Oregon has a well-earned reputation for being a major destination for outdoor recreation all year long. Winter comes early and stays late in the beaver state, with skiing available at resorts ten months out of the year. Whether you’re looking to add a few ski days to a late-fall camping trip or ready to enjoy the fresh powder days in Spring, you can find what you’re looking for at these Oregon ski resorts.
Most of these resorts are located in the Central and Northern region of the state, easily accessible by the culturally rich cities of Portland and Eugene. Mount Hood is an iconic mountain which hosts several of these ski resorts and is less than 2-hours from Portland. Beer lovers can also enjoy the rich craft beer scene!
Whether you’re headed to the famous Mount Bachelor resort or are looking for something a little further from the beaten path, Oregon has it all!
But first…ski gear!
Oregon features some high elevation skiing, which can lead to cold weather and strong winds. Be sure to read up on how to dress while skiing and snowboarding, and how to buy the warmest jacket! We always recommend dressing in layers, especially in cold areas with sunshine, as it can sometimes be difficult to determine what you’ll need before you’re on the slopes. One of the most important pieces of any ski attire is the base layer. We love Oregon resorts for their deep powder stashes, so make sure to read up on how to ski and snowboard in powder before you go.
Once you’re sure you’re fully prepared with the gear you need, take a look at our top 6 ski resorts in Oregon!
Top 6 Oregon Ski Resorts
1. Mount Bachelor
Acreage: 4,323 acres
Highest elevation point: 9,065 ft
Number of runs: 101
Best for: Ikon Pass holders, intermediate to advanced skiers, longer trips, powder, groups
Probably the most famous resort in Oregon, Mount Bachelor is a long-time favorite for Oregon residents and skiers the world-over. With over 4,300 acres, Mount Bachelor is the 6th-largest ski resort in the United States. Located just outside of Bend, Oregon in the beautiful Deschutes Forest, Mount Bachelor is well known for its expansive and diverse terrain, as well as its light snow – and there is plenty of snow! Mount Bachelor receives upwards of 460 inches of annual snowfall.
With a 3,365-foot vertical and runs as long as 4 miles long, Mount Bachelor is an absolute winter playground for skiers of all levels. Intermediate skiers have the most terrain to work with as over 1,500 acres are marked blue. Advanced and expert skiers have plenty of acreage at this resort as well, with 1,300 acres of black diamonds and 1,000 acres of double blacks. Mount Bachelor also offers snow tubing, snow shoeing, and even sled dog rides!
2. Mt Hood Meadows Ski Area
Acreage: 2,150 acres
Highest elevation point: 7,300 ft
Number of runs: 87
Best for: Portland-area skiers, powder, all-level skiers, night skiing
Just 60 miles east of Portland is Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Area is a stunningly beautiful ski resort. It is the second largest ski resort in Oregon with over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain. Over half of that acreage is marked as intermediate, with the remaining slopes being fairly evenly split between beginner, advanced, and expert-level trails. One thing that all skiers can enjoy is the massive amount of snowfall. Mt Hood Meadows receives 430 inches of snowfall each year, which makes the famous Heather Canyon a deep powder stash for those adventurous enough to send it. With a 2,777-foot vertical, runs are long with the longest stretching over 3 miles. Mt Hood Meadows also offers night skiing, with almost 150 acres illuminated after dark.
There are plenty of dining options at the resort, with ten food and beverage options across the resort. Oregon is well known for its craft beer scene and skiers can enjoy a lively social environment while putting back a few brews!
3. Timberline Lodge Ski Area
Acreage: 1,685 acres
Highest elevation point: 8,540 ft
Number of runs: 41
Best for: beginner to intermediate skiers, early season & spring skiing, park skiers, night skiing
Located right on Mount Hood, Timberline Lodge Ski Area is a staple of the Oregon skiing scene. As of 2021, it has the largest vertical of any ski resort in the country with an insane 4,540-foot rise. This gives skiers long runs to enjoy – the longest being over 3 miles long. Established in 1955, it’s one of the longest-running family-owned ski resorts in the state and is the only ski area in the country open 10 months of the year. Timberline Lodge has been a long-time leader of freestyle terrain, setting the standard for freestyle terrain parks across the country. Night skiing is also available.
For those looking for an outdoor adventure beyond skiing at the resort, Timberline Lodge is located directly on the Pacific Crest Trail, making it a major stop for hikers, snowshoers, bikers, and outdoorsmen.
4. Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort
Acreage: 1,100 acres
Highest elevation point: 8,000 ft
Number of runs: 21
Best for: Intermediate to advanced skiers, backcountry skiing, budget skiers
On the East side of Oregon is Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort. Anthony Lakes stands out due its super high base elevation of 7,100 feet and its relatively low-ticket prices. This high base elevation does have its drawbacks, as the vertical height of this ski resort is less than 1,000 feet, but skiers can still enjoy runs well over a mile long. The 21 alpine trails are steep, with 42% of terrain rated expert. The East side of the state doesn’t get as much snowfall as the West, but thanks to its elevation, Anthony Lakes resort still receives 250 inches of snowfall each year – nothing to complain about! Anthony Lakes is well known for its year-round cat adventures, which offer some of the best backcountry skiing you’ll find in the state.
There are several lodging options at this ski resort. Skiers can stay on the slopes in a yurt (quite the skiing experience!) or stay with one of Anthony Lakes’ lodging partners and receive a discount!
5. Mt Hood Ski Bowl
Acreage: 960 acres
Highest elevation point: 5,026 ft
Number of runs: 65
Best for: budget skiers, Portland-area skiers, night skiing, intermediate to advanced skiers
For skiers on a budget, the Mt Hood Ski Bowl is a great option. While it’s not the least expensive ski resort in Oregon, it does offer a remarkable value. Just under an hour away from Portland, Oregon the Mt Hood Ski Bowl has the largest night skiing area in the United States with 36 runs open after dark. With just under 1,000 skiable acres, skiers of all levels have plenty of terrain to enjoy. Despite its relatively low elevation, runs are fairly steep at this ski area with notable powder stashes.
Mt Hood Ski Bowl also offers tubing, snowmobile tours, guided snowshoe tours, and sleigh rides!
6. Hoodoo Ski Area
Acreage: 806 acres
Highest elevation point: 5,703 ft
Number of runs: 34
Best for: night skiing, all-level skiers, budget skiers, Indy Pass skiers
Last but not least on our list of top ski resorts in Oregon is the Hoodoo Ski Area. Located in between Bend and Eugene, this small-but-mighty ski resort is an affordable option for Central Oregon skiers with lift tickets starting just north of $60 per adult. While there is ample terrain for beginners and intermediates, advanced level skiers can carve lines down 320 acres of steep black diamonds. Despite its relatively low elevation, Hoodoo resort has a sizable 1,000+ foot vertical. Night skiing is available on this mountain from Wednesday through Saturday as well!
Which of these Oregon ski resorts best suits your style of skiing? Is it the steep runs at Anthony Lakes or the massive vertical at Timberline Lodge? Wherever you go, we’d love to hear about your adventure. As always, you can share your memories and photos with us by tagging us on our Instagram!
