Slow right lane over the Indian hill and a summit its good then right to tunnel and hold your corners . Hit summit 80 + downhill and your good. You need to own this

Go slower than you think is necessary. If people are passing you, flipping you off, you're at the right speed. And allow 4x as much space between you and the car in front of you.

Keep the speed down even if the road seems clear, because you don't see black ice. That is especially likely around bridges and overpasses because of the cooler air flow underneath them.

Solid advice.

I5 is probably bare and dry. Side roads can get dicey.

Enjoy the ride I see have

A longer route isn’t always safer: the southern route via Hood River (I-84) will add 4 hours to the 4hr trip, and frankly, Hood River is the only place I’ve ever experiences a complete road closure in 25 years of driving (just last year).

Like everyone else here has suggested: just drive slow, avoid distractions, carry snow chains—and bring water/snacks/TP—and you’ll likely be just fine. Always be willing to turn back to get a hotel or something.

As long as you drive safe and use common sense, you’ll be fine. I grew up in Spokane and made the trip over the pass many times for the holidays now that I live west of the Cascades. Mainly in small FWD hatchbacks or sedans too. The pass is typically well maintained. Just watch the forecasts for heavy snow and bring a set of chains that fit your tires just in case. Also a roadside emergency kit, which you should have regardless. Aim for driving the pass in the day for visibility if it’s your first time doing it.

The only sketchy situation I’ve had on that stretch of I-90 was with a sudden, heavy snowfall in Vantage going downhill before the bridge over the Columbia River which was totally my fault. It was well forecasted but I ignored it in a rush to get back to the west side.

A good rule of thumb is if you don’t see anyone else on the road, you probably shouldn’t be on it either.

Get a buddy to go with you. Someone to talk to and maybe help drive a bit to break it up. Watch the WSDOT website also. https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/mountainpasses/Snoqualmie

If in doubt about the conditions on Snoqualmie Pass, just stay off the road. It is fine 90% of the time, but if you don't want to risk it just grab a hotel room at Ellensburg and wait for things to improve. Looking at the forecast from Jan 14, 2023, things are going to turn to snow after the current period of relative warm weather ends Sunday night.

A primer on the pass restrictions: there are 4 levels: "No Restrictions", "Traction Tires Advised", "Traction Tires Required", "Chains Required". You are good on the first two, just follow the speed limits that are posted. The second two in your case I would advise not risking it, if you are inexperienced and not properly equipped.

Those “all season run flats” are going to be shitty shit tires designed around mpg and nothing else. Get yourself some real tires that have the m/s rating and then actually have the mountain and snowflake on there as well - with a full sized spare.

Get out in some parking lots when it’s snowy and play around. It’s how most of us learned when we were 14.

Nah if you’re this far below the speed limit or driving conditions because you’re not comfortable you need to pull over and wait it out until you’ve calmed down emotionally and are ready to resume driving at a normal speed.

People driving too slow are just as much of a problem as they force those of us with brains to go around them going 30 on the highway when it’s 45° and wet.

Make sure to drive with your hazard lights on the entire time.

As soon as you can, get rid of the run-flats. I-90 on this side of the mountains will destroy them. If you're relying on Costco to replace (because they can't be repaired) them, be aware that they are booked out at least one month, so you'll either be running on a spare for a month or your car will be immobile for a month.

This advice will be jeered, but the best way to avoid blowing out your tires is to stay in the left lane from Ellensburg to Issaquah.

As for snow, just take it easy and you'll be okay. Bring extra water, snacks, and a warm blanket, just in case something does happen.

I made it across whitepass on christmas eve. Any modern awd with good tires should be fine.

Go slow, bring snacks

The pass is clear and wet. Get the WSDOT app and you can the pass in real time.

Pay for transport.

Any particular reason you’d recommend that I don’t drive ? I looked at the SDOT cams right now , they all look like regular roads , fully plowed, with hardly any snow/ice in the roads

https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/mountainpasses/Snoqualmie

You should be fine, check the roads and the storms blowing through before you plan your trip. Thousands of people drive that pass every day and it’s fine. Obviously don’t go if they get a ton of new snow for a couple days.

Too many risks. A major investment like a car is not the time to learn about all the ways things can go wrong.

Makes sense , thank you

I agree! I looked at the cam footages and they all look like any regular road . Like the ones that don’t even require anything more than regular tires and Front wheel drive. So as long as I continuously monitor these footages before I leave , I wouldn’t require snow chains or winter tires right ?

https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/mountainpasses/Snoqualmie

Be flexible and check the WSDOT page. Most of the time, the road is in great shape and you should have absolutely no trouble. My suggestion is don't go if chains are required (even though you don't need chains for your AWD) - because that means conditions will be worse and other drivers will be having problems.

Great advice ! What's the foolproof way to know in advance that chains wouldn't be required before we start the journey , in your opinion ?

I see from the current updates that the conditions are bare and wet and no restrictions for east bound travel . I believe this means that the conditions have zero difficulties if i start now, except for a bit of mud because of the wetness . Am I right ?

https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/mountainpasses/snoqualmie

There is no foolproof way since weather can always change, but check the forecast to see what is up. Also you CANNOT use regular chains on an AWD. 99% of the time chains are required, AWD are exempted (so you don't need chains). Very rarely, chains are required on AWD - but in that case A - you need chains on all 4 tires (regular cars only chain 2) and B - I would NEVER EVER drive the pass if conditions were so bad chains are required on AWD. As for the current conditions, bare and wet is absolutely no problem. Traction tires recommended is still not an issue, but is getting a little tricker (so only a problem if you really don't like bad weather). Chains required means conditions are getting pretty slick. And be prepared for pass closures - which can be very frequent in the winter. Today you should have absolutely no problem - just be prepared for fog as you come down the mountain (it is pretty bad in Ellensburg right now.)

I learned to drive in Wisconsin winters. Recently I did this same trip for the same reason. Fwd tho, it was quite snowy too. They required chains in the pass. I was comfortable, but I wouldn't try that in a new car without the experience I've had. Might want to look into transfer or be sure to keep an eye on the traffic conditions. Even with all that your biggest danger is other drivers with no experience in winter conditions driving in winter conditions.

Thanks for the advise ! It makes sense to not risk it at all when there’s snow. So I’ve decided that unless the road is very dry and there’s zero risks , I will either take the detour via Portland or just truck the car back to Seattle