Winter Escapes in Washington: Our Family Getaway at Suncadia Resort

When my kids began requesting snowy adventures instead of the usual warm-weather beach trips, I knew it was time to shake up our travel routine. Their wish was granted during winter break when a family gathering in Washington lined up perfectly with a stay at Suncadia Resort in the Cascade Mountains. With my siblings and their young children joining us, it turned into a memorable family reunion wrapped in a winter wonderland.

A Winter Retreat in the Cascades

Tucked near Snoqualmie Pass, Suncadia Resort offers a mountain retreat that doesn’t require you to be an expert skier. While some families visit primarily for skiing, I wanted something different—snow tubing, ice skating, evenings in outdoor hot tubs, and cozy lodge spaces where fireplaces and hearty meals set the mood. Suncadia delivered exactly that.

Our three-night stay gave us plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed. Since the resort is part of Hyatt’s Destination collection, we were even able to earn points during our trip—a small bonus that made the visit even sweeter.

Choosing Where to Stay

Suncadia’s accommodations vary, and each has its own personality.

The Lodge: The central hub of the property, perfect for families. Our one-bedroom suite came with a full kitchen and laundry facilities, which proved invaluable after days spent playing in the snow. Dining options like The Source Plates & Pours and The Source Mercantile were conveniently located here, making it easy to grab meals and snacks without straying far.
The Inn: A quieter alternative with fewer rooms, designed for a more intimate atmosphere. The Inn also houses The Stovehouse Restaurant, an upscale spot for dining, and sits close to the golf facilities.
Condos and Vacation Rentals: For those who prefer more privacy or extra space, there are condos with multiple bedrooms and luxury homes scattered across the expansive property. While we loved being near the action at The Lodge, larger groups or summer visitors might enjoy the independence of a rental.

Activities That Made the Trip

One of the highlights of our visit was tubing down Suncadia’s snow-covered hill. With snowflakes falling and almost no crowd, it was the winter moment I had been imagining when planning this trip. The kids also enjoyed “Glice” skating—a unique rink made for year-round use—and we balanced outdoor fun with time spent in the indoor pool and steaming hot tubs.

For those seeking adventure, snowshoeing is available, and my relatives who tried it came back glowing with excitement despite the freezing temperatures. When we weren’t bundled up outdoors, we relaxed by the lodge fireplace, letting the kids bounce between cousins while the adults lingered over drinks and conversation.

Dining and Drinks

Between The Source at The Lodge and The Stovehouse at The Inn, food never felt like an afterthought. The Source had a casual, family-friendly vibe, while The Stovehouse leaned toward refined dining. Quick breakfast items and coffee at The Source Mercantile became a daily ritual for us. Happy hour at The Source was also a win, especially with our big group, giving us room to spread out by the fire while enjoying appetizers and drinks at a good value.

Tips for Visiting in Winter

If you’re considering Suncadia for a cold-weather trip, a little preparation goes a long way.

Check road conditions over Snoqualmie Pass before you head out, as winter weather can make driving tricky. Renting a vehicle with all-wheel drive is highly recommended.
Plan your activities in advance, especially tubing, since sessions can fill quickly during peak times.
Use the resort shuttle if you’re not up for long walks in the cold—it’s convenient and kid-friendly.
Don’t miss s’mores hour in the evenings, when complimentary kits are provided for families to enjoy by the firepits.

Final Thoughts

Our time at Suncadia Resort was exactly the type of snowy escape we had been craving. It struck a perfect balance—enough winter activities to keep both kids and adults entertained, but with plenty of cozy corners for downtime. The setting felt almost cinematic, as if we had wandered onto the set of a winter movie.

While we visited during the snowy season, I couldn’t help but notice how much there is to do in summer too—biking, hiking, and poolside fun all await when the mountains trade snow for sunshine. It’s safe to say this won’t be our last trip to Suncadia, and I’m already curious to see it in a different season.