don’t already have one)
Can I Rent Equipment at the White Pass Nordic Center?
The White Pass Nordic Center has an excellent range of rental equipment, making it easy and affordable for those new to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and other Nordic sports to try them out on your vacation. Certain items book quickly, though, like the fat bikes, so if you’re renting, be sure to reserve your equipment as far in advance as possible. Here’s a look at the rental equipment offerings:
Classic & Skate Skiing
- Full Nordic ski package: $34 full day / $27 late day (after 1:30 PM)
- Adult classic or skate only: $34 full day / $27 late
- JR/SR classic or skate: $29 full day / $22 late
Snowshoeing
- Snowshoes: $20 full day / $15 late
- Altai Hoks *hybrid skis that combine the ease of snowshoes with the gliding ability of a ski: $26
- Pulk/child sled: $26
Fat Tire Bikes
- $20 for 1 hour
- $32 for 2 hours
Fat bikes are only allowed when the snow is firm enough not to leave ruts—call ahead if conditions are questionable.
Special Activities at White Pass Nordic Center
Twilight Snowshoe Tours
Saturdays, Dec 21 – Feb 24
Explore the woods at dusk with a guide—always a popular winter outing.
White Pass Nordic Team
A youth program designed to help young skiers build skills, confidence, and a love for winter sports.
Dog-Friendly Hours
If you love skiing with your furry sidekick, dogs are allowed on the trails after 3:30 PM Thursday through Sunday and all day Monday through Wednesday. They’ll need to stay leashed and off the snowshoe routes, and you should always clean up after them, but they’ll love romping through the powder with you! After the adventure, your pet friendly Packwood vacation rental is a great spot to curl up and recharge for another day of PNW winter fun.
Why Should I Stay in Packwood, WA?
Featured Property: Antler Ridge
When you stay with TMC Vacation Rentals in Packwood, the White Pass Nordic Center becomes the easiest part of your winter plans. You can wake up in a cozy mountain cabin and be on the trails in just 20 minutes!
Choose from our cabins with hot tubs, pet-friendly rentals, properties with an EV-charger, or explore our full inventory to find your perfect home base. And don’t forget, booking your vacation directly with TMC is the best way to ensure you get the lowest rate.
We don’t tack on hidden fees or charge extra commissions to cover an elevated bottom line. Plus, our local team is available throughout your stay to help with anything you may need. See the difference shopping local can make when you book your winter vacation directly with us today.