Where to Ski Near Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon is known for a lot of things—coffee, craft beer, a vibrant culture and arts scene, and outdoor access. But some people may be surprised to find that it’s also the gateway to many of the Pacific Northwest’s top ski destinations. During the winter, the mountains near Portland transform, offering incredible skiing and snowboarding opportunities for day trippers and weekend warriors alike. Below we share the best ski resorts near Portland. See a complete list of Pacific Northwest ski resorts here.

Where To Ski Near Portland, Oregon

Mt. Hood Meadows

Located approximately 90 minutes from Portland, Mt. Hood Meadows is a favorite among locals for its stunning views of Mt. Hood, 2,150 acres of diverse ski terrain, and nearly 3,000 feet of vertical. Intermediate skiers and riders can revel in the wide, expertly groomed terrain, while the legendary steeps in Heather Canyon challenges even the most experienced skiers and snowboarders. Mt. Hood Meadows also has multiple terrain parks and 15 kilometers of pristine, groomed cross-country trails weaving through scenic woodlands, open meadows, and down the stunning Sahalie Falls trail. At the end of the day, stick around for the vibrant aprés-ski scene, where cozy lodges welcome guests to enjoy a refreshing drink and live music.

Timberline Lodge

Timberline Lodge is one of the oldest, most historic ski destinations in the Pacific Northwest. While President Franklin D. Roosevelt actually dedicated the lodge itself in 1937, some people may recognize the exterior of Timberline Lodge from The Shining. Perched high on the slopes of Mount Hood, Timberline Lodge is just 60 miles from Portland, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway. It boasts 1,685 acres of skiable terrain, an incredible 4,540 feet of vertical, 400-plus inches of annual snowfall on average, and the longest ski season in North America (not closing until August). Skiers and riders will find everything from wide-open groomers to tree-lined runs to long, winding trails to a great network of terrain parks. After a full day of skiing, cozy up fireside in Timberline Lodge with your favorite aprés-ski bevy.

Mt. Hood Skibowl

Do you love night skiing? Then look no further than Mt. Hood Skibowl, which is known for having the largest night skiing operation in America with 37 runs that remain open after sunset. Advanced skiers can enjoy shredding bowls, steep chutes, and glades, while beginner and intermediate skiers and riders can cruise on gentler slopes across the mountain. Mt. Hood Skibowl gets about 300 inches of snow on average each year, which keeps conditions reliable throughout the season. There are two distinct areas, Skibowl East and Skibowl West (Multorpor), offering a total of 960 skiable acres. Mt. Hood Skibowl is located just over an hour from Portland.

Cooper Spur

You might overlook Cooper Spur since it has just 50 acres of skiable terrain and about 350 vertical feet of drop. Nevertheless, it makes for a fun day on the hill if you’re looking for a less crowded alternative to the larger ski areas near Portland. Cooper Spur is ideal for families, beginners, and intermediate skiers and snowboarders who want a more laid-back, easy-going ski area. It also makes for a nice warm-up to start the season or a fun hill to get a few runs on during your lunch break. Cooper Spur’s historic alpine lodge adds to its charm, offering warm hospitality, hearty food, and rustic accommodations. With Cooper Spur’s proximity to Portland—just about a 90-minute drive—it’s a convenient escape for city dwellers seeking a quieter mountain experience.

Hoodoo Ski Area

The following ski resorts, including Hoodoo Ski Area (130 miles southeast of Portland), are more than just a couple hours from Portland, making them better for weekend ski trips. Look no further than Hoodoo if you’re looking for affordability, since lift tickets are under $100. With 800 acres of terrain, 34 runs, and five lifts, it offers something for every skill level, from gentle beginner slopes to powder-filled backside trails. Bonus: Hoodoo is home to one of the largest tubing parks in the West, Autobahn Tubing Park, and is the only Central Oregon ski area with night skiing. Skiers and riders will also find a more laid-back atmosphere and shorter lift lines than some of the Pacific Northwest’s bigger ski resorts.

Willamette Pass

South of Hoodoo, Willamette Pass has 550 acres of terrain, 29 trails, and a vertical drop of 1,563 feet. The resort is known for its incredible 430 inches of average annual snowfall, affordable lift tickets, and challenging advanced terrain, though beginners and intermediates will find plenty to enjoy. Highlights for expert skiers include the steep runs off Eagle Peak, where skiers are rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views of Waldo, Crescent, and Odell lakes. Although Willamette Pass offer on-site lodging, its proximity to Eugene (just over an hour away) and Portland (about four hours away) makes it an accessible destination for day trips and weekend getaways.

Mt. Bachelor

Mt. Bachelor, located three and a half hours from Portland, is set on the flanks of an extinct volcano in Central Oregon’s high desert near the vibrant town of Bend. As the Pacific Northwest’s largest ski area, it boasts 4,323 skiable acres, a vertical drop of 3,365 feet, and an average annual snowfall of more than 400 inches. A mix of wide-open groomers, challenging bowls, fun terrain parks, hike-to terrain, and great tree skiing keeps skiers and riders of all abilities happy all day long. Mt. Bachelor also has one of the longest ski seasons in North America, running from November to May.

What’s more, Mt. Bachelor is home to one of the Pacific Northwest’s best cross-country skiing centers, which features 56 kilometers of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing and 10 kilometers of packed snowshoe trails. Once the lifts stop spinning, Bend’s amazing craft beer and food scene is just down the road.

White Pass

Washington’s White Pass Ski Resort, often described as a “big little mountain,” combines a laid-back vibe with diverse terrain, consisting of 1,402 acres of skiable terrain, 47 trails, and a vertical drop of 2,050 feet. Highlights include a beginner learning area, great glade skiing, and challenging runs off the West Ridge and Pigtail Peak, while it also has 26 km of cross-country skiing trails and a complete Nordic center, with rental equipment for cross-country skiing, skate skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking.. White Pass enjoys a relatively long season, typically from November through April, thanks in part to an average annual snowfall of 350 inches. White Pass, located just southeast of Mount Rainier National Park, is roughly a 3-hour drive north from Portland, making it accessible for weekend trips.

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