Oregon proves a supreme outdoorsman’s state, and for good reason. Come wintertime, and this reputation still holds.
From east to west, Oregon offers a league of ski resorts fitting any preference.
But which are most worth your while?
Oregon Ski Guide
Timberline Lodge
Timberline Lodge remains essential to the Oregon alpine experience. Founded in 1938, Timberline is the oldest resort in Oregon –– the Magic Mile chairlift second oldest in North America.
Timberline has seven lifts transporting skiers all over the southside of Mt. Hood. Gentle forest meanders, double-black diamonds at 8500 ft. Name it and Timberline Lodge has it.
What’s more? Timberline won’t break the bank. Most day passes hover around $100 in season, spiking during weekends. Come offseason, you can find deals close to $60.
Bachelor Ski Resort
Mt. Bachelor ski resort opened in 1958 and bears a high reputation from Oregon locals and tourists alike.
20-miles west of Bend, Bachelor is enormous.
The biggest ski area in Oregon.
With over one hundred runs, some at 8300-ft, Bachelor covers all bases –– perfect for any skier or boarder.
During the season, lift tickets climb upwards of $150, falling closer to $100 during the week. Come Springtime, you can bet on $60-80 tickets.
The snow won’t be amazing as summer gets closer, but compared to the western mountain range, Bachelor can hold its snow well into late spring, making it possible to get high-quality days for a friendly price.
Hoodoo Ski Resort
Hoodoo began construction in 1938, one of oldest resorts in Oregon, and has since gained a reputation as Oregon’s finest budget-friendly resort.
Carved into the tallest peak in the Santiam Pass, Hoodoo is small. 32 runs small.
But despite Hoodoo’s size, it provides a quality snow-sport experience, best for the beginner to intermediate level.
Given Hoodoo’s size, lift tickets are set at $69 for a 9:00-9:00 pass, and while it doesn’t line up with Timberline or Bachelor in stature, Hoodoo rules as Oregon’s best resort on a tight budget.
Mt. Hood Ski Bowl
Mt. Hood Skibowl found its origin in 1928 as a sledding bonanza for children and families. Since then, it has grown into a semi-large ski area.
Boasting 69 runs, 30 of which are lighted, Skibowl is great for beginner to intermediate skiers and boarders. The largest night skiing area in the country.
When in a pinch, these cheaper night skiing passes can come in handy.
A day pass at Skibowl runs close to $80, sometimes upwards of $100.
From 4-8pm, passes are closer to $40. Not the cheapest, but certainly affordable compared to most, with night skiing saving a buck or two in a pinch.
Mt. Ashland Ski Resort
If you're an Oregonian skiing Mt. Ashland for the first time, beware! Sitting just a few miles from the border, Mt. Ashland is considered one of the most advanced mountains in Oregon.
That said, Mt. Ashland is tiny. With only 23 runs, space wasn’t a priority during the construction process. Speed and adrenaline were more what they had in mind, with 41% of the mountain composed of intermediate runs, 41% made up of black diamonds, and 11% double-black diamonds –– aka expert.
Weekday passes during the season cost around $60, with weekends spiking to $100. If you're seasoned in snow sports, then Mt. Ashland can offer a magnificent adrenaline rush that is both quality and cost-effective.
Skiing in Oregon
Many words could describe Oregon’s skiing experience, but one does it the most justice: diversity.
From the expert runs of Mt. Ashland, to the beginner slopes of Hoodoo, skiing in Oregon comes in all variations.
So no matter who you are, Oregon mountains are fit for you.
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