Portland’s winters are usually mild, but there is plenty of snow once you get out of the city limits. There are actually some incredible ski destinations within a four-hour drive of Portland. Here are some of the best places to ski near Portland, Oregon…
1. Summit Ski Area – enjoy fun times in the second oldest operating ski area in the country
Summit Ski Area, also known as Summit Pass, is the region’s oldest ski area. Since 1927, Portlanders and other local residents have been coming to this compact but fun ski area on the slopes of Mount Hood.
It is only about an hour away from Portland, which is hard to believe when you look at the pristine mountain slopes that surround you once you get to Summit.
Summit Ski Area mostly caters toward beginners, with mostly green beginners trails and a few blue intermediate trails. Besides alpine skiing and snowboarding, you can also go Nordic skiing and snow tubing here.
Like most modern ski areas, Summit has a chair lift, but for a retro touch, check out the rope tow.
- 90255 Government Camp Loop, Government Camp, OR 97028, USA
2. Timberline Lodge – very distinctive high-alpine mountain where you will have thrilling experiences
On the slopes of Mount Hood, Timberline Lodge is one of the best places to ski near Portland and have an elevated après-ski experience.
For 80 years, the lodge has been providing an excellent place to ski and stay on one of Oregon’s iconic mountains. The Lodge is on the National Historic Landmark list and even served as a set for The Shining.
Stay overnight or just check out the restaurants, which also serve drinks from local microbrewery, Mt. Hood Brewing Co.
Of course, the powder is the primary draw for adrenaline lovers at Timberline Lodge. The lodge has the longest season in the country and is open year-round.
That means that you can come ski or snowboard any month that you want, or take advantage of the hiking, snowshoeing, and mountain biking trails.
- 27500 E Timberline Road, Government Camp, OR 97028
3. Mt. Hood Ski Bowl – a great ski recreation area where you can enjoy an exciting night ski adventure
Like the previous two destinations, Mt. Hood Ski Bowl is located on the iconic slopes of Mount Hood, only about an hour outside of Portland. It is actually the closest skiing area to Portland.
The Ski Bowl sprawls over several acres of land, including multiple terrain parks, 10 ski lifts, and even a snow tubing area.
Thanks to the wide variety of terrain in the area, the Mt. Hood Ski Bowl is one of the best skiing destinations for families because it caters to all levels.
However, the thing that really sets this resort apart from its competitors is the night ski area. The night ski area covers several hundred acres and is the largest in the country, so come here if you want to ski under the stars.
- 87000 US-26, Government Camp, OR 97028
4. Mt. Hood Meadows – an amazing spot that offers some of the most picturesque skiing and snowboarding in the area
Mt. Hood Meadows is the largest ski resort on Mount Hood, making it stand out even among this stiff competition. The full-service resort offers two base camps, lessons, and equipment rentals.
When you head off the trails, check out the many restaurants to satisfy your snow-fueled appetite.
The primary draw of this skiing area is the quantity of excellent trails. Mt. Hood Meadows has 87 trails, including beginner, intermediate, black diamond, and double-black diamond trails. Skiers of all levels can find something to do at Mt. Hood Meadows.
- 14040 OR-35, Mt Hood, OR 97041
5. Cooper Spur – the perfect place for a getaway where you can appreciate rustic mountains and beautiful surroundings
Cooper Spur Mountain Resort is technically under the Mt. Hood Meadows umbrella, but it has retained its individual rustic charm. The log cabins and lodge are a relaxing getaway year-round, and guests can enjoy hot tubs, delicious dining, and gorgeous views of Mount Hood.
While Cooper Spur is an excellent destination all year round, it livens up in the winter when guests can go skiing on the small lodge-owned skiing area.
The trail caters mostly to beginners and is perfect for families looking for a low-pressure way to get on the slopes. More advanced skiers can take advantage of the specials with Mt. Hood Meadows.
- 11000 Cloud Cap Rd, Mt Hood, OR 97041
6. Anthony Lakes – a charming place that will give you the most spectacular cat skiing
Anthony Lakes is a little further away from Portland, located in eastern Oregon, but it is worth the trip for more advanced skiers looking for a challenge. The ski area has one triple chairlift and a base camp with great pizza and beer.
The real draw of Anthony Lakes is the opportunity for wild skiing. The resort offers Snowcat skiing, where a Snowcat machine transports your group to the top of a remote mountain.
You can also go Nordic skiing on the trails or ask about backcountry skiing on nearby mountains for a truly wild experience.
- 47500 Anthony Lake Highway, North Powder, OR 97867
7. Teacup Lake – provides over 20 km of scenic views for all ages and groups
If you’re not into the adrenaline of downhill skiing (or your knees can’t take it anymore), then Teacup Lake, a cross-country ski area in Mount Hood, is the perfect destination for you.
Located just an hour and a half outside Portland, the resort is a convenient getaway from the city.
The several miles of trails take you through Mt. Hood National Forest, which is full of excellent views and nature. Plus, the people who run Teacup Lake genuinely care about the community and foster a sense of togetherness through events such as equipment swaps.
- Teacup Lake Nordic Club 1767 12th Street #363 Hood River, OR 97031
8. Crystal Mountain Resort – premier destination accessible year-round for all occasions
Crystal Mountain Resort is located over the state border near Washington’s Mt. Rainier, but it is only a few hours’ drive away from Portland. For passionate snow bunnies, it is well worth the drive because the resort covers 2,600 acres and 50 runs.
Crystal Mountain welcomes guests of all levels and ages. The resort is large enough to have well-maintained trails and lessons for beginners as well as backcountry skiing opportunities for hardcore adrenaline lovers.
If you don’t want to ski, try renting snowshoes or taking a ride on the Mt. Rainier Gondola.
- 33914 Crystal Mountain Blvd, Enumclaw, WA 98022
9. Hoodoo Ski Area – one of the best recreation ski areas with a variety of activities
Hoodoo Ski Area is conveniently located for ski trippers from Portland, Bend, and Eugene. This resort in the central Cascade Mountains stretches over Hoodoo Butte, an extinct volcanic cinder cone.
Not many other ski resorts give you the opportunity to ski on a real volcano!
At the Hoodoo Ski Area, you can ski, snowboard, or skip the adrenaline and have fun in the designated tubing area. Although the area is smaller than a lot of other resorts, it still has a wide variety of terrain and is an accessible destination for families.
- 27400 Big Lake Road, Sisters, OR 97759, USA
10. Stevens Pass – stunning ski resort ideal for first-timers and experts
Stevens Pass is located on the section of the Cascade Mountains that stretches over the state border into Washington. Although the resort bills itself as being for adventure seekers, it is friendly and accessible to all, even to people still getting the hang of skiing.
The biggest draws for adrenaline lovers are Cowboy and Big Chief Mountains, two terrains filled with glades and bowls for challenging skiing. Stevens Pass also offers night skiing.
- US-2, Skykomish, WA 98288
11. Willamette Pass – 80 years providing Oregon with the best in skiing
Willamette Pass is a ski area in the Cascade mountains that is friendly and accessible. It has been family-owned since 1982 by the local Wiper family.
The biggest claim to fame that Willamette Pass has is its RTS run, which is considered one of the steepest ski runs in the world and was even once the host of the U.S. Speed Skiing Championships.
If you are not up for skiing down a 52-degree-angle mountain, there are many gentler skiing options (including green trails used by local schools) as well as snowshoeing trails.
- 27501 Hwy 58, Mile Marker 62, Crescent Lake, OR 97733
12. Mount Bachelor – top-ranking resort ideal for families and ski lovers who are looking for fun
Mount Bachelor is located near Bend, Oregon. It is part of the Three Sisters group of clustered volcanic peaks. It is the largest ski resort by area in the state and the second-largest in the country, only trailing behind Vail, Colorado.
Skiers love Mount Bachelor thanks to the long season and dry powder. Take advantage of the extensive trails, which include backcountry ski areas and Nordic skiing as well as more traditional trails for all levels.
Just be warned that Mount Bachelor tends to be very windy and sometimes ski lifts to the top are suspended.
- 13000 SW Century Dr, Bend, OR 97702
13. Mount Ashland – the highest peak of southern Oregon with one of the most impressive views and natural beauty
Mount Ashland is a little far from Portland, located in the southern area of the state. However, this quirky resort is worth the trip. While most ski resorts are owned by corporations or individual families, Mount Ashland is still community-owned by a local nonprofit.
This is a ski area with a purpose—to make skiing accessible to everyone. That is why it maintains trails for all skill levels, an impressive feat considering its compact area, and offers free and low-cost lessons to local youth in need.
Besides the laudable mission, it is also a fun place for skiers of all levels.
-
Oregon 97520
14. The Summit at Snoqualmie – awe-inspiring ski area where you will find awesome activities to suit all preferences
The Summit at Snoqualmie is very close to Seattle and also accessible from Portland. This ski area offers winter activities for everyone, regardless of ability and special interests.
Take advantage of day and night alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snow tubing, and more. Although Snoqualmie has trails for all levels, it is primarily a place for beginners, making it a good family destination.
- 1001 WA-906, Snoqualmie Pass, WA 98068
15. White Pass – perfect destination to escape the city for a peaceful vacation
White Pass Ski Resort, which is fairly close to the Oregon-Washington border, is a ski area catering to snow lovers of all abilities. The resort boasts a bunny slope for beginners as well as a terrain park for slopestyle skiing and everything in between.
The no-frills base camp offers equipment rentals, storage, and hearty food.
- 48935 US-12, Naches, WA 98937
We also have posts on…
- Best Hikes near Portland
- Best weekend trips from Portland
- Best day trips from Portland
- Best Things to do near Portland
Ever since he was knee-high to a grasshopper Michael has always been a sucker for an adventure. Growing up he was lucky enough to live in a handful of exotic far flung locations including Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya and Tanzania and since then he’s continued his taste for seeking out new cultures. So much in fact he now travels the world as a trading digital nomad, exploring everything from the sizzling street markets in Bangkok to random back alleys in Sri Lanka and everything in between! He also has a special fondness for Cohibas, street food, playing carrom, and fine wine and knows his clarets from his chiantis. He counts Cuba, Amsterdam, Indonesia, Cambodia and Italy as his favourite destinations.