Not only does Oregon entice with its breathtaking mountain scenery and nature, but it also has diverse terrain that makes it a go-to option for larger groups of people who don’t have equal levels of expertise. The following resorts are all incredible in their own way, differing in terms of size and terrain. You can find many scenic towns near the resorts which are amazing for a little city break.
Mount Hood Meadows Ski Resort
Mount Hood Meadows is located on Mount Hood in Oregon. Needless to say, the resort offers some stunning views, but the best part is that you will be skiing on an active volcano, which will definitely make the whole experience a lot more exciting. This resort is one of the largest ski resorts in the country! With 2,150 acres of skiable area available, you definitely have a lot of land to explore. The terrain is diverse, meaning there is something for everyone – from beginner to expert skiers.
Pros
- Large skiable area
- Varied terrain suitable for all levels
- Friendly and accommodating employees
- Easy to access
Cons
- There aren’t many restaurants around
- The prices can be expensive
Famous for: skiing on an active volcano, one of the biggest resorts in the country.
Town
Government Camp is the closest city to Mount Hood Meadows Ski Resort. Even though it’s not a large city, it’s filled with sights overflowing with gorgeous nature. If you happen to arrive at this city when the weather is nice, make sure to visit the Trillium Lake, the Little Zigzag Falls, and the Little Crater Lake. If the weather isn’t as nice, you can always visit the Mt Hood Cultural Center and Museum. Portland is also close to the Mount Hood Meadows, about a 90-minute drive away, so it’s a good option if you’re in the mood to visit a larger city.
Ski Terrain
With whopping 2,150 acres of skiable area, there is a lot of terrain to cover. Experts can enjoy the Heather Canyon and Private Reserve, while beginners can easily find terrain that’s not as challenging, or take a skiing lesson or two. There are 87 runs in total and the biggest run is 3 miles long. The snowfall averages around 25 feet.
Crowd Density and Ski Lifts
Mount Hood Meadows is quite popular, so it can get a little crowded, especially if you’re planning a visit on a holiday or during peak season. We recommend booking your accommodation as early as you can. You might encounter lines in front of the ski lifts, but it’s rarely a huge problem for visitors.
There are eleven chairlifts available on the property and you can purchase lift tickets from their official website. The price for an adult 7-hour ticket is around $74, whereas the ones for children ages 6 and under are $12.
Accommodation
Unfortunately, there are no overnight accommodation options at Mount Hood Meadows Ski Resort. However, there are quite a few hotels and inns available near the resort which offer transportation options. For instance, the Cooper Spur Mountain Resort is located 14 miles away and offers various accommodation options. The Benson Hotel is also a great option that offers packages and deals.
Verdict
Mount Hood Meadows Ski Resort is one of the largest and most popular ski resorts in the country. Its terrain is diverse and fun, and the fact that you’ll be skiing on an active volcano makes it that much more exciting. You should keep in mind that it’s quite pricey in comparison to other ski resorts.
Mount Hood Skibowl Ski Resort
While we’re on the topic of ski resorts that are located on volcanoes, here is another one that shares the same incredible location and breathtaking scenery as Mount Hood Meadows. Located on Mount Hood, this resort is famous for its night skiing. It’s, in fact, America’s largest night ski area. Apart from skiing, you can also snowboard and engage in fun cosmic tubing. This resort is open during the summer as well and offers various amazing activities for the whole family. Experienced lifters will be happy to know that there are many black diamond runs that are bound to test your skills.
Pros
- Night skiing
- Fun for the whole family
- Friendly and helpful staff
Cons
- Not many food options
Famous for: night skiing, fun activities for all ages, stunning views.
Town
Like Mount Hood Meadows Ski Resort, Mount Hood Skibowl is close to Government Camp, but since we already covered all the fun attractions and sights you can visit while you’re there, it’s time to explore what Portland has to offer. Located 60 miles from Skibowl, Portland is true a sight for sore eyes. With plenty of historical and nature sights, it’s definitely worth a visit. There are a couple of sights you can’t miss, such as the Washington park, the International Rose Test Garden, the Pittock Mansion, the Forest Park, and the Portland Art Museum.
Ski Terrain
Skiers will have 960 acres of ski area available. There are 65 runs in total at Skibowl, 20% of which are beginner friendly, and the rest are divided equally for intermediate and advanced skiers. The yearly snowfall is around 25 feet. One of the most popular attractions in Skibowl is their night runs. Anyone who likes to night ski is welcome here – there are 34 runs dedicated to night skiing!
Crowd Density and Ski Lifts
Unlike Mount Hood Meadows, this resort doesn’t have many crowds. There are few lines in front of the ski lifts and the place is rarely overly crowded. If you’re the type of person who likes to avoid large crowds of people, then it’s definitely a good idea to choose Skibowl over Mount Hood Meadows.
When it comes to the ski lifts, there are 9 in total: four chairs, three rope tows, one platter lift, and one tubing tow. Four of these chairlifts are dedicated to the area designed for night skiing, so you won’t have to worry about making your way there. You can purchase both skiing and snow tubing tickets from their website. The price for a lift ticket from 11 am to 7 pm is $57 for adults and $38 for children and seniors.
Accommodation
You’ll be happy to know that there are various accommodation options for Mount Hood Skibowl. You can choose the Collins Lake Resort for stunning views and comfortable rooms. They offer rooms, chalets, and lodges, so everyone can be satisfied with their option.
Verdict
Mount Hood Skibowl is perfect for beginners who are just entering the world of skiing, as well as skiers who love the thrill of night skiing. It’s quite smaller than Mount Hood Meadows, but it’s also less crowded. It’s located just an hour away from Portland – a gorgeous city you can’t miss if you decide to stay here!
Anthony Lakes Ski Resort
Located on the Blue Mountains in eastern Oregon, this ski resort is a great option for families who want to have a good time on the slopes. There are three major cities located nearby: La Grande, Boise, and Baker City, which provide the perfect change of scenery. There aren’t many beginner-friendly slopes though – only 20% of the runs are suitable for beginners, which is definitely something you want to keep in mind. The majority of the terrain is designed for advanced and expert skiers.
Pros
- Family-friendly
- Challenging slopes
- Affordable prices for accommodation, tickets, and dining
- Spectacular views
Cons
- Not many beginner-friendly slopes
Famous for: great for families, fun slopes, affordable prices.
Town
The nearest major city out of the three mentioned above is Baker City, located only 35 miles away from the resort. This picturesque city offers its tourists many things to see and enjoy. Among the top-rated sights and attractions is the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, the Leo Adler House Museum, the Baker Heritage Museum, and the Glacier 45 Distillery. There are many bars and restaurants in the city, as well as accommodation options if you decide to spend the night.
Ski Terrain
There are 21 runs available in Anthony Lakes Ski Resort, most of which are designed for advanced and expert skiers. The longest run is around 1.5 miles long and there is one terrain park in the area. The top elevation is 8000 feet and the views from the top of the mountain are incredible. Regarding the snowfall, it averages around 300 inches. Unfortunately, this resort doesn’t offer night skiing at the moment.
Crowd Density and Ski Lifts
This resort doesn’t cover a lot of ground, but that doesn’t mean that you’ll be bumping into people left and right. There are rarely any crowds here, and there are no lines in front of the lifts, at least most of the time. If you want a relaxing, family holiday, without a lot of people around, then Anthony Lakes is definitely the place to be.
Currently, there are three lifts in this resort. One of them is a triple chair, one is a rope tow, and one is a magic carpet. You can purchase lift tickets and season passes from the resort’s official website. The price for an adult all-day lift ticket is $40, and the price lowers to $29 after 1 pm. Students’ tickets cost $29 and $20, whereas tickets for children aged 7-12 are between $21 and $17. Children 6 and under as well as seniors over 70 can go for free.
Accommodation
Anthony Lakes Ski Resort has various lodging partners. There are over 40 lodging options, most of which are located in Baker City, which isn’t far away from the resort. There are three lodging options in La Grande, and six in Haines. You can choose between B&Bs, inns, hotels, cottages, and Airbnbs. The prices differ from resort to resort, depending on which type of accommodation you choose, but most are quite affordable.
Verdict
Anthony Lakes Ski Resort seems like the ideal option for families looking for a picturesque resort surrounded by beautiful mountains and friendly staff that are always eager to help. One thing to keep in mind is that only a small fraction of the slopes is suitable for beginners.
Mount Bachelor Ski Area
If skiing on top of a volcano sounds enticing to you, then you’ll love this ski resort. Located in central Oregon, the resort sits on Mount Bachelor, which is a part of the Cascade Volcano chain. This ski area offers some breathtaking views and affordable prices. The town of Bend is only 22 miles away, so you can easily make a day trip for a little change of scenery or choose an accommodation located in Bend and stay there. During the summer, you have the option of partaking in activities such as biking and hiking. It’s the largest ski resort in Oregon, and it’s definitely worth a visit!
Pros
- Lots of terrain to explore
- Affordable prices
- Great snow and amazing weather conditions
- Long skiing season
Cons
- There are quite a lot of crowds on popular dates
Famous for: long skiing season, a lot of snow.
Town
The nearest large city to Mount Bachelor Ski Area is Ben. Located only 22 miles away from the resort, it’s a great option for both a little city break or a place to spend the night. Those who like spending time outdoors will appreciate the natural beauty of this place. Among the top recommendations are the High Desert Museum, the Tumalo Falls, the Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint, the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, or the Deschutes River and National Forest. Don’t miss the charm of this place and if the weather allows it, make sure you plan a visit while staying at Mount Bachelor.
Ski Terrain
With 101 runs in total, there is a lot of area to cover. Most of the runs are suitable for intermediate, advanced, and expert skiers. You don’t need to worry if you are a beginner since there are many options for you as well. The longest run is four miles and there are five terrain parks on the property. There is no night skiing available, but the gorgeous yet playful terrain more than makes up for it. The top elevation is 9,065 feet and the snowfall is 462 inches.
Crowd Density and Ski Lifts
Chances are, you will encounter crowds of people while staying at Mount Bachelor if you decide to visit during the holidays or peak season. If you don’t like dealing with large groups of people, then it might be a good idea to choose another resort from this list.
There are eleven lifts in total: eight express quads, three triple chairs, two magic carpets, and two tubing tows. You can find the prices for their lift tickets on their website, and they vary depending on the date.
Accommodation
Bend and Sunriver offer some of the best accommodation options in this ski area. To give you an idea for the pricing, Townplace Suites located in Bend costs around $150 per night, and Fairfiled Inn and Suites have offers for similar prices.
Verdict
This charming resort has many positive sides: it’s affordable, the views are stunning, and the slopes are challenging. You might encounter more people than you would normally, but the amazing conditions make it worth it.
Hoodoo Ski Area
Another outstanding option for families who enjoy spending their days on the slopes, Hoodoo Ski Area is a small and cozy resort that has a diverse terrain. It’s located on the volcanic cinder cone Hoodoo Butte, and apart from skiing, you can also have a go at snow tubing, snowboarding, or snow biking. There are four major cities located nearby – Hoodoo, Salem, Eugene, and Sisters, and if you decide to go during the summer, you can enjoy hiking and biking, surrounded by beautiful nature.
Pros
- Welcoming and helpful staff
- Various food options
- Great for families
- Diverse terrain suitable for all skiing levels
Cons
- The resort is smaller in size than the rest on this list
Famous for: cozy vibe, affordable prices, breathtaking scenery
Town
Although three cities are located near Hoodoo Ski Area, the nearest one is Sisters, which is only 20 miles away from the resort. Sisters is a quaint town where you can enjoy nature and views of the nearby mountains. Enjoy the Clear Lake, the Sahalie and Koosah Falls and the Proxy Falls, the Tam McArthur Rim Trail, or the Peterson Ridge Trail. Sisters is best enjoyed in warmer weather. Although a small town, it offers many charming sights. If, however, you prefer livelier and bigger towns, then visiting Eugene, which is 80 miles away from the resort, might be a good idea.
Ski Terrain
There is a total of 806 acres of skiable area spread across 32 runs, the longest of which is a mile long. The top elevation is 5,703 feet and the snowfall is 360 inches. Night skiing is available on Friday and Saturday. Beginners can take skiing lessons, while intermediate and advanced skiers can enjoy the challenging runs on the backside of the mountain.
Crowd Density and Ski Lifts
Unlike Mount Bachelor, this resort doesn’t get many crowds, which means that there are also little to no lines in front of the lifts. If you don’t like waiting a long time to arrive at your destination, then you will definitely enjoy this perk.
Speaking of ski lifts, there are five in total: three quads, one triple, and one double. The price for one early arrival ticket for adults is $56, whereas the price for juniors aged 8-12 and seniors is $33. The easy rider all-day ticket costs $25 for all ages except kids 7 and under, who can ride for free.
Accommodation
With so many lodging options available, you’re bound to find something to your liking. You can choose the rustic Horse Greek Lodge, the charming Cold Springs Resort, the timeless Best Western Ponderosa Lodge, the Metolius River Resort, or the Grandstay Sisters. The prices depend on the location and on the planned day of arrival.
Verdict
Although not as big as some other resorts on the list, Hoodoo Ski Area’s cozy and homely atmosphere will capture your heart. This resort is an incredible option for families, and the terrain is diverse, so anyone can find runs that are suitable to their level of expertise.
