Things to do / Travel Guide
In 1805, Lewis and Clark explored the great state of Oregon. In 1811, millionaire John Jacob Astor founded the Pacific Fur Company at the mouth of the Columbia River because its abundance of thick furred wildlife made it a perfect venue for the production of coats and various other cold weather items. Many children know of the state thanks to the classic computer game “The Oregon Trail.” What history buffs, children, and even many ski consumers may not know, however, is that Oregon is home to some of the best skiing in the west. From the towering 11,239 foot Mount Hood, to the fantastic Crater Lake and their cat skiing, Oregon and the Willamette Valley is a ski and snowboard haven untapped by the huge crowds found elsewhere.
Skiing in and around Bend
Some of the most exciting and award winning skiing can be found in and around the Bend area, which also features a hearty selection of nightlife and lodging, making this area a great all inclusive area, perfect for your next winter stop.
Visit the number 5 rated ski resort in North America at Mt. Bachelor for their extensive skiing acreage coming in at an astounding 3,700 acres. This encompasses 71 groomed trails and 56km of groomed and track-set cross-country trails. If freestyle is more to your liking, check out the four terrain parks. They're ranked by ability and boast features such as a 400 foot superpipe!
Up for a movie set and some “Redrum” via classic movie “The Shining”? Take a jaunt over to Timberline resort and ski, and brave the night away in the historic lodge used in the 1930's movie. Would you do some Hoodoo? It may have a weird sounding name, but fantastic skiing abounds in Black Butte, with 800 plus acres and 30 plus groomed trails. Guests have a choice of the meandering runs or the backside of the mountain with its deep and challenging powder shots. There is also 18.5km of cross country back trails to play on.
One of the steepest runs in the world can be found at Willamette Pass Ski area. At its steepest point, called the “RTS” run, it inclines at a heart pounding 52 degree pitch. Willamette ski area also specializes in a variety of trails on their 555 acres, and has 29 different runs into which you can sink those skis and snowboards. There is also a halfpipe and terrain park to mess around in, to a snowboarder's hearts content.
Spending the night in Bend's only luxury resort, Mount Bachelor's Village Resort, is a welcome treat. Relax in the pools, Jacuzzis, and specialty spa rooms, work up a sweat in the fitness club, or take a walk by the flowing river trails. Perhaps you'll prefer to inject a shot of history into your stay by choosing the historical Sather House, built in 1911, or choose the extended stay hotels at Townplace Suites by Marriot which features a kitchenette. Whatever you prefer, with over 80 lodgings to choose from, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, and vacation homes, you're sure to have any desire for sleep, and food, satisfied. From Joker's Bar and Grill, which serves up great food, with a comedy show as a side dish, to the Hong Kong Restaurant, serving authentic Chinese food, the diverse choice from among the 40 local restaurants, is sure to enable you to fill your stomach satisfactorily in no time flat. Take your pick from American to Middle Eastern cuisine and every country in between.
Skiing in and around Mount Hood National Forest
Around 90 miles from Portland is the Mount Hood National Forest, which houses four ski areas on its mountain face, ranging from small beginners' hills to the large terrain advanced skiers crave, all located within a short drive from one another, and boast stunning natural views to boot!
Cooper Spur is located on the northern face of Mount Hood, and is a quiet haven for families or couples who want some trails to spend the day on where they can get in some good runs without having to deal with the crowds found on some of the larger mountains. There are also 6.5km of cross-country runs here that are regularly groomed and track-set. A small terrain park and halfpipe round out this resort area. Be sure to stop in at the Spur Steakhouse for their legendary steaks to top off your day!
Summit Ski area is where beginners will find their niche and can stabilize their legs on the primarily easy terrain of the 6 slopes Summit has to offer. 70 trails, and 15km of cross-country trails, along with a small terrain park and half pipe make Summit a logical choice for families this winter.
The big two players of Mount Hood National Forest are Mount Hood Meadows and Mount Hood Skibowl. Taking full advantage of their natural terrain and expansive acreage, these two mountains consistently garner national honors and awards every year. Awarded the National Guest Services award, Mount Hood Meadows has 87 trails over 2,150 acres. 240 of those acres are lit up like a Christmas tree at night for riders wishing to extend their ski day just a bit longer. Experts will love the “Heather Canyons” pitch off the 7,300 foot summit for some of the deepest chutes in the area. Snowboarders will love the 8 terrain parks and 500 foot superpipe! It's no wonder that guests keep coming back every season.
Night owls will love Mount Hood Skibowl, North America's largest night skiing facility, with all of their 200 acres under the lamps. The also boast an additional 300 acres of backcountry trails which are perfect for heli and cat skiing. A snowboard course and terrain park, as well as an Adventure park for some off slope action, all make for a fun filled day for snow slope lovers of any age.
When the sun sets, and your hunger sets in, look no further than the neighboring towns of Hood River and other smaller satellite towns who call this national park home. Within their borders, there are over 56 lodging options and a hefty 30 plus mouth watering restaurants serving up food hot and fresh. Hood River has been named one of the Top 10 Ski Towns in America by SKI Magazine and it's easy to see why. The Highland's Restaurant offers traditional Scottish fare with a distinctive atmosphere to complement the cultural dishes. Panda Panda Chinese (and yes – it is supposed to be two Pandas in the name) is another great option. Sweet tooths will love the Oregon Candy Factory where old fashioned candy making skills are still used everyday to make their 100 plus varieties of sweets. Mount Hood Brewing Company has hand crafted beers. After you've filled your belly, it's time to head back to your home away from home and there is certainly no lack of lodging in the area. Mount Hood Inn offers motel style rooms and a spa onsite, as well as a complimentary continental breakfast. Timberline Lodge is listed in the National Historic sites registry with a building hailing from 1937, and features stunning mammoth timbers and native stone, reflecting the surroundings and history behind the building.
No matter how big or little, guests want action both on or off the slopes, Mount Hood is a wonderland graced with some of the biggest powder, and biggest smiles, to be found this side of North America.
Skiing in and around Crater Lake National Forest
Easily recognizable from space as a huge hole in the ground, thanks to the collapsed volcano Mount Mazama, some guest may miss the extraordinary skiing and snowboarding to be found in this national forest.
Those looking for an extreme version of adventure this winter must give Cat Ski Mount Bailey a shot! A Snowcat is a funny looking contraption that has a passenger cab and giant tracks that are specifically designed to grip into the snow and climb great heights without sliding. Cat Ski Mount Bailey has a 12 passenger cab snowcat that takes intrepid skiers and snowboarders up to the top of the mountain, drops them off with an experienced guide, safety instructions, and avalanche beacons, and off they go!
Cat Ski Mount Bailey is limited to only 27 passengers a day, so make reservations early and be prepared for 100% expert skiing only! However, those who take the challenge will not be sorry they did!
Crater Lake Lodge, open only from late May to mid-October, has 71 rooms for guests, and maintains the rustic charm it originally had when built in 1915. The cabins at Mazama Village are rather Spartan, with no TV, phone, or air conditioning, but offer a fantastic bed to flop onto, and warm heaters to sleep the night away with. Nearby, Bend, a little over an hour away, offers the most lodging options, as well as a wider range of eateries. Rim Village Café and Gift Shop offers grab-n-go services with soups, salads, sandwiches, snacks, and souvenirs to commemorate the cat skiing done that day.
Jumping off a snowcat, traversing the gentle slopes, pitching head first into the Heather Canyons: all of this skiing and snowboarding is enough to make winter a great time for Oregonians and visitors from beyond its borders. The Midwest may have more famous names, but that's the beauty of Oregon – terrific skiing without the hassle of crowds.
Ski Resorts in Portland, Mt. Hood, the Oregon Cascades and Willamette Valley
Skiing
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