Winter Road Conditions

xcjamie

xcjamie

Member
Hey guys,

I'm new to the Seattle area, and looking into buying a car. This might be a silly question, but what are the roads leading up to Stevens/Crystal/Alpental like in the winter? Are they pretty well maintained with snow removal or are you screwed with a smaller two wheel drive car? Not sure yet which mountain I'll be frequenting, I want to try them all out this first season.

Thanks!
 
Road conditions will vary greatly from day to day, storm cycle to storm cycle. Hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst. Most people in this state can't drive in the rain, let alone snow. Check wsdot's page for travel restrictions (chains only/awd or 4x4 only) and conditions before heading up.

You will see it all though. Dry pavement, wet pavement, snow, slush, ice, and plenty of idiots driving slow in the middle and left lanes. Have fun!
 
4 wheel drive is not necessary, but be prepared to chain up. I drove a VW to the resorts for years without too many problems, but I had to put chains on all the time, got stuck a bunch and had to dig myself out or get friends to push me. Like for example you show up in the morning and park and the lots been plowed, but then it snows 6 or 8 inches while you are skiing and you are basically stuck in your parking spot when its dark and youre tired. So you learn to park in a place with the proper slope, or back up and go foward a bunch in your spot to get some packed snow in your tracks, always bring a shovel, a lot of shit you don't have to think about with a 4x4 rig. let me tell you it sucks sometimes.
 
If you don't know how to drive, stay off the road. If you think you know how to drive, best stay off the road too. Just stay home, too many idiots out there as is.
 
Going to quote this just to stress this point a bit more...if you don't feel comfortable driving in winter conditions, then stay the fuck off the roads.

Every year I'm amazed by some dumbfuck playing bumper cars on the highway and fucking up everyones' day. Sometimes shit does happen; even if you are attentive and prepared, but if you aren't up to the task, then for the sake of everyone else on the road...please don't risk it.
 
Fortunately I'm from the Western New York area, so I have way more experience than I'd like driving in the snow
 
It's one of those things that you can never have too much experience with.

It's not always about your own abilities as much as it is about staying safe with all of the shitty drivers heading up the mountains with you.

AWD/4x4 is nice to have, but whatever you get, make sure to buy some quality snow tires.
 
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