Snow Lake is also a tempting destination in winter, but the steep terrain in the first part of the trail puts visitors at high avalanche risk when snow is present. You should have proper gear and an understanding of how to read the snowpack before venturing out on this trail. The trail departs from the north end of the main parking lot of the Alpental Ski Area, which on any given Saturday or Sunday will fill to capacity. Go early or prepare to be friendly! After an initial 200-foot climb up log steps, the trail settles down for a gradual ascent in forest. A mile in, a talus slope offers a break in the trees and views of a landscape that has suddenly grown exponentially more rugged than the parking lot you just left. In the distance, Chair Peak stands tall at the end of a jagged ridge rising over the far side of the valley.