The snow is accumulating at Paradise, and the winter fun has begun!

The photo above shows Paradise at 8:00 a.m. on December 17. Check below for other photos of Paradise and winter fun!

Snowplay - Sledding and Sliding:
The snowplay area at Paradise is scheduled to open on December 19 and generally continues through mid-March, depending on snow. Sledding and sliding are permitted only in the designated snow play area at Paradise.

Ranger Guided Snowshoe Walks:

Join a Park Ranger to snowshoe at Paradise. Snowshoe walks begin on December 18 and run through March. Between mid-December and early January, walks are offered daily. After early January, walks are offered on weekends. Walks start at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., and cover approximately 1.2 miles in 2 hours.

Snowshoe walks are limited to 25 people, eight years old or older, on a first-come, first-served basis. A sign-up sheet is available at the Jackson Visitor Center information desk one hour before each walk.

You will enjoy a beautiful walk, get some great fresh air and exercise, and at the same time discover how the plants and animals of Mount Rainier adapt to the world record snowfalls.

Equipment: For an enjoyable snowshoe walk, you will need

snowshoes: Snowshoes can be borrowed from the park for a $1.00 per pair donation (donations defray the cost of snowshoe maintenance and replacement) or you may use your own snowshoes.
hat
mittens
suitable boots (you will sink into the snow even wearing snowshoes)
sunscreen
sunglasses

Plan a visit to Westwood Chalet this winter and enjoy the winter wonderland at Mount Rainier National Park! Westwood is a charming cabin in the woods, just outside the paradise entrance to the Park! It’s the perfect home base for your hiking or snowshoeing adventure, a romantic getaway, or a family escape to the mountains. We have a wonderful hot tub on the private back deck, barbecue and picnic table, full kitchen, cozy gas stove for cool evenings, and sleeping arrangements for up to 8 persons, including a master king suite. We welcome families with children of all ages. Also, couples often stay at Westwood for a quiet getaway in the forest, complete with a private hot tub on the back deck under the stars. We have WIFI, DVD, VCR, and a great collection of children’s and general interest videos.

Winter Special, December through March: Weeknights (except Holiday periods): 10% off any two-night booking; 15% off any three-night or longer booking. Visit www.westwoodchalet.com and book on line or phone us at 800-820-9962.

Plowing the Paradise parking lot at 8:00 a.m. on December 17!