Who’s ready for Opening Day? We see those hands. Who isn’t ready for the first powder day? After all, there’s nothing like the lift to the top of a mountain for the first time each season to make you feel like a kid again.
Soon, it’ll be opening day at ski areas around the Northwest, where you’ll discover diverse runs for skiers and snowboarders of every skill level.
Opening Day in Whistler Blackcomb
Opening Day is set Nov. 28 at Whistler Blackcomb, with its massive backcountry access, more than a dozen high-alpine bowls and six terrain parks. You’ll find plenty of powder during peak season, from December through March. These mountains boast some of the best winter sports conditions in the world.
Mt. Hood’s Opening Day
One of the most popular ski resorts in the U.S. is Mt. Hood. Stay in Moosewood Cabin, which has three bedrooms and is near Mt. Hood Skibowl. Skibowl has its (hopeful) opening day set for Dec. 1.
A Season Kick-Off Party is set Dec. 7 at Mt. Hood Meadows, one of the largest ski areas in Oregon. It’s a great spot for beginners with lots of trails and the Children’s Learning Center.
Summit Ski Area opens when there’s enough snow, so they encourage you to pray for it. Summit is also great for beginners with its small size and affordable lift tickets that start at $23 for junior afternoon passes.
Grand Targhee, Wyoming
The lifts at Grand Targhee, WY will start spinning at 9 a.m. on Nov. 22, conditions permitting.
Grand Targhee offers amazing skiing with wide-open bowls, a lot of snow (fingers crossed) and lots of family-friendly activities like a tubing park, snowmobile backcountry tours and more. There’s usually a lot of snow – and not a lot of people – making it a perfect spot for a ski or snowboard getaway.
Sit back in the hot tub and enjoy the view with a stay at our Spring Creek Magic rental, which accommodates up to 14 guests. Teton Harmony is a mountain home that’s a 30-second walk to the Grand Targhee shuttle.
Mt. Baker, Wash.
Opening day falls between Nov. 1 and Dec. 12 (the latest date on recent record) at Mt. Baker near Bellingham, WA. Mt. Baker has fast runs, breath-taking views and world-record snowfall. Its steep terrain is perfect for shredding.
A stay in Sunriver, OR puts you close to the Hoodoo Ski Area and Mt. Bachelor, as well.
Hoodoo Ski Area, which sits at the top of Santiam Pass in the Cascade Mountains, offers more than 800 acres of terrain, 34 runs, five lifts and one of the largest tubing parks in the West. It’s great for beginning and intermediate skiers and snowboarders.
Mt. Bachelor enjoys a ton of bluebird powder days. Its variety of trails make for some fun runs, including great tree skiing.
It’s a tale of two Thanksgivings. The Pacific Northwest makes a great destination for celebrating, whether it’s Canadian Thanksgiving in October or the U.S. version in November.
In Canada, Thanksgiving falls on the second Monday of October – this year it’s Oct. 14. It’s a celebration of fall, partly linked to First Nations harvest festivals. Like the U.S. holiday, traditional fare includes turkey, cranberries and pumpkin pie, along with another shared custom: watching football.
Whistler Village plans a long weekend of fall activities on Oct. 11-14, with family-friendly entertainment and traditional Thanksgiving dining. There’s also a lot of excitement as folks start planning for the upcoming snow days on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Get set for ski season during the Whistler Blackcomb Turkey Sale, which offers top brands of ski and snowboard gear all weekend long at the base of Blackcomb Mountain in the Upper Village.
The Whistler Turkey Trot takes place Oct. 13 at Lost Lake Park. It’s a family-friendly run/walk with both a 5k and a 10K along some of Whistler’s most scenic trails.
Many of the restaurants in the Village offer a traditional Thanksgiving menu, including a Thanksgiving dinner or a Harvest Brunch at the Fairmont Chateau’s Wildflower Restaurant. Or, contact other Whistler restaurants for reservations and menu options.
Vancouver Island and Victoria also make for a wonderful holiday experience.
Burn off the extra holiday calories in the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon, set Sunday, Oct. 13 along a gorgeous seaside course that also features many of Victoria’s landmarks. Not up for a marathon? No worries. The event also features a half-marathon, the 8K Turkey Trot and a 1.25K Thrifty Foods Kids Run. The weekend includes a full spectrum of activities at the Victoria Conference Centre and Expo Theatre.
Many of Victoria’s restaurants will serve traditional Thanksgiving fare. Check out the farm- to-table and high tea options as well.
Thanksgiving in the U.S.
For the U.S. version of Thanksgiving on Nov. 29, plan a holiday getaway in Leavenworth, WA. You can kick off your holidays with the Fowl Run 5K, which starts at 8:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day at Front Street Park. Make the fun-loving, quick run through the park before getting stuffed on turkey.
After Thanksgiving, get in the Christmas spirit at the annual Bavarian-style ChristKindlMarkt on Friday through Sunday at Front Street Park and Leavenworth Festhalle. This celebrated Northwest tradition features delicious and authentic Bavarian food, handmade arts and crafts, and family-friendly entertainment. A Lantern Parade is held on Friday and Saturday nights at 5:30 p.m., with children and their parents following Mr. and Mrs. Claus through the streets with hand-crafted lanterns. It’s a sight to see!
A stay in Leavenworth is magical with horse-drawn sleigh rides, holiday lights, German beer on tap and plenty of outdoor activity in this Bavarian Village.
Cannon Beach, in Oregon, also makes a great destination for a Thanksgiving weekend getaway. You can enjoy Haystack Holidays, a series of holiday events designed to put the fun back into the holiday season. One Haystack Holidays highlight is Mimosa Madness, Cannon Beach’s refreshing alternative to the craziness of Black Friday, a long time local tradition. A great option for those who don’t want to cook is ordering take-out. If you’re staying near Manzanita, we recommend Manzanita Grocery & Deli. “The Little Apple” is open on Thanksgiving Day and offers homemade dinners complete with a roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and vegetables. You can even order a delicious pie for dessert!
Ready for a great deal for the slopes? Well the ski/lift pass landscape has changed dramatically in the past few years. But for most people, that means we now have access to tons of great resorts at various locations…..and with some savings! These new multi-resort passes can be a bit confusing, so we’ve got all the details right here!
The Epic Pass:
Launched in 2008 this pass grants skiers and riders access to ALL of Vail Resorts’ properties, including Vail, Keystone, Breckenridge and more. Over 20 Vail-owned resorts and 17 more mountains are included in this fantastic pass.
The pass costs $719 and can be used in places close to our properties in Whistler Blackcomb and Park City, UT. There also is a brand-new Epic Day Pass that gets you 1-7 days of skiing starting at $109, with discounts included (such as 50% off lift ticket prices.) The pass deadline is early in the season, so if you’ve missed your chance this year be sure to plan ahead for 2020!
The Ikon Pass
A headline-making newcomer, this pass allows access to 14 ski resort owned by Altera including Jackson Hole, Crystal Mountain, Snoqualmie, and some incredible other standout destination. You’ll also love some of the discounts and benefit the pass gives, like friends-and-family tickets.
The pass is currently on sale for $1,049, but there is a base pass with blackout dates for $749. The pass deadline is early in December, so plan ahead for 2020 if you’ve missed it this year!
The Indy Pass
Just launched this year, this pass is a great alternative. As an entry-level pass, it only costs $219. For that price, you get two days at 34 different resorts around the country for up to 72 days of uncrowded, low-key skiing and riding. These include some smaller hills at some smaller resorts but is well worth it. You can ski with this pass at properties near Hurricane Ridge and Hoodoo (OR).
One thing to know with this pass – it’s an old-school one. There’s no RFIDs for scanning – you’ll need to present your ID and get a day ticket at the window. Some blackouts apply for this pass as well, but when there are blackouts, there are many places that offer discounts at the same time as those blackouts for passholders.
The Powder Alliance
While there’s no actual pass for this one, it’s a great benefit for a LOT of great ski hills. If you buy a regular season-pass to one of the 19 participating Powder Alliance resorts, you get three days of lift tickets at the over 18 additional spots. There are some fantastic ones on this, such as Mt. Hood and Timberline – even ones outside of the US!
This one DOES have some major fine print, so be sure to check restrictions and blackout dates at the various resorts before booking.
Do we have you ready to get your ski on? Get ready for an awesome winter in the Northwest with one of these passes! And you can check out tons of great vacation rentals near the best ski resorts in the Northwest by visiting our website!
It’s hard to describe the awesome wonder that comes with fall foliage in the northwest. When the season transitions from summer to fall (autumn), green leaves change to vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow creating a canvas of artistry that can’t be duplicated.
The Northwest has no shortage of glorious places to scope out excellent viewing of fall foliage. This list will guide you to them on a weekend trip or longer.
Teton Scenic Byway
Idaho harbors beautiful views along the 70-mile Teton Scenic Byway. Pack a snack, fill up with gas and prepare for breathtaking views throughout the tree-covered Teton Mountain Range. Expect to see leaves changing colors between late-September and mid-October in preparation for the coming colder months.
Keep in mind that many factors go into determining exactly when the leaves will change, and weather conditions often affect the vitality of the leaves. When in doubt, call local tourism departments, the Chamber of Commerce or even your vacation rental manager and ask about the status of the leaves. Also, Google is your friend, too!
Don’t forget to book a Teton vacation rental to call home base each evening. Choose a large vacation home that sleeps 11 or something smaller for a couple—truly there is a home for nearly every size party.
Central Oregon
Scenic highway drives are best for Oregon leafing season. More specifically, the Highway 20 corridor not far from Sisters, Oregon is the perfect place to find loads of color amongst the trees. Here, the maples lay low between the ponderosa pines and aspens, and the topography is dotted with hues of autumn. Timing is critical depending on the weather, but most likely you’ll find mid-September to mid-October to offer prime viewing.
Need a daily status on the transitioning leaves? Check out the Oregon Fall Foliage Hotline for updates. Also, plan and book your vacation accommodations as soon as you know when you’re traveling to ensure the best in local lodging.
Leavenworth, Washington
Again, mid-September through mid-October appears to be the perfect leaf viewing season in Leavenworth. Knowing that leaves in the Northwest change later as the season lasts longer will help you plan an appropriate time to pull off the perfectly timed visit. Pick a route and bring your camera. Starting around Waterfront Park and heading towards Lake Wenatchee and eventually the Puget Sound, you are going to get a colorful show!
It’s always a safe bet to plan your travel around the Autumn Leaf Festival in late September, Leavenworth’s longest running event founded in 1964. Join the Grand Parade and all the festival hoopla that celebrates the season!
No matter where you choose, the Northwest has great opportunities for fall foliage viewing. Let’s plan that trip!
No matter what your summer plans call for, a vacation is always made better with good planning and special events on the itinerary. Knowing when events are taking place makes planning your trip a breeze. When a must-experience event catches your eye, make reservations for a nearby rental first thing to avoid the sold-out woes.
British Columbia offers a couple of great festivals that you’ll be excited to check out like Vancouver Island Musicfest 2019. An annual summer event at the Comox Valley Fairgrounds, thousands of folks come together each year for a fun music festival with talent from all over the world. Three days and six stages house everything from bluegrass and blues to reggae, folk, rock, country and more! Vancouver Island Musicfest is July 12-14, 2019 so mark your calendar and book a room.
If you’re looking for one of the most popular cultural festivals in the Northwest, then Bumbershoot may be for you! Each year, thousands of people from across the country flock to Seattle Center to attend this acclaimed festival. Bumbershoot is a multi-disciplinary arts festival showcasing the best of comedy, dance, film, literary arts, music, performing arts, theatre, visual arts and more.
Also, in British Columbia, look for Crankworx Whistler 2019—a celebration of elite-level mountain biking founded in 2004. Just north of Vancouver in the mountain town of Whistler, outdoor enthusiasts will gather for a week-long, world-famous event of epic proportions. August 9-18, 2019 is the date for this event featuring racing, slope style competitions and Kidsworx races. When not on a bike, guests enjoy area lakes, live entertainment and getting back to nature.
Perfect for summertime is the Throw Back Summer and Lavender DAZE Festival in Mt. Hood, Oregon on July 2-3, 2019. A 12th annual event, this year will bring a great line-up of arts and crafts vendors along with food and live music. Grab a souvenir Lavender DAZE t-shirt and enjoy all that is lovely on the lavender farm.
Leavenworth, Washington offers a unique event—Icicle Creek Chamber Music Festival—held at Canyon Wren Recital Hall. The 25th annual festival attracts world-class artists to create magical musical experiences. Festival Concert dates are July 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20, 2019 at 7 p.m. Young Artist Concert dates are July 7, 14 and 20, 2019 at 2 p.m.
The 39th annual Teton Valley Balloon Rally is July 4-7, 2019 from 6 to 9:30 a.m. and is a community tradition. Enjoy four mornings of hot air balloon flights from the Teton County Fairgrounds in Driggs, Idaho. A bucket list item for many folks, you’ll want to make reservations early for the best accommodations.
Grand Teton, Wyoming is the site of the 32nd annual Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival from August 9-11, 2019. Since 1988, this festival has been a cornerstone for Bluegrass fans with both national and international artists in this genre. Stage performers and artists also host a unique camp with music-teaching experiences during the week leading up to the festival. Book your Grand Teton rental and prepare for a festival that’s been entertaining the masses for two decades.
For outdoor and nature lovers, a trip to a National Park is what vacation dreams are made of. Many even plan their trips around the park scene including Grand Teton and Yellowstone, where there’s plenty to do no matter if you have a week to explore or only 48 hours to take it in. To make the most of your trip, browse our guide to spring openings to help with your planning.
Yellowstone National Park
With two distinct seasons, it’s important to know dates surrounding the springtime schedules. The early season begins in late April as the snow is cleared from the roads and facilities will follow on a staggered schedule. For 2019, the schedule is as follows (provided conditions are suitable):
- April 19: West Entrance to Madison Junction, Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful, Norris to Canyon Village.
- May 3: East Entrance to Lake Village (Sylvan Pass), Canyon Village to Lake Village.
- May 10: South Entrance to West Thumb, Lake Village to West Thumb, West Thumb to Old Faithful (Craig Pass), Tower Junction to Tower Fall.
- May 24: Tower Fall to Canyon Village (Dunraven Pass)
- May 24: Beartooth Highway
For a color-coded map and to double-check road conditions, visit Yellowstone Park Roads.
Enjoy all that is Yellowstone from wildlife to rafting, horseback riding and amazing waterfalls. And, don’t forget, Kabino has Yellowstone rentals with all the amenities of home, and so easy to book! With rates starting as low as $100 a night, there’s something available for every budget on a Yellowstone vacation.
Grand Teton National Park
Just to the south of Yellowstone and connected by the Rockefeller Parkway is the scenic Grand Teton National Park. The park is 26 miles long and attractive to visitors thanks to a beautiful mountain range and plentiful wildlife, including the Great Gray Owl. Visitors enjoy hiking, boat rides, rafting and huckleberry milkshakes, but you’ll want to know when things are open.
- Highway 26/89/191 (the outer park road) is open year-round.
- Summer is when the park is busiest, given the lovely weather. The only road closures you should encounter might be construction. All services should be open and available as well.
- Springtime is when it can be tricky. Snow melting is the biggest factor for opening in the spring, with many roads closed annually from November 1 through April 30. Most all are officially open as of May 1 to be on the safe side.
Whether you’re looking for a cottage or a lakeside cabin, browse our selection of vacation rentals near Grand Teton National Park and start planning the perfect outdoor adventure this summer. Always remember to book direct for the best price guaranteed.
April showers bring May flowers! But also, the two months collectively provide lots of opportunities across the northwest for travel and entertainment. Planning a trip to the northwest? This might help you find festivals or events that you simply don’t want to miss!
Seattle in the Springtime
Enjoy the Northwest Art and Fine Craft Show April 13-14, 2019, with some 90 artists in various categories from jewelry, clothing and painting to glass art and sculptures. Held at Hangar 30 in Magnuson Park, there will also be food trucks. This show is also held in November.
The annual Cherry Blossom Festival is a fantastic way to celebrate Seattle’s friendship with Japan and its prized cherry trees gifted to the city in 1976. Come and find fun with Japanese art, dance, music, martial arts, and food at the Seattle Center from April 26-28, 2019.
May 16-June 9, 2019 brings the 45th Annual Seattle International Film Festival—America’s largest film festival. Top directors will be there along with actors and critics.
Of course you’ll need accommodations in the Seattle area, so be sure and spend some time choosing the perfect home away from home.
Jackson Hole/Tetons/Teton Village Events
April 1-16, 2019 is Spring Cycle Days in Yellowstone, where folks can enjoy the National Park before the roads open to motorized travel. Ride in the Park for free and spend a fabulous day (or longer) exploring by bike, on foot, or rollerblades (conditions allowing).
Jackson Hole offers a unique option for Memorial Day—Old West Days Celebration, held May 23-27, 2019. Visitors enjoy a parade, rodeo, Old West Brew Fest, Draft Horse Pull, Mountain Man Rendezvous, American Legion Memorial Services, Pipes for Peace, Single Action Shooting Match, and so much more! Check out area lodging for the best, most comfortable places to hang your hat.
Leavenworth, Washington Events
Good times are happening at the 13th Annual Leavenworth Ale Fest on April 13, 2019. Enjoy a great mix of breweries, cideries, music and all-around fun in Leavenworth’s beautiful alpine setting. New for 2019, the festival now serves as a benefit for local non-profit Icicle Creek Center for the Arts, helping to bring the arts to families and communities across North Central Washington.
May 18, 2019 don’t miss the 2019 Red Bull Pump Track World Championship—a 2nd Annual Qualifier race. There will also be a kid’s race for the little ones. And, speaking of kids, find your family-friendly vacation rental early for the best selection.
Whistler and Victoria, British Columbia, Canada for Fun Festivals
The World Ski & Snowboard Festival makes for five days of extreme fun April 10-14, 2019 in various locations around Whistler. This spring festival celebrates the Whistler mountain culture with winter sports, music, and the arts, including the world’s steepest ski and snowboard competition.
With hundreds of annual festivals and events, it’s always easy to find fun in British Columbia.
Victoria plays host to the 156th Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival on May 18-20, 2019 at Topaz Park. This year the event has expanded even more, celebrating Scottish and Celtic music, arts, and culture with a Tartan Parade through downtown, a pub crawl, and tons of performing arts activities. This event is sure to bring a weekend of fun so make your accommodation reservations quickly.
Check out Victoria’s SwiftSure International Yacht Race from May 23-27, 2019, the largest yacht race on the West Coast of North America with more than 200 race boats and 1400 race crew members.
Spring Festivals on Oregon’s Coast
Are you a foodie? This just might be your kind of festival—Beer & Cheese Festival on April 13, 2019 in Rockaway Beach, Oregon looks to be delicious! Join brewers and cheesemakers as they pair their goods for partakers. There will be food trucks serving locally-sourced foods or you can dine at the Pelican Taproom. Proceeds will go to Food Roots, which will be on-site selling local foods. Leave with a little souvenir also—a free tote and logo tasting glass.
Less than an hour from Cannon Beach in Astoria, Oregon you can find the 37th Annual Astoria Warrenton Crab Seafood & Wine Festival with great coastal cuisine, arts and crafts, wine tasting, and more! The Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the festival held on April 26-28, 2019. Start the planning by searching for the best accommodations to call your home base.
Fun in Park City, Utah
Join the fun for the 1st Annual Utah Latin Dance Festival. Enjoy the biggest salsa and bachata festival in Utah history on May 3-5, 2019 for an unforgettable weekend of fun. The event takes place at the Double Tree by Hilton in Park City (world-renowned destination and home of the SunDance Film Festival). Choose a nearby condo or hideaway for a true destination getaway, complete with all the comforts of home, which you’ll long remember.
The Tulip Festival in Mt. Hood, Oregon
Highly-regarded and tons of fun, the Tulip Festival is the prized event of Mt. Hood and takes place March 23–April 29, 2019. This extensive festival is jam-packed with everything tulips as well as hayrides, a children’s play area, a Cow Train, food vendors, crafts, balloons and a huge variety of other activities. Be sure and visit the website for a schedule of events for this amazing event and book a lodging spot today!
San Juan Islands and Orcas Island, Washington for Spring
Orcas Island Lit Fest is designed to bring folks together who share the love of reading books with authors who love to write them. Less than a half an hour drive from San Juan Islands, guests can find Washingon vacation rentals at both places and be near the event which takes place April 5-7, 2019 at the Orcas Center. Come and participate in this annual celebration of literature.
Tour De Lopez is April 27, 2019 and is a non-competitive bicycle tour of Lopez Island, beginning in San Juan Islands. Every year there are lots of return riders, which speaks to the fun of this beautiful getaway.
This is by no means a complete listing, but a sampling from each area. There’s a lot of fun travel in the northwest, and we invite you to be a part of it all this spring!
Kabino has some exciting news…
We are proud to announce a new partnership development with Northwest Stays, a regional listing platform featuring the best professionally managed vacation rentals in the Pacific Northwest.
From lovely urban area vacation rentals to charming and cozy cabins, you’ll find everything you want in a vacation at Northwest Stays. Kabino is proud to be listed in:
- Driggs, Idaho
- Island Park, Idaho
- Alpine, Wyoming
- Jackson, Wyoming
- Park City, Utah
- Hurricane, Utah
- La Verkin, Utah
- Seattle, Washington
Here you can search and view all of our inventory and directly visit our website to book the ideal rental property for you!
What makes this partnership special? Kabino focuses on providing the best guest experience, and by joining forces with Northwest Stays, guests have a one stop shop to the best rentals in the Northwest! All rentals listed are vetted, trusted properties making them an ideal choice for your next getaway!
In addition to the benefits of searching from trusted professional vacation managers, as a guest you’ll pay no additional booking fees or any guest traveler fees from Northwest Stays. Instead, each of our listings on Northwest Stays brings you directly back to our website where you book direct and save money!
We’re excited to share this new marketplace with you, our guests, and look forward to seeing you explore the platform to find new places to travel in the beautiful PNW!