What is a great weekend getaway outside of Seattle?

this is not for skiing or snowshoeing but it's a nice romantic getaway-- I went to a great resort on Orcas Island called Rosario--it is gorgeous, relaxing, classy without being extremely pricey, and the boat ride to get out there is lovely. there is also a hotel right next to Rosario that is cheaper and I recall that they have a winter sale where you get the second night for half off, which makes it pretty affordable. both places have balconies with views of the water from every room.

I would highly suggest The Timberline Lodge, or Leavenworth in addition to Orcas. The Timberline is not too far away, but enough to get that "vacation feeling" plus, it's romantic and you can ski/snowshoe/drink hot cocoa/play scrabble by the fireplace. The road trip down can be fun too, and the views of the mountain are stunning. http://www.timberlinelodge.com

Oh, and if it's any further selling point, the exterior of the lodge was used in The Shining ; )

i would hike up to the hot springs out on the olympic penninsula...but only if you could consider a good tent "nice lodging"!

You would love the Fraser Canyon, and Harrison Hot Springs, it is only 2–3 hours from greater seattle and it is affordable visit www.travelthecanyon.com , winter sports are available aswell at manning park resort.

Bellingham, Washington

Whidbey Island in Puget Sound—about 25 miles north of Seattle. I’ve rented a small beach house for the week around July 4th—they put on the best fireworks display I’ve ever seen and you can set off your own on the beach. The fishing is ok—rockfish and dogfish mostly, but beach-walks at low-tide turn up all kinds of cool stuff. There won’t be snow there, but you guys would have a house to yourselves right on the beach! You can go water-skiing and boating instead of snowshoeing—who needs all that cold? However, if you really want those numb fingers and toes for Christmas, you could try Snohomish, WA where again, you can rent a small house right on the river or stay at one of many Bed and Breakfasts in the area. The city website has ideas for fun activities.