Ski Resorts in the Pacific Northwest Region

Mt. Bachelor ski resort is located in the eastern flanks of Oregon’s Central Cascade Mountains, 25 miles from Bend and 115 miles from Portland. Here, skiers and boarders test their skills on the slopes of a dormant volcano, which last erupted 10,000 years ago. The sixth largest ski resort in the country, Mt. Bachelor offers more than 4,300 acres of skiable terrain housing 101 marked runs, about 80 percent of which are designed for intermediate and expert skiers. s. This resort sees an average of 462 inches of snowfall per year.

Timberline is located near the top Mt. Hood, a 11,245-foot-tall dormant volcano. Given the region’s unique climate, Timberline is able to boast the longest ski season in North America. Slopes remain open around 10 months of the year thanks to 400 inches of annual snowfall, on average. Timberline maintains multiple terrain parks, 41 runs, 25 percent of which are designed for beginners, 50 percent for intermediate skiers and the rest for advanced and expert powder hounds. Plus, the resort has an impressive 4,540 vertical drop. Timberline also offers night skiing, cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

The largest ski resort in the state, Crystal Mountain boasts 2,600 acres of skiable terrain and an average annual snowfall of 367 inches, making it a bonafide ski lover’s paradise. Located just two hours outside Seattle, this premier ski destination offers more above-the-tree-line runs than any other resort in the area. Its diverse terrain encompasses gentle runs for beginners while delivering challenging glades and chute bowls for more seasoned skiers. And there’s plenty of backcountry skiing for those seeking an added adventure. Non-skiers can still get in on the fun with a scenic ride on the Mt. Rainier Gondola or by spending the day snowshoeing.

Mt. Hood Meadows, located in Mt. Hood National Forest about 90 mins from Portland, offers prime skiing and riding  conditions for those who feel comfortable on the snow. While beginners will find terrain that suits them, 80 percent of the resort’s 85 runs cater to intermediate and expert powder hounds. What’s more, many praise this resort for having the best cruising intermediate terrain in the state. Mt. Hood Meadows averages 430 inches of snow per year across its 2,150 acres of terrain, which features a 2,776-foot vertical drop Mount Hood Meadows also features six terrain parks with a mini pipe and a superpipe, as well as night skiing.

Ideally situated in the heart of the Snoqualmie National Forest and a short 45-minute drive from Seattle, The Summit at Snoqualmie is one of the most popular ski areas in the Cascade Mountain range. Though its relatively low elevation often means diminished snowfall levels compared to other area mountains, it still delivers plenty of alpine fun. Along with offering 82 trails and 1,994 acres of well-groomed forested terrain, Snoqualmie offers three base areas to explore. Summit Central is known for its glades, tubes, and summit to base terrain park, while Summit East delivers miles of well-groomed trails, and Summit West is a snowboarder’s delight. The resort’s extensive night skiing operation means the fun continues long after sunset.

If record-setting snowfall levels and an extended ski season are what you seek in a ski destination, then Mt. Baker is the spot for you. During the 1998-99 ski season, the mountain received an epic 1,140 inches of snow, setting a world record for the most snowfall within one season. On average, skiers can expect an impressive 680 inches of snow at this North Cascades resort. Unfortunately, those seeking a true ski resort experience won’t find it at Mt. Baker. The closest lodging options are nearly 30 miles away. But what the resort lacks in amenities it more than makes up for by offering some of the state’s most extreme alpine conditions.

While most of the 37 trails offered at Stevens Pass are designed for intermediate or advanced skiers, about 11 percent of the runs cater to beginners. Along with adequate green trails, the resort houses a dedicated learning area and a well-respected ski school for those new to the sport. The mountain offers 1,125 acres of fresh tracks with an average annual snowfall of 450 inches. In addition to alpine skiing, the Nordic Center is available to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing enthusiasts. With limited slope-side accommodations, many visitors stay in nearby Leavenworth, the well-known Bavarian-themed village.

Boasting the largest accessible ski terrain in the Evergreen State, 49 Degrees North encompasses 2,325 acres of skiable terrain. In addition to its impressive acreage, this resort’s northeastern Washington location provides one of the best chances for a rare Bluebird Day in the Pacific Northwest. As if that’s not enough to entice skiers, the resort experiences consistently dry powdery conditions and ample fresh snowfall. 49 Degrees North has been a skier’s paradise since 1937, and today offers 54 runs serviced by eight ski lifts along with two terrain parks.

Mount Spokane is all about community support and volunteer service as the region’s only non-profit ski area. Located just 25 miles outside Spokane, this popular ski area is the closest resort to the city. It’s credited with running the world’s first double chair lift, which opened in 1947. Today Mount Spokane offers five double chair lifts to efficiently transport skiers to its summit. Located within Mount Spokane State Park the resort encompasses 1,425 skiable acres, a vertical drop of over 2,000 feet, and 45 trails to choose from, catering mainly to intermediate level skiers.

In a region typically known for its wet conditions, powder hounds flock to Mission Ridge for its rare, powdery dry snow, These sought-after conditions are attributed to its inland location and high altitude. At 4,570 feet, Mission Ridge boasts Washington state’s highest base area. Along with uniquely desirable ski conditions, Mission Ridge holds a storied past. In 1944, a B-24 Bomber conducting night training crashed into the mountain. Much of the debris remains visible to skiers along the trails. Meanwhile, many of the runs, like Bomber Bowl, are named after this tragic event, and various plaques are displayed to honor the six crew members.

Mt. Hood Skibowl is located in the Mt. Hood National Forest, not far from the largerMt. Hood Meadows. Although this resort, located  less than an hour from Portland, may not be as large as other ski destinations in the area, it has been impressing powder hounds since it first opened in 1928. Skibowl’s 960 acres of skiable terrain is said to be some of the best in the region. And although 80 percent of the resort’s marked runs are designed for more advanced skiers and riders, Skibowl’s Olympic Ski & Snowboard School caters to all levels. Mt. Hood Skibowl is also home to the largest night ski area in the country, not to mention multiple terrain parks and a snow tubing area.